Frequent Questions
How do you use my DNA to find my birth parents?
Your DNA results include a list of cousin matches. You share common ancestors with these matches and many of the matches share common ancestors with one another. By comparing the family trees of these genetic cousins, we can work towards identifying your unknown ancestors. We then trace descendants of the shared ancestors and identify possible biological parent candidates from among those descendants. It is often necessary to conduct additional testing to confirm the identity of the biological parent from among the candidates.
I don’t know anything about my unknown parent and don’t have any documentation. Can you still help me?
Documentation about the possible birth parent is helpful but not necessary. Using DNA, we are able to help most people identify unknown biological parents even without documentation.
I would like to find an unknown grandparent or great-grandparent. Is this possible?
Just as DNA can be used to find an unknown parent, DNA can also be used to find unknown grandparents or great-grandparents. However, these sessions are more challenging and may require more time to solve. If it is possible to provide DNA results for more than one descendant of the unknown grandparents or great-grandparents, this is highly recommended.
I am an adoptee with my original birth certificate, but the father’s name is not included. Can you help me identify my birth father?
Most people seeking an unknown birth parent have little or no identifying information about them. Instead of written documentation, your DNA can provide the clues necessary to identify your biological parent.
Do I need to take a DNA test before starting my research?
It will be necessary for you to take a test before we begin your research.
I want to learn about my biological family but don’t want to disrupt their lives. Is it possible to identify my biological parent without contacting them?
You will make the decision of whether to contact your biological family. We can often gather basic information about your family from public records without making contact. However, confirming the identity of your biological parent may require additional DNA testing of possible biological family members. If you do not desire to contact the family, we may not be able to prove your parent’s identity.