Independent & Impartial Evidence Handling

Legal & Forensic
Data Extraction

Neutral third-party extraction of mobile phone, computer and storage device data for law firms and legal professionals. Where both parties require an independent expert they can rely upon, we extract, preserve and report the data without favour to either party.

NDAs signed on request  ·  Documented chain of custody  ·  UK GDPR compliant

When Both Parties Need an Impartial Expert

In a dispute, neither party wishes the other to handle the evidence. We act as the independent third party — extracting the data, preserving it securely, and reporting on precisely what is held on the device. No edits, no interpretation, no agenda.

Neutral & Independent

We are not instructed by either side in a dispute. Our only role is to extract and preserve the data accurately, so both parties can rely on the result.

Documented Chain of Custody

Every device is logged, sealed, handled and stored under a full audit trail from the moment it arrives until it is returned — with signed handover records.

Clear Written Reporting

You receive a written summary of exactly what was extracted, when, from which device, and in what format — suitable for disclosure and case files.

Built for Time-Critical Legal Work

Court deadlines and disclosure dates are immovable. We work to your timetable, prioritising urgent extractions and providing regular updates at every stage so that your matter is not delayed.

  • Fast turnaround for urgent matters and disclosure dates
  • Written confirmation of receipt and expected timescales
  • Full assessment and cost confirmed once we have the devices
  • Available for follow-up technical clarification

Important: Lawful Authority Required

We only perform data extraction where there is clear lawful authority — for example the informed consent of the device owner, a court order, or other lawful basis confirmed by the instructing solicitor.

We will ask the instructing party to confirm this in writing before we begin. This protects every party involved and keeps the evidence robust if it is later challenged.

Information Required for Quotation

What We Need to Provide a Quotation

Mobile device extraction cannot be priced from a device type alone. The scope of work varies considerably depending on the condition of the device, the data required and the deliverable the client needs. The following information enables us to provide a firm, accurate quotation rather than an estimate.

The Device

  • Make, model and quantity

    The exact handset model determines the extraction methods available. Please also confirm how many devices are involved.

  • Whether the device is locked

    Confirm whether a PIN, passcode or pattern is set, and whether that code is known and available to you.

  • Working or damaged

    State whether the device powers on, boots normally, and whether there is screen, liquid or physical damage.

  • Operating system and accounts

    iOS or Android, plus whether Apple ID or Google account credentials are available where cloud data may be relevant.

The Scope of Extraction

  • What data is required

    For example messages, call logs, photographs, app data, location records, or all data held on the device.

  • Relevant date range

    If only a particular period is in issue, please specify the dates. This can materially reduce the work involved.

  • Specific contacts or threads

    Identify any named individuals, telephone numbers or conversations that are central to the matter.

  • Deleted data

    Confirm whether recovery of deleted material is being sought, as this affects both method and timescale.

The Required Deliverable

  • Output format

    Whether you require a readable export, a forensic image, or both, and in what format the material is to be supplied.

  • Written report

    Confirm whether a written report on the extraction is required for the case file or disclosure.

  • Deadline or hearing date

    Any court date, disclosure deadline or filing date that governs when the material is needed.

Collection & Authority

  • How the device will reach us

    Free collection from an office or address in the Harrogate area, or delivery to us directly. Please indicate which the client prefers.

  • Lawful authority

    Confirmation of owner consent, court order or other lawful basis, together with any deadline for that authority to be documented.

  • Confidentiality arrangements

    Whether the firm or client requires us to sign a confidentiality agreement before any case detail is disclosed.

Every Quotation Is Bespoke

Each quotation is prepared by a technician who has reviewed the details of your matter, so the price reflects your specific device, data and deadline.

Request a Quotation

What We Can Extract

From mobile phones and tablets to computers and storage devices — we preserve and extract the data needed for your matter, whether the device is working perfectly or has failed.

Mobile Phones & Tablets

Logical and file-system extraction from working devices where the PIN or passcode is available, and handling of damaged devices where required.

  • iPhone & iPad (iOS)
  • Android phones & tablets
  • Messages, call logs & contacts
  • Photos, videos & app data

Computers & Laptops

Extracting documents, emails, records and file systems from desktops, laptops and servers for disclosure and review.

  • Documents & spreadsheets
  • Email archives (PST, MBOX)
  • Deletion & audit trails
  • Cloud & backup exports

Drives & Storage Media

Forensic imaging of hard drives, SSDs, USB drives, memory cards and RAID arrays for cases involving digital evidence.

  • Write-protected imaging
  • Hash-verified copies
  • Deleted file recovery
  • Damaged & failing devices

Messaging & Communication

Extraction and presentation of message threads, media and metadata for review — often central to family and inheritance disputes.

  • SMS & iMessage threads
  • WhatsApp & other apps
  • Timestamps & metadata
  • Readable, indexed exports

Every matter is different. If your device or requirement is not listed above, please contact us and we will advise candidly on what is and is not achievable before any instruction is confirmed.

How the Process Works

A straightforward, fully documented process that stands up to scrutiny
From first instruction to final report.

1

Instruction & Authority

We take your instructions, confirm the lawful basis for extraction in writing, and agree scope, timescales and fees up front.

2

Secure Receipt & Logging

The device is logged on arrival, photographed, sealed and stored securely. You receive written confirmation of receipt.

3

Extraction & Preservation

We extract the data using appropriate methods, working on a forensic copy so the original device is never altered.

4

Reporting & Return

You receive the extracted data in a usable format plus a written report. The device is returned under the same documented custody.

Confidentiality

NDAs available and all data handled under strict confidentiality.

Secure Storage

Devices and data stored securely with restricted, logged access.

Secure Erasure

Copies securely destroyed on your instruction once the matter closes.

Types of Matter We Support

We work with solicitors and law firms across a range of disputes and investigations where digital evidence from a device is needed.

Wills & Inheritance Claims

Messages, notes and communications relevant to contested wills and claims under the Inheritance Act 1975.

Family & Private Client

Neutral extraction in sensitive family matters where an independent party is required by both sides.

Commercial Disputes

Business records, contracts, emails and communications for commercial litigation and settlement negotiations.

Employment Tribunals

Evidence from work devices and phones in unfair dismissal, harassment and discrimination claims.

Property & Land Disputes

Documents, agreements and correspondence relating to boundary, tenancy and property disputes.

Investigations

Independent preservation and extraction of digital data for internal and regulatory investigations.

For Solicitors & Law Firms

Instruct Us on a Matter

Please provide details of your matter and we will respond with an initial assessment of what is likely to be involved. Scope, timescale and cost can only be confirmed once the devices are received and examined, and the work required has been established. Should you have a deadline, please advise and we will confirm at the outset whether it can be met.

Call Directly

01423 622000

Local & Secure

Kennel Hall Farm, Ripon Road, Harrogate, HG3 2AY

Questions from Legal Professionals

In any family or property dispute, rights may need to be asserted within strict time limits — for example under section 2 of the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, a claim should be issued within six months of the grant of representation. Where timing is critical, contact us as early as possible so we can plan the extraction around your case timetable.

Quotation Request

Request a Quotation

Please complete the fields below so that we can provide a firm quotation. Fields marked * are required. Where a detail is not yet known, please state that and we will follow up.

Instructing Party

Device Details

Scope & Deliverable

Authority & Confidentiality

Your enquiry is treated in strict confidence. We will respond with a quotation or, where scope cannot yet be settled, with the specific questions we need answered.