Forensic Handwriting Analysis in Contested Will and Inheritance Disputes in Oyo and Osun States

Contested wills and inheritance documents frequently require forensic handwriting examination to determine authenticity, authorship, or evidence of undue influence through document alteration. This study empirically examines forensic handwriting analysis practice and its judicial reception in will and inheritance disputes adjudicated in Oyo and Osun State courts between 2019 and 2024. A mixed-methods empirical design was employed, reviewing thirty-five contested will cases involving handwriting examination evidence, conducting blinded re-examination of fifteen questioned will documents using American Board of Forensic Document Examiners standards, and interviewing ten handwriting examiners and twelve estate lawyers. The study assesses the reliability of original examiner conclusions, examiner qualification levels, the methodological rigour applied, and judicial acceptance rates for expert handwriting testimony. Findings reveal that original examiner conclusions were confirmed in seventy-three percent of re-examined cases, with discrepancies concentrated in cases involving elderly handwriters and neurological deterioration. Examiners in sixty percent of cases lacked internationally recognised certification, a factor cited in judicial rejection of expert testimony in four cases. Admission of handwriting evidence correlated with higher rates of will authenticity resolution, reducing contested proceedings duration by an average of eight months. Recommendations include a national certification standard for forensic handwriting examiners and the establishment of an independent questioned document examination facility serving South West courts. Keywords: handwriting analysis, questioned documents, will dispute, Oyo State, Osun State.