Extending Family Trees
with DNA Testing

Genealogists trace family trees through vital records and historical documents. But the paper trail eventually ends at a “brick wall.”

Non-paternity events, such as illegitimate births, adoptions, and name changes can also mean that a branch you are tracing may not, in fact, be part of your biological tree.

DNA testing can break through brick walls and find the truth.

Amateur and professional genealogists are using it to confirm links where conventional source records do not exist or are incorrect.

In my case, DNA helped me pierce the secrecy of adoption and discover my biological father’s family. Beyond that, the DNA results helped me track my father's line back two more generations than previously known.

Almost as exciting, the process introduced me to many cousins with whom I share a common ancestor. So now I have a whole team working to extend our family trees.

Now you and other genealogists can learn from my experience and use DNA to accurately determine your relationship to your ancestors.

I suggest you begin with a review of the three technical innovations in genealogy. Then learn the top ten things you can do with DNA in a family history search.

The next thing is to clear up some common misunderstandings and learn about the three basic tests in DNA Genealogy.

A new type of DNA test, which can be taken by men or women, helps you find and confirm relatives from about the last five generations. To learn more read my Autosomal DNA Testing page. Only two companies offer the new test. Before you choose one or the other read my Autosomal DNA Comparison page.

Check Now to See if I Can Save You Money

As I learn about special promotions, I will update my DNA Testing Cost. page. If there are no specials to report, I will provide general advice on testing costs.

A SIMPLE 8-STEP PLAN

To help you get the best return on your investment in genetic genealogy I've broken the process down into eight steps.

1. Choose a Test Type
2. Choose a Test Company
3. Place Your Order
4. Collect Your DNA Sample
5. Review Your Results
6. Explore Your Matches
7. Share Your Data
8. Keep Learning

For a complete explanation of these steps and the links you need to implement them, see my How to Get Started page.

My first choice for genetic genealogy tests is Family Tree DNA. To learn why I recommend this company so highly, read my FTDNA Review.

By the way, an excellent way to share your results with other family members (and explain them clearly to everyone) is a personalized report.

Sometimes a person you would love to test has already died or is otherwise unavailable for testing. It may still be possible to get a useful DNA sample. See my page on Forensic DNA Testing.

Since visitors to this section of my web site are genealogists, I've started to summarize some useful but little known web sites on a page devoted to Family History Tools.

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