Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach out to us at [email protected] if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Genealogy
Genealogy is the study of a person’s ancestors and their lineages through time. Traditional genealogy primarily rely on the analysis of documents to verify the various ancestral relationships.
The importance of genealogy varies from person to person. For some, genealogy is about identifying ancestors, their descendants, and the relationships they share; for others, genealogy could be about preserving family history or, perhaps, a personal legacy. Genealogy is a way to honor our ancestors by understanding the people, places, and events that molded their lives to help us, hopefully, better understand ourselves.
No. Online sources are helpful, but it is estimated that only about 10% of available genealogical relevant documents are available online.
Simply put… Research. The process of proving or disproving family lore often requires extensive research using a variety of different sources and record types.
Genetic Genealogy
Genetic genealogy is the use of DNA testing to determine familial relationships between individuals and to infer ancestral ethnicity. By comparing autosomal DNA, Y-DNA or mtDNA of two or more people, genealogists can scientifically establish degrees of relatedness.
DNA testing is optional and whether you need a DNA test largely depends on your specific research goals. DNA testing can provide valuable insights to supplement traditional genealogy research but isn’t always necessary.
DNA can be used to confirm or disprove biological relationships; determine ethnic origins; identify unknown parentage; find new relatives; break through ‘brick walls’; and trace maternal and paternal lines. It is important to note that DNA testing should be used in conjunction with traditional genealogical research methods.
The three main type of DNA tests are: autosomal DNA (atDNA), Y-chromosome DNA (Y-DNA), and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) tests.
Autosomal DNA is inherited from both parents and all ancestral lines and is based on analysis of the 22 pairs of non-sex chromosomes, called autosomes. atDNA is most commonly used for genealogy and can help identify genetic relatives.
Y-DNA is only present in males and is passed directly from the father to son along paternal lines. Y-DNA is useful for exploring direct paternal lineages and can potentially trace ancestry very far back in time.
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is passed from the mother to her children (both sons and daughters) along the direct maternal line. mtDNA is useful for exploring direct maternal lines and can potentially trace ancestry very far back in time.
Each type of DNA test provides different insights into one’s ancestry. Many genealogists opt to take multiple types of DNA tests to gain a more comprehensive understanding of their ancestry. At Before You Genealogy we can help you determine which test(s), and testing company would be most beneficial to your project and provide analysis and explanations of the results.
The best DNA test depends on your genealogical goals. Autosomal DNA (atDNA) is best for ethnicity estimates and finding genetic cousins across all lines. Y chromosome DNA (Y-DNA) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) tests trace direct paternal and maternal lineages respectively.
Several considerations should be taken into account before you take a DNA test: Cost, privacy concerns, test type, managing expectations about what DNA can and cannot reveal, and testing company policies are among the questions you should have answers to before taking a test.
Autosomal DNA is highly effective at identifying relationships 5 to 6 generations back. For smaller segments of shared DNA, it is possible to determine relationships farther back, however the likelihood of that is dependent on many other factors. Y-DNA and mtDNA can potentially trace some lineages back hundreds of years.
Ethnicity estimates from DNA are best regarded as approximations due to limitation of reference populations, admixture populations, algorithms used, margin of error, etc. Overall, DNA ethnicities are a useful starting point for exploring ancestral origins. However, genetic genealogy should be combined with traditional genealogy.
While full siblings share about 50% of their autosomal DNA (atDNA) on average, the specific segments they inherit from each parent can vary significantly. This is due to the random shuffling and recombination of DNA that occurs during the formation of eggs and sperm.
Before You Genealogy
Yes, Before You Genealogy is a legitimate genealogy service that is registered and licensed to provide professional genealogy services. Our team of genealogists are highly skilled and experienced in conducting genealogical research, have completed formal genealogical education, have received certificates in genealogical research, investigative genetic genealogy, as well as other aspects of genealogy.
Genealogists are faced with a variety of ethical decisions in their research, including adoptions, non-paternal events, criminals, and other revealing family secrets. As a member of the various genealogical societies, Before You Genealogy operates under the highest ethical standards in the genealogy industry. We at Before You Genealogy are committed to conducting all genealogical research with integrity, honesty, and respect for the privacy of the individuals involved. We strictly adhere to the Code of Ethics as set forth by organizations such as the Association of Professional Genealogists and the Board for Certification of Genealogists.
Some key ethical principles that guide our work include:
Confidentiality – We keep all client information complete confidential unless explicityly permitted to share details. Privacy Is of utmost importance to us.
Accuracy – Our research processes emphasize verified primary sources over assumptions. We present facts objectively without altering records.
Transparency – We are upfront about our methods, limitations of available records, and fees for services rendered. There is no obscuring of information.
Respect – We treat all family histories, cultures, and religious traditions with dignity and sensitivity.
Objectivity – We avoid injecting personal agendas or biases into the research. We pursue documented facts impartially.
If you are unsatisfied with our services and wish to request a refund, you must submit your request in writing (e-mail).
Upon receiving your refund request, we will calculate the amount to be refunded based on the time our researchers have already dedicated to your project. The refund amount will be your initial deposit minus:
- The cost for time spent researching your genealogy up until the refund request.
- A 4% processing fee to cover payment facilitation costs.
It is important to note that refunds are determined solely by the remaining billable hours, not the actual research findings. As genealogical research can be unpredictable, we cannot guarantee specific results.
All original written content, analysis, and compilations produced by our genealogists during the research process are considered intellectual property and are protected under copyright law. This includes the narratives, family trees, timelines, and any other original works included in the final report we deliver to clients.
Specifically, the copyright extends to the way information is presented, organized, and described, not necessarily the underlying genealogical facts and data points themselves. However, the unique way our researchers express and compile these facts is protected.
Upon delivery, the client receives a license to use the report for personal, non-commercial purposes within their family. However, Before You Genealogy maintains the copyright ownership. Reproducing, redistributing or repurposing substantial portions of the report without our written consent is prohibited.
This protection allows us to safeguard the hard work of our professional genealogy team while still giving clients reasonable use of the customized report they've commissioned.
We take intellectual property rights very seriously at Before You Genealogy. Applying proper copyright enables us to uphold high standards and provide premium genealogical services tailored to each client's needs.
If DNA testing is right for you, Before You Genealogy can recommend which DNA test and testing company would be most beneficial to your project and provide analysis and explanations of the results.