Many researchers using DNA to try to find their own biological parentage, or a friend or client’s biological parentage, only pay attention to the DNA matches with whom they share the most genetic similarity. In cases where the top of your list of AncestryDNA or 23andMe matches contains first- or second-degree relatives, this can indeed […]
Category: Advice
How to Identify Your Child’s Biological Father Without a Paternity Test
We have all caught at least one episode of The Maury Povich Show, in which the host reveals the paternity of a child with either a “You are the father” or a “You are not the father.” Perhaps you have also wondered about the identity of your child’s biological father, either because of multiple relationships […]
How Professional Genealogists Use DNA to Find Adoptees’ Biological Parents
When the process of adoption became more formalized in the United States in the 20th century, a system of open vs. closed adoption arose. In open adoptions, adopted children either grew up knowing of their adoption and knowing the identity of their biological parents, or retained the option to acquire the information regarding their biological […]