DNA Match Analysis & Family Tree (Advanced Cases) - Priced per case, but typically around $200 per project
This service is for complex DNA problems where the answer requires building and proving out a family tree across multiple generations.
Typical cases involve 3 to 5 generations of research. I build out working trees, connect large numbers of DNA matches, and confirm relationships step-by-step using shared DNA, records, and timelines. The goal is to reconstruct an unknown branch of your family and determine possible unknown connections.
This is not a quick match review. It is a structured process that includes grouping matches, expanding multiple lines of a tree, and validating each generation before moving to the next. These cases often involve distant matches, incomplete trees, or complex family structures.
Each case is handled as a defined project. We agree on the scope and cost up front so expectations are clear before any work begins.
You will receive a written summary of what the DNA evidence supports, what remains uncertain, and recommended next steps.
Requirements for best results: Your DNA must be tested through Ancestry.com, and you must have close matches (1st cousins or closer) on the relevant side of the family. For U.S.-based family trees.
Q. What’s an example of a “project”?
A project is a focused, clearly defined goal that we agree on up front. For example:
GOAL: Identify and confirm, using records and DNA, the father of John Smith (your great-grandfather).
Most clients prefer not to commit to a large, expensive, open-ended project. Instead, I structure the work in smaller, focused phases. We start with a defined goal and a fixed cost, and I complete a concentrated block of analysis toward that objective.
If the answer requires more work, we can define the next step as a new project with a new goal. This approach keeps costs predictable, avoids unnecessary work, and allows you to move forward one clear step at a time.
Q. Can this type of work be done in a reasonable number of hours?
Yes! You’d be surprised! Recently I determined who the biological father of my (1860s) gg-grandfather was in about 10 hours.
Several focused hours is enough to make real progress with DNA results when the right matches are in place. In that time I can review your close matches, confirm which side of the family they belong to, begin clustering them into groups that share common ancestors, and identify the most promising leads.
Q. What do I need to provide you?
You’ll share your Ancestry DNA with me (linking me as a COLLABORATOR).
Depending on your goals you can either share your Ancestry with me, or I can create a new tree for my research and then you’ll copy the pertinent information over to your tree later. If you share your Ancestry tree with me then you will link me as EDITOR (and give me access to see living people).
The permissions can be revoked on your DNA and tree easily when we’re done working together.
Q. What tools/subscriptions do you have?
I have Ancestry Pro/All Access with Newspapers.com and Fold3.com memberships, subscriptions at all the major newspaper banks, and accounts with My Heritage, GEDMatch, 23andMe, and Family Tree DNA. I also use AI tools extensively for report writing, research and analysis.
Q. What do I walk away with at the end of our contract?
You’ll have access to your tree and your DNA, with the research/notes/labels in it. You can (or I can) remove my access to it at that time. Additionally I will submit a short report of any findings of interest, and a summary of what your research goals were and associated work. For example the report might include, where more research is needed, or interesting findings.