Genealogy is a career that involves a lot of research, detective work and understanding of historical documents. There are several occasions where you might need to employ a genealogist or a company that specialises in genealogy. In this article, we take a look at when you would need a genealogist and how they could help.
Discover your family history
If you’re interested in finding out more about your family history, a genealogist can help you discover where you come from and your family background. This can be of particular interest to people who have been adopted or those who have no knowledge of their biological mother or father. A genealogist will use all of the information available to them, including any records, DNA samples and information you tell them to identify your family history. They can go much further than biological parents and help you connect with long-lost cousins, grandchildren or half-siblings. For some people finding the missing part of their family tree can be everything they’ve ever wanted. However, there isn’t always a happy ending. It could be that family members are deceased or don’t want to have any contact. In addition, lost records or poor information may mean that the genealogist is unable to trace your family and find all the members you’re trying to locate.
Solve crime cases
The collection of DNA records that genealogists have access to is very valuable. It is not only used to locate lost family members but also used to solve crimes. Police investigators can upload DNA from a crime scene to a genealogist database; here, it may match with a cousin or another relative. From this information, professional genealogists can map out the entire family tree of the individual to find the identity of the suspects whose DNA was found at the crime scene. Some genealogists object to law enforcement using the data to locate potential subjects; others work happily with them to help catch high-profile criminals. Many DNA databases allow people to opt-out of potential police searches; it can be very difficult for the individual if they find out they have a relative that’s been matched because of crime scene DNA.
Finding beneficiaries
When someone dies, they often leave a will which details how their estate should be divided when they die. Sometimes this isn’t well written or clear, and genealogists are used to map out the family tree and find any missing beneficiaries. If a will isn’t created, the rules of intestacy apply; when the family tree isn’t complete or clear, genealogists can use their knowledge, historical records and research skills to ensure that the estate goes to the right heirs. If a beneficiary has been ignored, they may use a genealogist to prove their entitlement. Proving beneficiary entitlement with the right records can lead to the executor of the estate being made liable for the mistakes made when dealing with the division of the estate. It’s, therefore, very important that executors seek advice to avoid potential claims in the future.
Identifying missing military members
In previous wars, when military members went missing or died, identifying them and contacting their next of kin was not always possible. Genealogists can get work in this field; their primary role is to try and locate the next-of-kin by using the information they have combined with records and DNA samples. Once they have been located, the body can be returned back to their family to perform a proper funeral. This type of research can be very challenging; it often takes years to build up enough information and a family tree in order to locate the next of kin.
These are just some of the things that genealogists do and when you might need to use the services of a genealogist. The most common reasons are to find beneficiaries and to locate family members that have been lost or split up for many different reasons. Genealogy is a fascinating subject and a career that many people are interested in exploring. If you want to get in touch with a lost family member or need any services that delve into your family history and relatives, a genealogist may be able to help.
Coblogger 