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Original poster

Unknown Bio Parent - DNA Testing?

18 replies

dnadoordnadont · 20/02/2021 18:54

Has anyone used DNA testing in an attempt to track down a bio parent/family?

I had a brief look at the Ancestry site, but would be good to hear from anyone who has actually tried this.

Thanks

OP posts:
IdesMarchof · 20/02/2021 18:54

There is a lady who specialises in this isn’t there? I will try to link but sure you’ve seen her interviews etc

IdesMarchof · 20/02/2021 18:56

This is the woman I was thinking of:

juliabelldna.co.uk/

IdesMarchof · 20/02/2021 18:56

Are you adopted op? Or have one unknown parent? This must be a very big decision Flowers

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Families
CreepyPasta · 20/02/2021 18:57

Hi OP. I tracked down my BF through My Heritage. It wasn’t a direct link to him but to 3 first cousins who were able to confirm some details that matched with my adoption records.

CarelessSquid07A · 20/02/2021 19:04

I'm trying this at the moment. I've found lots of cousins so I'm managing to narrow things down but it's hard work.

I did 23andme but also need to do ancestry as you can't swap between them although you can use their data for loads of other matching sites as well.

Todaytomorrowyesterday · 20/02/2021 19:07

It can link you to family’s but not necessarily direct leads. Unless the ‘parent or other very close relative’ has had the DNA test.

It could also throw up very confusing links - my Mums Dad was brought up by his grandparents as his parents (their daughters son).
The wider family has had members DNA tests....it links his grandfather as his father through my DNA. (Father is actually unknown)
It’s due to my lack of fully understanding DNA could be very confusing & not having that conversation with my Mum!

Original poster
dnadoordnadont · 20/02/2021 19:07

I'd like to find out who my bio father is.

Thanks for the link @IdesMarchof I'll take a look.

And thanks for all these replies. Didn't actually expect many!

OP posts:
IdesMarchof · 20/02/2021 19:13

I hope it works op if you decide to take the plunge. Is there any information known about him?

This bit from that website is very interesting:

“ SO, HOW DOES ‘DNA’ WORK TO SOLVE THESE MYSTERIES?

Many will say, if my parents haven’t tested how can I find them? Surely they need to be on the database? The simple answer to this question is: NO. Autosomal DNA testing can identify a shared common ancestor pair back 5-7 generations.

By cross referencing family trees of genetic cousins on the databases and messaging those that show as the closer matches it is possible to deduce who shares common ancestors. Then it is a matter of tracing descendants forward and some trial and error to eventually identify the biological parent of an individual with an unknown parent.

It is like completing a jigsaw puzzle: the amount of DNA shared shows how close the genetic cousin matches are.

An expert safe cracker once said: no safe is uncrackable, it is just that some take much longer to open than others. Julia believes that is also the case with unknown parentage mysteries.”

IdesMarchof · 20/02/2021 19:15

Do you have good RL support around you from friends/family to support you through the searching phase and if you find him?

Original poster
dnadoordnadont · 20/02/2021 19:52

@IdesMarchof yes, I do.

My mum also passed when I was a child, and then my stepdad. My brother and I were raised by my stepdads family. My aunt and uncle know I'm curious to know where I come from, and my brother gets it.

OP posts:
IdesMarchof · 20/02/2021 20:08

That’s good that there are close family to support you. I’m so sorry that you lost your mum and stepdad

autumnboys · 20/02/2021 20:24

Yes, I have some current experience of this.

Ancestry is good because once it’s been processed you can down load your DNA file and upload it to a couple of other sites, which increases your chances of finding people. Ancestry also has a Facebook page where sometimes you can find ‘search angels’ who will help you.

You’re welcome to PM me if you’d like more details, happy to share a bit more.

Original poster
dnadoordnadont · 21/02/2021 14:22

Thank you @autumnboys. I'll give it a bit more thought and may be in touch! Smile

OP posts:
Original poster
dnadoordnadont · 21/02/2021 14:23

@IdesMarchof

That’s good that there are close family to support you. I’m so sorry that you lost your mum and stepdad
Thank you @IdesMarchof
OP posts:
Embroideredstars · 21/02/2021 14:58

I know of someone who did this, but they started out with just general interest about back ground and subsequently found a parent through other family members being linked on there. The parent wasnt on there directly.

SprogletsMum · 21/02/2021 15:02

My mum found her birth father on ancestry. She's met him plus her two half sisters and a few nieces.
He certainly led a fun life in his youth and had multiple families scattered around who all knew him by different names.

Original poster
dnadoordnadont · 21/02/2021 15:28

Yes, i wouldn't expect him to be on there. Hardly something you'd do if you decided you didn't want a relationship with your child.

OP posts:
mrssunshinexxx · 21/02/2021 19:23

Sorry no experience of this but I Hope you get the outcome you are hoping for @dnadoordnadont

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