Clare Sayer
Forensic Handwriting Expert and Document Examiner
CURRENTLY AT CAPACITY
Due to existing professional commitments, I am not accepting new forensic handwriting or document examination instructions at this time.
Existing clients and professional contacts are welcome to contact me by email.
Thank you for your understanding.
Clare Sayer is a skilled and trusted Handwriting Expert and Document Examiner based in Auckland, New Zealand. Clare’s handwriting analysis services are offered nationwide, and around the South Pacific region.
Clare combines cutting-edge techniques with meticulous observation, drawing on her expertise in psychology, linguistics, and document examination to deliver comprehensive and science-backed analysis.
Clare’s dedication to truth, detail and clear communication guarantees you will receive an exceptional professional experience in any legal, civil or private matter.
Services include:
Signature authentication
Will disputes
Contract disputes
Authorship identification
Forgery detection
Altered documents
Anonymous correspondence
Expert witness testimony
Professional Handwriting and Document Analysis Services
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Do you have a document with a questionable signature or signatures?
Signature authentication is the process of determining whether a questioned signature on a document is genuine or a forgery.
The questioned signature is compared to verified, known samples of the individual's genuine signature.
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Do you have a document whose authorship is unknown among two or more possible authors?
Authorship identification is the process of determining who wrote a questioned document.
This involves comparing the unique writing characteristics within the questioned document to verified handwriting samples of potential authors.
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Do you have a document which you suspect may have been forged?
Forgery detection is the process of determining if a document or signature has been created by someone other than the purported author, with intent to deceive.
This involves a meticulous examination for signs of unnatural writing, hesitation, or inconsistencies that deviate from genuine characteristics.
There are three primary types of forgery:
Simulated forgery: Mimicking another person’s handwriting directly.
Traced forgery: Copying outlines from a genuine document.
Freehand forgery: Forging based on knowledge of the genuine style.
A forger may practice to mimic letter formations and overall writing style, but detection relies on identifying subtle inconsistencies between the copied and genuine writing. These inconsistencies can include variations in line quality, pressure, spacing, pen lifts, or overall rhythm.
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Do you suspect a document has been altered or tampered with?
Document alteration involves intentionally changing a document's content or physical characteristics to mislead or deceive. This can include:
Physical alterations: Such as erasures, additions, or overwriting.
Content alterations: Manipulating the document's meaning through changes in wording, insertions, fabrication of sections, or modifying dates or monetary figures.
Mechanical alterations: Using devices like photocopiers to reproduce a document after changes have been made.
Digital alterations: Modifying and reproducing documents using computer software or digital tools.
Detection involves scrutinising documents for hidden manipulations using specialised skills and laboratory tools such as infrared imaging and microscopy.
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Do you have a document with an unknown author?
Anonymous correspondence analysis involves forensic examination of documents where the writer's identity is concealed.
This service can uncover the author's identity by comparing the anonymous writing to known samples from potential individuals or groups.
Beyond handwriting, the document's physical characteristics, such as paper and ink, may also be analysed for clues about its origin. Additionally, the language and content of the correspondence may be examined to reveal insights about the author.
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Clare is available to provide expert witness testimony in legal proceedings, offering specialised knowledge and analysis of contested documents.
Clare’s professional conduct strictly adheres to the Schedule 4 Code of Conduct for Expert Witness as set forth in the New Zealand High Court Rules 2016.
This commitment ensures impartiality, independence, and a primary duty to the court, guaranteeing unbiased analysis and the highest ethical standards.
Examination Process
Clare conducts a systematic forensic examination involving both macroscopic and microscopic analysis of the questioned handwriting/signatures against known samples provided by the client.
Clare uses specialised tools and techniques, including a high-powered microscope, various lighting instruments, and transparent overlays, to assess critical handwriting features.
Based on the cumulative assessment of similarities and differences observed in the handwriting characteristics, Clare forms a professional opinion regarding whether the questioned writing is consistent with the known writing samples. Depending on the strength of the evidence available, the conclusion may range from identification of a common writer, to exclusion, or in some cases an inconclusive result.
To ensure a thorough examination, I request high-resolution scanned files of the following documents:
Questioned Documents: A clear scan of the document(s) containing the questioned or disputed handwriting / signatures.
Comparison Documents (Exemplars): High-quality scans of a minimum of 8 verified handwriting samples / signatures that meet the following criteria:
- Natural: Created during the author’s normal writing routine.
- Contemporaneous: Authored within 1-2 years of the questioned documents’ date.
