Should you find you need the service of an examiner:

• First obtain the original. A photocopy is at best a pictorial representation of the original. Proof that it is a valid copy can only be established upon comparison to the original. This examiner has seen several purportedly valid copies contrived by the simple expedient of cutting a valid signature from one document and placing it on another, then photocopying the sandwich.

• Second, place it in a protective sleeve. Mylar and plastic sheets are available at any good stationery store. This will keep it clean and free of any accidents.

• Third, obtain known writings (considered valid) from sources such as canceled checks, safe deposit box records, Board of Elections records, sales slips, correspondence, etc, from as near the date of the questioned writing as possible.

• Fourth, acquire the services of a qualified certified document examiner whose performance and reputation you trust.

• With these you are well on the way to determining whether a questioned document is indeed valid or not. For a short course on document examination and handwriting questions, see American Jurisprudence, 3rd Edition, Proof of Facts - Section 15.

1. Photocopy all pages of the Original Questioned Document(s) front and back.

2. Place the Original in a protective sleeve.

3. Make a note of where the original is. Keep up to date so you can retrieve it easily.

4. Obtain original documents for comparison executed on or about same date as Questioned.

5. Forward original Questioned and Knowns to Document Examiner with comparative materials.

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