Document Dating

Nowadays, it is not possible to date handwriting by analysis of ink or paper. Some are of the opinion that it is feasible, although the rigorous expert, in accordance with the scientific community, is aware that the dating of handwriting cannot be determined with certainty. One should take into account that ink and paper are organic materials and as such deteriorate naturally. This deterioration not only occurs due to factors such as the passing of time but also light, heat and humidity among others, and any such agent can alter a document and therefore limits the ability to study it thoroughly. 

There are some situations however, in which one can determine with a high degree of certainty what dates in a lifetime a signature or handwriting was made in. This study is based upon the fact that we vary our handwriting during our lifetime. In some cases this evolution is more rapid and patent in some and less perceptible in other subjects. 

The expert will compare signatures made during different years of the subject’s life, noting the variations and deterioration of the traces in characters. The date of the signature of the subject can therefore be pin-pointed within a determined moment in time where graphic parallel(s) is more emphasised.