In forensic handwriting and signature examination, accuracy hinges heavily on the quality and relevance of the comparison samples provided. One critical yet often overlooked aspect is the timeframe in which those samples were produced.

Recently, SD Forensic Document Services handled a case involving a questioned signature dated 2020. The reference signatures provided spanned a wide range, from 2007 to 2024. Upon detailed examination, it was observed that starting from 2018, the signatory had developed a distinctive habit: a brief pen stoppage while executing the loop of the letter ‘h’ stem. This subtle feature became increasingly consistent by 2020, around the time the questioned signature was allegedly executed.

The presence of this same characteristic in the questioned signature greatly strengthened the basis for authorship identification. Had the examination relied solely on much older or significantly newer signatures, this crucial development in the writer’s habitual pattern might have been missed, potentially leading to an inconclusive or erroneous opinion.

It is a well-established fact that handwriting evolves over time due to factors such as aging, neuromuscular changes, or even changes in writing tools and environments. Therefore, relying on non-contemporaneous samples, those created years apart from the questioned document, can introduce a significant risk of error.

For accurate and reliable forensic results, it is important to always ensure that contemporaneous comparison samples are procured and provided. This seemingly small step can make a substantial difference in uncovering the truth.