Every specialty and expertise develop their own vernacular – a kind of code that is mutually understood by the experts and can easily be misunderstood by everyone else. Attorney clients often complain that forensic document examiners use language that is unfamiliar, especially when rendering opinions. I write my reports to conform to the guidelines published… Read more »
If you suspect that there has been some hanky-panky on a document, you should go with your intuition and look into the reasons why. Don’t think that a signature is genuine just because it has a notary seal. In my work, I see many fabricated notary acts. These documents make their way to my lab… Read more »
When my clients first contact me, I am often asked how many signature samples for comparison will I need. The short answer is, the more the better. This may seem obvious to some, but I am sure that most clients want to know how much effort will be required on their end. Here are two… Read more »
Over the years, we have become reliant on email and our cellphones for our communication needs, but never more than how much we rely on them today. These days, the internet and cellphone networks have allowed most of us to work far more efficiently. Without these advancements, we would spend more time and investment reaching… Read more »
With the specter of the CCP virus hovering over our open courtrooms these days, districts here in California have opted to proceed with hearings and trials using internet media such as Zoom or Microsoft Meetings. I was recently called to testify as an expert witness in just such a trial. I found that a whole… Read more »
There is a first time for everything, including hiring experts. Attorneys are no different from the general public regarding their knowledge of who to hire and what to expect. Here are a few key elements to consider on your first venture into the handwriting genre: Understanding a Handwriting Expert According to the forensic community, a… Read more »
If you’re trying to determine if the handwriting or printing on your document is authentic or a result of disguise, then you should contact a professional document examiner. An expert examiner will help identify or eliminate your questioned documents. Before contacting your examiner, it will help if you define precisely how they can help you!… Read more »
I recently found this article from The Expert Institute about preparing for a Daubert Challenge with your expert. I thought it might provide some insight into the process. Surviving a Daubert Challenge: 6 Tips for Success Rich Matthews and Mehjabeen Rahman, The Expert Institute Tuesday, November 1, 2016 Beat a Daubert challenge before… Read more »
CA Assembly Bill 2217 Notary Law Update: CA Assembly Bill 2217 Summary: Assembly Bill 2217 raises the fees Notaries may charge for the first time since 1994. Signed: August 17, 2016 Effective: January 01, 2017 Chapter: 133 Affects: Amends Government Code Sections 8211 and 8223 Changes: Raises the maximum fee Notaries may charge for taking an acknowledgment… Read more »
In recent times, much of my consulting services have been provided for clients in the Los Angeles area. So, what better way to serve LA clients than to open an office that is conveniently located? I am happy to announce the opening of my new office in Long Beach, California. By adding this location, I… Read more »