For Attorneys, Title Companies & Real Estate Professionals

Forensic genealogy applies professional genealogical methods to legal and real estate questions. Instead of building a family tree for its own sake, the focus is on answering specific, documentable questions: Who are the rightful heirs? Who owned this property, and when? How are these individuals related?

I work with attorneys, title companies, and other professionals who need reliable genealogical evidence that meets both genealogy standards and court expectations. That includes not only research, but documentation you can submit to the court when needed, such as notarized affidavits tailored to local formatting requirements.

Why Choose a Forensic Genealogist?

Engaging a forensic genealogist can save your firm and your clients both time and money. I bring together:

• Familiarity with forensic genealogy standards and accepted research practices
• Practical understanding of court requirements and evidentiary expectations
• Experience in estate administration and real estate title work, so I understand not only what is needed, but why it is needed.
• Clear written communication designed for legal audiences

The result is research that is methodical, documented, and ready to integrate into your case file.

Forensic Services Offered

My services focus on heir and land-related questions for a range of probate and real estate matters.

Heir and Kinship Identification

• Locating missing or unknown heirs for probate and inheritance matters
• Establishing kinship ties for property settlements and estate distributions
• Verifying beneficiary claims and assisting in the resolution of kinship disputes

Real Estate and Title Research

• Tracing chains of title and historical property ownership
• Identifying heirs or successors associated with unclaimed or encumbered properties
• Locating and analyzing deeds, land records, and related court documents relevant to your matter

If your case falls outside these areas but may benefit from genealogical analysis, we can discuss whether my services are an appropriate fit.

How I Conduct Forensic Research

For each engagement, I follow a structured research process designed to be transparent and reproducible. I draw on a wide range of sources, including:

• Vital records (birth, marriage, death)
• Census and population schedules
• Probate and estate files
• Deeds, land and tax records
• Court and guardianship records
• Military and pension files
• Historical maps, directories, and local histories
• Reputable online platforms such as Ancestry and FamilySearch, used as tools—not as standalone proof

All findings—both positive and negative—are documented and evaluated for reliability, then correlated to support clear, defensible conclusions.

Deliverables for Your Case File

At the conclusion of the agreed-upon work, you receive documentation designed to integrate smoothly into your legal file, which may include:

• A written research report outlining the question, citations of sources consulted, and findings
• Family trees, charts, or timelines illustrating lines of descent and relationships
• Copies of supporting documents (probate files, deeds, vital records, etc.), as needed
• When requested and appropriate, a notarized affidavit summarizing findings in a court-ready format
• If needed, availability to provide expert testimony or other support in legal proceedings

Engagement Process

Initial Consultation
We begin with a brief consultation to review your case, deadlines, jurisdiction, and the specific genealogical questions involved. This helps confirm whether my services are appropriate and what scope of work is needed.

Scope & Agreement
I outline a proposed scope of research, estimated time, and deliverables. Once you approve, I provide a written agreement and request an initial retainer based on the anticipated work.

Research Phase
I conduct research in the relevant jurisdictions and records, keeping the legal context and deadlines in mind. For longer engagements, we can schedule interim updates so you can make informed decisions as your case progresses.

Reporting & Follow-Up
You receive your report and supporting materials, along with an opportunity to ask questions and request clarifications. If further work is needed—additional research, an updated affidavit, or testimony—we can discuss next steps.

When to Involve a Forensic Genealogist

Consider engaging a forensic genealogist when your case involves:

• Estates with unknown or hard-to-locate heirs
• Disputed or unclear lines of descent
• Real estate matters requiring clarity on prior ownership or successors in interest
• Historical records that are incomplete, conflicting, or difficult to interpret

If you’re unsure whether genealogical research will materially assist your case, I’m happy to review the situation with you and provide an honest assessment.

Discuss a Probate or Real Estate Case

If you have a probate, heirship, or real estate matter that could benefit from professional genealogical research, I’d be glad to talk through your needs and timelines.