Genetic genealogy combines DNA testing with traditional family history research to provide a clearer and more complete picture of your ancestry. It can help answer questions that records alone cannot always resolve and often provides an additional layer of evidence to support genealogical conclusions.

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This type of research uses an autosomal DNA test from companies such as AncestryDNA or MyHeritage. Once tested, your DNA results can be compared with others within the same database to identify shared DNA matches. People who are more closely related will share a larger amount of DNA, whilst more distant relatives share less.

 

By analysing shared matches, identifying groups of matches connected through the same ancestral line, building and comparing family trees, and testing different relationship theories, it is often possible to identify common ancestors, confirm family connections, and answer questions that would be difficult or impossible to resolve using records alone.​

DNA testing has become much more accessible in recent years, and many people are now exploring it as part of their family history journey. Programmes such as Who Do You Think You Are?, Long Lost Family, and DNA Journey have helped demonstrate just how powerful this approach can be when combined with careful genealogical research.

 

Here are some of the ways DNA Match Analysis and Genetic Genealogy can support your family history research:

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• Extending your family tree - If records are missing, incomplete, or simply stop at a certain point, DNA can help uncover connections beyond what’s written down. It acts as an additional source of evidence, helping to move research forward where paper trails run thin.​

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• Confirming relationships - Family stories and historical records don’t always line up perfectly. DNA evidence can help strengthen or clarify relationships, providing an extra level of reassurance that the tree is accurate.

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• Finding unknown relatives - DNA testing can connect you with living relatives who may hold pieces of your shared family history. These connections can open new lines of research and sometimes introduce entirely new branches to your tree.

 

• Helping resolve long-standing questions - Genetic genealogy can be especially valuable when exploring unknown parentage, adoption cases, or family mysteries that have remained unanswered for years.

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!An important note! 

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DNA testing can sometimes reveal unexpected information, including previously unknown relatives, misattributed parentage, adoption, donor conception, or other sensitive family circumstances. Because of this, ethical considerations are an important part of every DNA project.

 

Before research begins, it is important to take the time to discuss your objectives and any potential sensitivities surrounding your research question. If unexpected findings arise, these will be presented clearly, sensitively, and in the context of the available evidence. I will help you understand what the results mean, discuss the possible implications, and support you in deciding how you would like to proceed.

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In some cases, DNA research may identify living relatives who could potentially help answer your research question. However, not everyone wishes to be contacted, and any approach must be handled thoughtfully and respectfully. Where contact with a relative may be beneficial, we can discuss the options available, including the use of an independent intermediary where appropriate. No contact will ever be made on your behalf without your knowledge and agreement.

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If you’re thinking about taking a DNA test, I’m happy to talk through the options with you and help you choose the most suitable company or type of test for your research goals before you make a purchase. If you’ve already tested, we can look at whether your existing results are suitable for analysis as part of your enquiry.

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If you’d like to explore how DNA could support your research, please get in touch by email or through the contact form on the website to discuss what you’re hoping to discover.

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DNA match analysis, genetic genealogy research, and reporting are charged on an hourly basis.