Unique searches — common process
Every search is different, but my process is not. I work in clear stages, so you always know what’s happening, what I need from you, and what you’ll receive in return.
Typically, a search takes about two working weeks (excluding waiting time) from when I receive access to your DNA through to completion. I find it most effective to work with only one or two clients at a time to keep me alert to the relevant surnames and locations.
Phase 0: an invitation to work together
I begin with a short intake form to understand your situation and confirm whether I can help. I’ll then offer to work with you to identify your unknown person. I ask prospective clients to review a standard proposal and sign and return it. The proposal that lays out the search phases in more detail and covers terms and conditions — all in plain English.
Phase 1: checking DNA for smooth sailing
People with unknown close family members often have very limited information and therefore, despite best intentions, the intake information can be wrong. That’s why I start by requesting access to your DNA test(s) to check for obvious issues that could pose challenges. Think of it as insurance that protects us both. This phase is also a chance for you to stop the search if it feels too much.
Phase 2: from search to answer
If we’re both comfortable to proceed, Phase 2 is where I do the heavy analysis of your DNA matches and of correlating and testing the emerging answer with genealogical records. Usually, I will give you three updates:
- the first cut of colour-coded DNA surname clusters and Most Recent Common Ancestors
- a further refinement of surnames and how your DNA matches tie in, supported with records like maps and censuses. At this stage, I aim to have a hypothesis of the identity of the person you seek
- a lean family tree, built to show how key DNA matches, both close and distant, support the now refined and tested identity theory. Where helpful I add a What-Are-The-Odds (WATO) analysis to show other hypotheses that I’ve considered and been able to rule out.
Your contribution is to provide feedback on the review material. Sometimes my findings trigger old memories … “Dad told me that name, he saw it in a letter once” … which can speed up the work. I may also ask you to contact 1-2 DNA matches who appear likely to hold important family knowledge, but who are not close family. I will never contact matches without your express permission.
To increase the available DNA matches and your confidence in the answer, we may agree to pause the work while you take a further DNA test. My final deliverable to you is a family tree download and a summary outlining the key items of proof that make the case for the named identity. I also include next steps for you to consider.
Definition of success
When I undertake searches using DNA and supporting historical records, I hold either of these outcomes to be a success:
- Identifying the individual — often a birth father
- Identifying the individual’s immediate family — typically containing two or more siblings of the same sex who cannot be eliminated based on geography or other clear markers.
The path forward from either successful outcome is at the searcher’s discretion; I will always provide tailored Next Steps advice at the end of an assignment.
Understand your family story
Do you already have a name or connection? I also offer traditional family history research to build out the wider picture for your family member/s of interest. Focused investigations can quickly give you tangible context going back in time: lineage, place, occupation, migration, military service, and cultural background.
What I don’t offer
I cannot offer therapeutic or psychological support beyond the empathy of having deeply felt my own Need to Know. Searching can bring up difficult emotions, and arranging support in parallel may be helpful. I also do not offer a service to make first contact with family of origin members.
Pricing
Searches to identify a close family member are completed across Phases 1 and 2. I charge in New Zealand dollars. Prices by phase are:
- Phase 0: free
- Phase 1: $250 + GST where applicable
- Phase 2: $1250 + GST where applicable
- Additional modules: Priced individually, on application.
The prices above are for one search for one individual. I do not add GST for sales to clients who pay from accounts outside New Zealand. Expenses are charged at cost and agreed in advance.
Work with me
If you feel ready to begin, the next step is to tell me more about your search. I’ll let you know whether I can help you find the answers you need.
Check if we’re a good fit