When searches become confusing
Many people come to me after trying hard to find answers about important, but unknown, close family members… birth fathers, first mothers, sometimes a missing grandparent. Often, searches stall because the DNA matches are confusing and, without a name, it’s hard to find supporting historical records. The good news is these roadblocks can often be resolved whether you’re just starting, or your search has been on hold for years.
How I work – why I succeed
I’ve never had a search I couldn’t solve. That’s not boasting. I succeed because I stick to search challenges I know deeply from decades of genealogy investigations, particularly in the UK, New Zealand and Australia.
I focus on identifying close family (typically unknown parents or grandparents), where DNA can be used effectively. My tools and techniques are widely known, and you’ve probably used them, too: grouping DNA matches into clusters, finding common ancestors, and so on.
If there’s any pixie dust in my method, it’s how I combine rigorous logic on the DNA analysis with a lively imagination as to how events might have unfolded, using a rich range of historical records.
Prefer to try (again) on your own first?
A good place to begin or to refresh yourself on the process is to try by yourself. Start with my curated selection of free resources. They’ll show you how to work with your DNA results and move your search forward, whatever stage you’re at. If you reach a point where the answers still won’t come together, please get in touch.
Already know your family member?
If you already have a name, I can help you go further: building out the family line, turning plain names into real people, and setting their lives within historical context.
Work with me
You can expect:
- ethical practices — I will never contact a DNA match without your permission, for example
- empathy for how much your search matters (I’m adopted, from the closed era of the 1960s)
- honesty about what I find, even when it’s difficult or unexpected
- unrelenting effort to find your answers
- evidence-based conclusions, clearly explained.
If you feel ready to start, tell me more about your search so I can gauge how well I can help you:
Check if we’re a good fit