The Function of a Legal Genealogist

Tracing genealogies, or family trees, can be a fascinating hobby, as many people have found out. In recent years, this activity has become popular, as growing television and Internet programs provide a wealth of previously unavailable information. As the genealogist searches for these records, he or she must use special techniques to interpret old records, especially Latin ones. They also have to investigate extensively into the lives of many people.

Who does a genealogist work for? Most genealogists do private work for personal clients. This is not usually the work of a legal genealogist, since the goal of the private genealogist is to establish distant familial relationships. Although the legal genealogist certainly can get into that realm, it is usually in relation to establishing heirships. In the legal arena, genealogists usually operate in four primary areas. They are employed to accomplish: The first is to establish genealogical relationships between living people. This residential relationship often is used in estate matters to identify heirs of the decedent who may claim an interest in the estate. Cases of identity include establishing whether the person listed in birth certificate was adopted or not identifying the parent of a child where the birth records have not been established. Trace genealogy differs from genealogical research by assisting in biological evidence. Biological evidence often involves retrieving DNA samples, and can include hair, blood, and other materials from living people. Trace genealogy is accomplished by the modern technology-based genealogist, who must undergo special training in these DNA studies. Genetic genealogy goes one step beyond trace genealogy. It utilizes the unique properties of DNA sequencing to review and determine the historical relationships of living persons. This research is accomplished by determining the number of generations back in history that the genome shows historical matches. The number of generations deep that the DNA goes determines the level of genetic relationship, whether that is a first cousin, ancestor or just a contemporary relative. Genetic genealogists also are able to use sequencing technology to determine other physical characteristics, such as gender, eye and hair color, and other physical traits.

As with any researcher, the genealogist brings their own unique knowledge and experience into the research. A genealogist with experience in history may apply that knowledge into the study of ancient civilizations. Anormal genealogist may integrate his or her knowledge of the sciences into genealogical research. For example, if the researcher has an interest in biology and the sciences, he or she may study the genealogical and bio-historical records of ancient civilizations. In the construction industry, the interests and applications of genealogical research are immense. It makes good economic sense to utilize the skills of a genealogist when looking to increase efficiencies, and decrease production costs. For example, the property that you are considering acquiring whereas runs along a stream may be impacted by an old water rights matter. The issue of to whom the property would be transferred upon the death of the owner can have significant impacts on future development. The best way to ascertain whether or not the water rights will be transferred is to utilize the skills of a legal genealogist. The genealogist would research the chain of title, basically the property record, of the land to determine whether or not the property rights were transferred, and if so, when and to whom they were passed. The same can be done for all aspects of the property in question. It also can be used to establish a legal description of the land, which is essential for determining exactly what property is included in the transaction. This process of determining the chain also can significantly assist with land disputes. Waters or rivers that flow across multiple states, or multiple pieces of property, may be in dispute that ultimately results in a lawsuit. How are these lawsuits resolved? By tracing the legal description of the property. Another example of the applicability of legal genealogy is in the mining and petroleum industries. Finding sources of oil, gas, or minerals can be a time-consuming process. Again, it can help to have a genealogist on board to assist in the research process, and in assisting you with the resolution. It can benefit the construction industry tremendously in a number of different ways. It can identify the level of ownership, right, or lineage that the property has. It can help identify whether rights attached to a property can be passed on to future generations, and whether they will be transferred upon the death of the present owner. It can help identify disputes or conflicts that may arise with regard to the chain of title, or ability to settle on or gain access to the property. Professional genealogists have many tools at their disposal to accomplish goals. Utilizing tech tools, such as genetic studies, to reviewing historical and biographical data, can provide tremendous insight into issues that may impact your business. The who, what, why, and how of genealogically based research is a project. More often than not, it requires more than just simply Googling your great-great-great-grandfather to get results. The work of the genealogist is not as scary or as labor intensive as it may sound, but it does require a bit of education and skill. They often utilize special search tools to identify family members, since the census records are not available for public viewing before 1850 and 1930 for census records before 1940.