How to Hire the Right Forensic Document Examiner
From the Desk of Bart Baggett
Hi, I’m Bart Baggett, a court-qualified forensic document examiner. If you’re dealing with a disputed signature, a forged will, or any legal document under scrutiny—you’re in the right place.
Over the past 25 years, I’ve worked on hundreds of cases, testified in courts across the country, and trained many aspiring examiners to do the job right. Unfortunately, I’ve also seen more than my share of unqualified or downright dangerous “experts” mess up cases beyond repair.
So today, I want to give you a short, straight-talking guide on how to hire a forensic document examiner who won’t sink your case.
1. Courtroom Experience Matters—A Lot
If the examiner you’re considering has only testified once or twice… walk away.
Testifying in court isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about clarity, confidence, and credibility under pressure. Judges look for experience. Attorneys look for poise. And juries? They look for someone they can trust.
Personally, I’ve testified over 50 times, and most examiners in my circle have similar credentials. If your case could land in court, make sure your expert knows their way around a witness stand.
Pro Tip: Ask how many times they’ve been cross-examined. If it’s under 10, keep shopping.
2. Can They Handle Voir Dire?
“Voir dire” (pronounced vwahr deer) is that fancy French term for the courtroom interrogation used to qualify expert witnesses.
I’ve watched document examiners crumble during voir dire. Some get flustered. Some cry (yes, really). Some can’t even explain their own methodology.
That’s why I train my students by putting them through mock voir dire—with me playing the hard-nosed attorney. If your examiner can’t answer basic questions under pressure, how are they going to hold up in court?
Talk to them. You’ll know in five minutes if they’ve got the chops.
3. Ask About Methodology & Scientific Standards
In real forensic work, opinions must be based on methodology—not ego.
Reputable examiners follow industry-accepted standards like SWGDOC or ASTM guidelines. If your examiner doesn’t know those terms or can’t articulate their step-by-step process? 🚩Red flag.
It’s not enough for their résumé to look impressive. Did they complete a structured curriculum? Read key textbooks? Pass proficiency exams? These are basic questions. Don’t be afraid to ask them.
4. Are They Lucid, Fair, and Objective?
Let’s get real. There are some examiners out there who may have started this career after they retired from their last one. Age isn’t the issue—lucidity is.
I’ve known examiners who couldn’t tell toner from ink or forgot critical details during testimony. When you’re spending thousands on expert analysis, you deserve someone sharp, articulate, and fully present.
Have a five-minute conversation with them. If they sound foggy, confused, or defensive, that’s your cue to move on.
5. Are Their Opinions Backed by Facts?
I’ve read expert testimony where the basis of the opinion was literally:
“I’ve been doing this for 30 years, I just know.”
That’s not science. That’s arrogance.
A good examiner will explain their findings with clarity:
- Line-by-line comparisons
- Quantifiable differences
- Reference to known standards and research
No hand-waving. No “trust me, bro.” Just evidence.
Bonus Tip: Understand the Pricing Models
Let’s talk dollars and sense.
Some examiners will quote $4000 just to glance at your document and come back with a shrug and an “inconclusive.”
Others charge $700 for a full case—usually because they have no experience and are trying to get their foot in the door (or worse, they’re a scam).
The best approach? Look for flat-rate pricing that includes:
- The written opinion letter
- A short phone consultation
- Attorney prep if needed
Hourly pricing can work for large, complex cases, but make sure it’s clear, fair, and trackable. I’ve seen insurance companies get hit with $16,000 bills because nobody discussed scope up front.
You don’t need the cheapest. You need the right expert—someone who’s fast, honest, lucid, and truly cares about your case.
Final Thought
Don’t just pick the first “handwriting expert” that shows up in Google. This is a field filled with both brilliant professionals and well-meaning amateurs who are in over their heads.
Start with a conversation. Ask questions. Listen carefully. See if they know the key vocabulary, the legal process, and the science behind the work.
Because when it comes to winning in court… clarity wins. Every time.
📞 Want to schedule a call with me or one of our vetted Florida-based examiners? Click here to request a free consultation.
