Handwriting Expert Not Necessary to Create Question of Fact About Authenticity of Signature

The Second Department determined the defendant had raised a question of fact about the authenticity of his signature without submitting an affidavit by a handwriting expert:

The plaintiff made a prima facie showing of entitlement to judgment as a matter of law by demonstrating the existence of a promissory note executed by the defendant, the unconditional terms of repayment, and the defendant’s default thereunder … . However, in response, the defendant raised a triable issue of fact as to the validity of his signature on the note by pointing out several alleged irregularities in the document’s signature page and by submitting an affidavit on his own behalf … . While the defendant did not submit an affidavit by a handwriting expert, where, as here, the defendant has provided more than his own unsubstantiated, conclusory allegations of fraud, expert testimony is not strictly necessary, and would be more appropriate for proof at trial … .  Cooper Capital Group, Ltd v Densen, 2013 NY Slip Op 02042, 2011-06030, Index No 39107/10, 2nd Dept 3-27-13