What’s included in research reports
Once your family research project is complete, we will provide you with comprehensive research reports documenting our findings. Depending on the nature of your project, these reports may include detailed sourced documentation, graphs, pedigree charts, copies of historical records found, DNA analysis overviews, DNA match comparison charts, documentation still pending from outside agencies, and suggestions for future research directions.
What makes a quality research report
Professional genetic genealogy reports serve multiple purposes beyond simply answering your initial question. They provide a permanent record of the research process, document the evidence trail for legal purposes if needed, and create a roadmap for understanding complex family relationships revealed through DNA testing.
Each research report is tailored to your specific research question. An adoptee search focuses heavily on DNA match analysis and identifying biological family connections. Heir identification reports emphasize documentation suitable for probate proceedings and legal review. Unknown parentage cases combine traditional genealogical research with genetic evidence to build a complete picture of biological ancestry.
DNA test results
Most people think about determining or confirming their ethnicity as the primary reason for testing their DNA. In reality, this is just a fraction of the information the report provides. Yes, ethnicity estimates are important, as is the absence of an expected ethnicity. For example, if you believe you are half Spanish and your ethnicity report shows NO Spanish ancestry, this is an indication of an NPE (not parent expected) event—meaning one of your parents or grandparents is not the person you expected. This is important information that will be used in concert with your DNA matches to help confirm or correct your ancestral lines.
Understanding your DNA analysis
For projects involving DNA evidence, your report will include detailed explanations of how genetic matches connect to your family tree. We identify key DNA matches, analyze shared centimorgans (cM) to determine relationship ranges, and build family trees for matches to find common ancestors. DNA comparison charts visually display how multiple matches relate to each other, helping identify family clusters and narrow down biological connections.
Documentation and sources
Every conclusion in your research report is supported by primary sources whenever possible. This includes birth, marriage, and death certificates, census records, immigration documents, church records, military files, and other historical documentation. We provide copies or citations for all sources used, ensuring you have a complete evidence trail.
Ongoing research and next steps
Some research questions can’t be fully answered immediately. Certain records may be restricted, DNA matches may not yet have tested, or additional documentation may be pending from archives or government agencies. Your report will clearly identify what information is still outstanding and provide recommendations for continuing research as new resources become available.
How long does research take?
The complexity of each project dictates the time required to complete the research. Typically, cases can be completed in four to eight weeks. If additional time is needed, we will let you know. Some delays are out of our control. For example, if we have sent away for copies of military records or naturalization records, our final report may be delayed until these outside agencies respond to our requests.
Research report samples
The sample reports linked below demonstrate different types of research projects and documentation styles. These examples show how complex family mysteries are solved through systematic analysis of both traditional genealogical records and modern DNA evidence. Each case required different research strategies and resulted in reports formatted to serve their specific purpose—whether for personal knowledge, legal proceedings, or family reunification.
William Wesner identified in Morning Reports
William Wesner: What the Morning Reports reveal
Ross descendants in California
Misidentification of people with same or similar names
Full sample reports are available upon request. All client reports include 10-30_ pages of details documentation with complete citations.
Other Resources
Understanding relationships with your DNA matches can be tricky. While close relationships are easily identified, anything from second to fourth cousins has overlapping centimorgan (cM) ranges. For help understanding these ranges, see Blaine Bettinger’s shared cM tool at DNA Painter.