Transparent Pricing. No Surprises.

A deposit or retainer is typically required for multi-document and complex cases before examination commences. The exact amount is confirmed during the initial consultation and documented in writing. For straightforward single-document examinations, payment terms are discussed and agreed before work starts. No examination begins without written confirmation of scope and fee.

Court testimony, whether at deposition or trial, is billed separately from the written examination fee. The testimony fee reflects preparation time, travel if required, and the examiner's time in court. This is confirmed before the engagement is finalised so there are no unexpected costs if the case proceeds to a hearing.

Rush examinations are available on a case-by-case basis, subject to current caseload. When the court or settlement timeline is urgent, contact Handwriting Experts directly to confirm availability. Rush cases are priced at a premium reflecting the priority scheduling required. Exact fees are quoted during the initial call.

Not every examination yields a definitive conclusion. Document quality, limited exemplars, or the nature of the questioned writing can prevent certainty. In those cases, a Letter of Opinion is still issued, stating the findings and the reason a conclusion could not be reached. The fee reflects the work performed, not the outcome.

Fee and retainer arrangements for cases that proceed to trial are discussed at the point the litigation becomes a realistic possibility. The examination fee is a separate engagement from the expert witness retainer. Both are confirmed in writing before any additional commitment is made by either party.