Presenter: Jay Sage
Format: Download MP3 Audio

A man's autosomal DNA test revealed that the father who raised him was not his biological father and that the biological father was a close relative to me. This began a year-long effort, involving lots of conventional genealogical research plus additional DNA testing, to discover who that father was. Two other surprising discoveries came to light in the process. The quest pointed to several lessons and recommendations. (1) Beware of non-paternity events; they are surprising common. (2) Test cousins in order to narrow down the branch of the tree with the common ancestor. (3) Research all collateral lines. (4) Get into all DNA databases by testing at multiple companies or sharing the raw data. (5) Be alert to half-relationships; people who match don't necessarily descend from both the husband and wife.