Genealogy and Ancestry FAQs
Genealogy and ancestry research can feel overwhelming when you’re first getting started.
Be sure to check out the links to learn more about the process of genetic genealogy, what to expect when you take a DNA test, and how the information you learn from DNA testing can help locate unknown family and unlock historical information about your ancestors.
What is Genetic Genealogy?
Genetic genealogy is the process of using DNA information to help people identify their biological family members through DNA matches. For more information check out our page on genetic genealogy.
I took a DNA test but I didn’t find who I was looking for. What do I do?
This is a common experience for many people who have taken a DNA test in the hopes of finding biological family. DNA services like Ancestry.com and 23 & Me can only identify the person you are looking for, if that person has also taken a DNA test and posted the information on a DNA website. Schedule a consultation today.
Our approach is to evaluate how many DNA matches you have, how close those matches are to you, and then to build biological family trees from that information. This may lead to finding the person you are looking for, or, finding the family that person comes from, providing key insight into the history and heritage of your biological ancestors.
If I take a DNA test, can I find a specific family member, even if that person has not taken a DNA test?
Yes, it is possible to find a biological family member even if they have not taken a DNA test and posted their results online.
Our approach is to evaluate how many DNA matches you have, how close those matches are to you, and then to build biological family trees from that information. This may lead to finding the person you are looking for, or, finding the family that person comes from.
I don’t want to take a DNA test. Can you still help me?
Yes.
It is possible to find family without taking a DNA test, depending on the information you have. Schedule a consultation today to help develop a strategy.
I want to hire a researcher, but I haven’t taken a DNA test yet. What should I do?
Taking a DNA test is a personal decision. DNA tests can help assure the information found about your family is accurate, especially if you don’t have key information about your biological family, whether you are adopted or not. People have valid concerns about privacy and DNA. Here’s some helpful information about the most popular DNA tests.
What kind of DNA test should I take? Which testing company should I use?
Taking a DNA test is a personal decision, and there are many valid concerns about privacy and DNA. We encourage you to do your own research and pick the DNA test and testing company you think is right for you. Here’s a link to more information about the most popular DNA tests.