Unknown parentage cases can be emotionally significant and technically complex. They often require DNA analysis, reconstruction of several extended families and careful correlation with records, ages and locations.
Cases may involve
- An adopted person seeking biological parents
- An unknown father, grandfather or great-grandparent
- A surprise DNA result or unexpected close match
- A historical illegitimacy or informal adoption question
- Conflicting names or parent details in official records
How evidence is built
I identify match clusters, build trees for relevant matches, compare shared DNA, reconstruct candidate families and test each hypothesis against chronology and geography. I then use civil registration, parish records, electoral registers, newspapers and other sources where they can provide documentary support.
Sensitive and ethical research
Living people have privacy interests, and research does not create an entitlement to contact or a relationship. Findings are presented carefully, uncertainties are clearly stated and the client remains in control of any next steps.
What to provide
Useful starting material includes the known family tree, DNA test platform, match information, relevant certificates, adoption paperwork where available, and a clear explanation of the question you hope to answer.