
How to Research Orphaned and Adopted Children in Your Genealogy Premium
Legal adoption wasn’t common until the past century or so. Here are five historical scenarios you can use to research your orphaned and adopted ancestors.
Read More
Case Study: Discovering a New Sibling Through DNA Results
An expected close relative led to an astonishing DNA discovery, giving one researcher a new sibling—and information on a long-hidden wartime romance.
Read More
How to Use Shared DNA to Determine Relationships Premium
DNA testing has opened up new doors for researchers hoping to find their birth parents. Learn how to use data in your DNA results to figure out relationships.
Read More
Adoption Resources for Discovering Your Birth Family Premium
Finding birth families is a goal for adoptees, foundlings and donor-conceived persons alike. These adoption genealogy tools, books and websites will show you how.
Read More
MyHeritage’s DNA Quest Reunites Family in New Zealand
Two half-siblings reconnected with each other and their long-lost birth father thanks to a pro bono DNA program.
Read More
4 Steps to Creating a Mirror Tree to Find Your Birth Family Premium
DNA testing has played a critical role in reuniting families around the world. Learn how to create mirror trees on AncestryDNA, the largest of the testing services.
Read MoreFree 10 Essential Genealogy Research Forms
Sign up for the Family Tree Newsletter and get 10 research forms as a special thanks!

One Man’s Successful Search for His Sperm-Donor Father Premium
Professional genealogist John Vanek’s successful search for his sperm-donor father—and the men’s thoughtful navigation through their new relationship—offer inspiration to birth family searchers.
Read More
5 First Steps to Researching Your Own Adoption Premium
Beginning to find a birth family may feel overwhelming. Simplify researching your adoption by taking these 5 easy first steps.
Read More
DNA Q&A: How Are Adoptees Related to Their DNA Matches?
Learn how adoptees can determine relationships with their DNA matches based on centimorgans.
Read More
Find Adoption Support Premium
You can find help, both practical and emotional, in searching for your "hidden roots" through an adoption support group. Some groups include just one segment of the adoption "triad": adoptee groups, birth parent support groups and adoptive parent groups. Others involve everyone affiliated with adoption. Some search agencies actually...
Read More
Finding Adoption Answers Premium
You've got questions about discovering, preserving and celebrating your family history; our experts have the answers.
Read More
Early Adopters Premium
If an adopted or orphaned ancestor is impeding your research progress, use these 11 strategies to foster new family tree finds.
Read More