Handwriting Analysis

A Court-Qualified Expert Who Examines Handwriting to Find Answers

Handwriting is as unique as a fingerprint. While many of us were taught similar writing styles as children, each person develops individual characteristics over time that make their handwriting distinct. These unique traits allow a forensic document examiner to distinguish one person’s writing from another.

As a certified handwriting expert, I examine questioned documents to:

  • Detect signs of forgery or alteration

  • Identify disguised handwriting

  • Compare handwriting samples to determine authorship

  • Evaluate consistency and variation across multiple documents

Kathy Carlson, CFDE, CQDE, certified forensic document examiner performing a handwriting analysis with document samples under a laboratory microscope.

How Handwriting Analysis Works

To ensure accuracy, multiple handwriting samples are required for comparison. Even though your handwriting may vary slightly from one document to another, your writing maintains consistent, identifiable patterns.

During an examination, I focus on:

  • Letter and number formation – how characters are shaped and styled

  • Line quality and pressure – the heaviness or lightness of strokes

  • Spacing and formatting – alignment of letters, words, and paragraphs

  • Consistency and variation – natural patterns versus suspicious deviations

By analyzing these features with precision and expertise, I can determine whether handwriting is genuine, altered, or fraudulent.

Kathy Carlson, CFDE, CQDE, certified forensic document examiner analyzing handwriting during a handwriting analysis with digital microscope and forensic software on dual monitors.

Collecting Useful Handwriting Samples

For the most reliable results, comparison samples should be as close in date to the questioned writing as possible. Helpful sources include:

  • Forms or applications filled out by hand

  • Notes, lists, or memos

  • Journals or diaries

  • Letters or personal correspondence

In some cases, I may also request that individuals create new handwriting samples for analysis.

Professional Process & Reporting

Handwriting analysis is never based on a casual visual comparison. Instead, I use a structured forensic process, supported by laboratory equipment, to ensure findings are accurate and defensible in court. My role is to provide an independent professional opinion, either as a written report or as sworn testimony if required.

Professional & Fair Fees

A handwriting analysis examination begins at $650.00. This includes the review of questioned and known samples, followed by a professional opinion and recommendations for next steps. My fees are among the most reasonable in the field. Billing is always transparent and fair, with no hidden costs or surprises.

Ready to take the next Step?

Your choice of expert witness can determine the outcome of your case. Kathy Carlson brings nationally recognized certification, courtroom experience, and a proven track record in document examination. Whether you need an initial opinion or sworn testimony, you can trust that your case will be handled with the utmost professionalism and precision.