In forensic document examination, technical skill is essential—but it is not enough. To be effective in court, an examiner must combine formal training, professional certification, continued education, and peer involvement. These elements ensure that testimony is accurate, defensible, and respected by judges and attorneys.

Certification is a hallmark of credibility in this field. Rigorous examinations, administered by reputable professional organizations—not online shortcuts—test every aspect of forensic document examination. These certification tests typically take 4–6 hours to complete.

Kathy Carlson, CFDE, CQDE, is fully certified and remains active in continuing education through:

This ongoing involvement ensures her analysis remains current, reliable, and defensible in court.

Kathy provides independent forensic analysis in disputes involving:

• Contracts, Loans, Warranty Deeds, Quitclaim Deeds, Deeds of Trust
• Wills, Codicils, and Holographic Wills
• Beneficiary and Estate Disputes
• Income Tax Fraud, Divorce Disputes
• Poison Pen Letters, Anonymous Writing
• Graffiti and Unusual Writing Surfaces

Her role is to determine authenticity, detect alterations, and provide expert testimony when necessary.

When selecting an expert witness, credentials are more than just a résumé—they determine whether your examiner will even be allowed to testify. Judges and opposing counsel carefully scrutinize an expert’s qualifications. Any falsification, omission, or lack of certification may lead to disqualification, weakening your case.

By hiring a certified, court-qualified forensic document examiner like Kathy Carlson, you can be confident your expert is prepared to withstand scrutiny and provide testimony that strengthens—not undermines—your case.