Questioned, suspect, or disputed signatures

"Patricia Fisher was selected by joint agreement of my opposing counsel, who represented a government entity, and me, to conduct a questioned document examination to determine if a disputed signature on a document was that of my client, or another person who had denied signing the document. ... She performed the examination in a prompt fashion, and her ultimate conclusions were clearly and thoroughly explained and well-supported in a detailed report provided to both parties. Ultimately, her report let to an evidentiary hearing before an arbitrator where Ms. Fisher testified about her work, the opinions she reached concerning the signature, and provided the basis for those opinions. The arbitrator who presided over the matter found that Ms. Fisher’s work, ultimate conclusions, and testimony were entitled to great weight and made findings consistent with her opinions. I would not hesitate to call upon Ms. Fisher in the future and an objective and thorough analysis of a disputed signature."
Michael L. Rains, Esq.
Pleasant Hill, California

The word forgery is one of the most common words people use to describe a signature that is not genuine.  However, because the word forgery implies an intent to defraud, and because a writer’s intent is outside the scope of work for a document examiner, we use the words questioned, suspect, or disputed. These types of signatures are commonly on a wide variety of documents and may include the initials of the signer.

Common types of documents that contain questioned or suspect signatures

  • Deeds to property
  • All types of contracts
  • Beneficiary forms
  • Checks and other banking records
  • Employer/employee forms and agreements to arbitrate
  • Wills and Trusts
  • Leases and rental agreements

Case Sample – A ten-year lease for $1.00 a month!

The new owner of an apartment building was presented a signed document apparently by the previous manager. This document stated that the tenant was to pay $1.00 a month for the next ten years for her apartment. The signature of the manager was contested. The signature evidence did not support the tenant’s story. The jury agreed.

Case samples – Simulated signatures

During a recent trial in which Patricia Fisher testified for both parties, the Plaintiff was suing the Defendants over lease agreements and addendums for 30 properties that were leased to cannabis companies. The Plaintiff claimed he had not signed these documents.  An examination showed evidence that the Plaintiff had not signed the majority of the documents, but had signed several of the addendums.  The Defendants used different methods to create these documents, mostly by attempting to simulate or copy the Plaintiff’s signatures. An example of a simulated signature of the Plaintiff follows.

The simulator attempting to copy the handwriting habits of Mr. Agha (right image) was unsuccessful. This can be seen in the numerous mistakes including the five sharp angled strokes at the beginning of the name.