- Similar documents: Ideally from similar documents (e.g. formal / informal).
- Unsuitable Options: Please avoid sending passport or driver’s license scans.
Important Note: For accurate comparison, it is essential to provide exemplars that match the type of handwriting found in the questioned documents. This includes comparing signatures with signatures, initials with initials, numerals with numerals. Where possible, it is best to compare cursive handwriting with cursive handwriting, and printed text with printed text.
Documents Requested
Report Options and Pricing
Clare is able to provide a basic report in letter format, outlining her findings and opinion.
This report requires a minimum of 3 charged hours.
Letter of Opinion
Forensic Analysis Report
Clare is able to provide a full report of her findings and opinion, complete with explanations and one pictorial image display.
This report requires a minimum of 6 charged hours.
Clare is able to provide a comprehensive and detailed report complete with full explanation of findings and pictorial image displays.
Pricing for this report is determined upon document review.
Comprehensive Forensic Analysis Report
When you connect with Clare, she will guide you through the process. Clare will begin by discussing the nature of your case and the specific concerns you have. This initial conversation will help her determine the most appropriate type of report for your needs. Clare will then provide you with clear instructions on the documentation required for analysis.
Services are provided at an hourly rate of $160NZD for weekday services and $240NZD for weekend services, or fixed negotiated fee.
About Clare Sayer
Clare Sayer is a dedicated Forensic Handwriting and Document Examiner based in West Auckland. Driven by a passion for detail and a commitment to truth, she offers meticulous analysis and insightful solutions for your legal, professional, civil or private needs.
Clare is an astute, detail-oriented specialist with a passion for language in all its forms. Clare’s interest in linguistics and psychology, coupled with a fascination with criminology, led her to this highly specialised field.
Qualifications:
Apprenticeship with Renowned Expert: Clare's journey began with a two-year apprenticeship under the esteemed Mike Maran, a highly experienced Handwriting and Document Examiner. During this time, she actively participated in various forensic investigations, analysing wills, business and matrimonial contracts, anonymous notes, graffiti, and more. This invaluable real-world experience provided Clare with a deep understanding of the complexities and challenges of forensic document examination.
Academic Excellence: Clare’s foundation lies in a university background in psychology and linguistics, further fortified by the prestigious Reed Hayes Training Course in Handwriting and Document Examination. Clare achieved a remarkable 99% in the final exam and maintained a stellar 99% coursework average, demonstrating exceptional dedication and aptitude.
Experience: Clare’s experience encompasses a diverse range of clients in the public and private sectors, both nationally and internationally. This includes government agencies, tertiary learning institutions, leading businesses, professional bodies, insurance fraud investigations, and numerous private law firms.
Professional affiliation:
Clare is a registered member of the International Association of Document Examiners (IADE), an international professional body supporting forensic document examiners through continuing education and professional development.
Through the IADE, Clare participates in regular training sessions relating to forensic document examination. The IADE also offers an annual proficiency testing programme, which Clare intends to undertake as part of maintaining and demonstrating professional competency.
Clare’s analytical mind, keen eye for detail, and clear communication skills are crucial assets in helping you navigate the complexities of your case. Clare is a trusted partner who will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring you receive objective and reliable findings.
Testimonials
“Clare delivered on a very constrained timeline and was excellent at communicating on the progress she made through the whole process. All of this was done within the agreed budget with no surprise. Clare wrote a very detailed report and provided valuable insights. I would 100% recommend Clare's expertise without any hesitation.”
— Mounir Z.
“Clare's assistance during our recent employment dispute was invaluable. Her attention to detail and thorough investigation ensured we had a comprehensive understanding of the situation. Throughout the process, Clare maintained excellent communication, keeping us informed and involved in every step. Her high level of expertise was evident in the amazing report she delivered, which proved incredibly helpful in resolving the dispute. Thank you, Clare, for your outstanding work!”
— Annemarie J.
“I recently needed to have a signature authenticated for a legal matter. I contacted Clare and was immediately impressed by her professionalism and knowledge. The final report was clear, concise, and highly detailed, leaving no room for doubt about the authenticity of the signature. I highly recommend Clare to anyone needing expert forensic handwriting and document examination services.”
— John M.
Contact
Contact Clare for a confidential consultation.
To assist you effectively, please ensure you have high-resolution scans of:
The questioned document(s).
A minimum of 8-10 verified comparison exemplars. You can find full details on document requirements in the Documents Requested section of the website.