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Meehan Professional Research
Member of the Association of Professional Genealogists

Lyn Meehan, Professional Genealogist
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Home/Research Services/DNA and Adoption Research Print This Page

DNA and Adoption Research

DNA evidence can sometimes alone uncover a family mystery. However, DNA testing combined with a paper trail assures a better and sometimes faster result. Testing helps non-parental events such as adoptees and foundlings find their biological parents, assists individuals to confirm ethnicity and helps individuals whose parents are reserved about their background. Planning depends on how quickly the client wants their birth identity found, and the investment. One the successes in researching is the amount of information clients bring prior to or during testing.

What type of customer ARE YOU?
Summary of Service

"Starting from scratch. I am baffled by DNA"

Determine what you want to know. Together we can discuss who is the best candidate for testing, select the best company and formulate a research plan.

"I have tested, but stumped where to go now"


Already tested and received your results? No problem. Now it's time to sort through the DNA matches, analyze the results and start communicating with genetic relatives.

"Want to do-it-myself, just need consultation"

For the do-it-your-selfer, guidance is here.

What to Expect

DNA Research is an investment into a client’s heritage. For most DNA testers it begins as an unknown journey and at times filled with mixed emotions. The results for many can be a delightful progression of new relationships. Others will finally have the gratification in knowing their ethnicity, possible genetic health risks and a paper-trail confirming biological relationships, with some doors still remaining closed.


  • Costs vary with every project. There maybe additional cost for DNA kits when asking potential relatives to be tested for confirmation of the birth family, plus the research complexity in your case study.
  • Timelines. DNA research at times can be quick taking less than three-weeks, but for more complex cases it can be longer. A conclusion depends on the number of DNA results, the range of degree in separation (e.g. 1st, 2nd, 3rd or distant cousins), cooperation in testing by extended or establishing family members, and the amount of sharing and communication the client wishes to participate in. DNA research should be combined with a paper trail assuring a better and sometimes faster results.
  • Finished Product. With DNA analysis, clients receive screen shots of relationship clustering, X and Y-chromosome charting, research progression and more. A brief report is written noting common ancestors, suggested next steps and or conclusion. Sometimes interviews or mediation work is integrated to 'bring families together'. This is done privately, with compassion and respect for both parties.

Testing Companies I Work With

Company
Best Suited For
Data Bank
AncestryDNA
  • launched 2012

unknown parentages: autosomal DNA (atDNA). Everyone has atDNA inherited from both parents.

  • no longer Y-DNA or mtDNA testing
  • X-DNA (through autosomal testing)
    • mother to child
    • father to daughter

Largest autosomal testing database. Over 10 million testers.

  • saliva/spit collection
  • 4-8 week wait
  • genetic cousin matching
  • ethnicity estimates
  • combines DNA testing and family tree
23 and Me
  • launched 2007

unknown parentages: autosomal DNA (atDNA). Everyone has atDNA inherited from both parents.

  • single DNA test
  • X-DNA (through autosomal testing)
    • mother to child
    • father to daughter

Known for having a large autosomal testing database, but also the combination of Health and Ancestry. Best test in finding Native ancestry. Over 5 million testers.

  • saliva/spit collection
  • 6-8 week wait
  • genetic cousin matching
  • ethnicity estimates
MyHeritageDNA

unknown parentages: autosomal DNA (atDNA). Everyone has atDNA inherited from both parents.

  • single DNA test
  • X-DNA (through autosomal testing)
    • mother to child
    • father to daughter

Holds a large European population, including Ashkenazi Jews. Over 2.4 million testers.

Family Tree DNA
  • launched 2000

unknown fathers: Y-chromosome (Y-DNA). Only men can take this test; women do not carry the Y-chromosome.


unknown mothers: X-chromosome (X-DNA). Only women can take this test; women do not carry the Y-chromosome.

Known for specialized testing such as Y-DNA and mtDNA. Nearly 1 million testers.

  • cheek swab testing
  • 6-8 week wait
  • genetic cousin matching
  • ethnicity estimates
Living DNA
  • launched 2018


Specializes in the United Kingdom region (Ireland, England and Scotland)

  • cheek swab testing
  1. All companies offer both ethnicity estimates and a list of relatives who share DNA with you
  2. Each company retains their own database of test results. Matches can result in finding parents, half-siblings, grandparents, cousins from 1st to distant and more.
  3. Most results are returned to testers in about 3-4 weeks, except Living DNA (2 months).

Sharing Information

  • BCG : Standards for DNA Evidence ›
  • BCG : Code of Ethics 'protecting people who provide DNA samples' ›
  • Genetic Genealogy Standards ›
  • NGS : Guidelines for Sharing Information with Others ›
  • Using Promethease › A company that builds a personal DNA report based on your DNA genomes
  • Using DNA Painter Shared cM Project ›
  • Please remember, no genealogical relationship can be proved by DNA alone. If it is, you are running the risk of misrepresentation from your service provider. DNA must be correlated with other forms of evidence. To complete any DNA testing, or move forward with any previous testing, an "Informed Consent" will need to be signed. Potentials clients are orientated to uses and sharing, risks and consequences, options for privacy, compliance with limitations, etc.

Getting Started

Let’s discuss the project to find out your ultimate goal.

Contact Lyn Meehan

  • Genealogy Research
  • Metis Citizenship Application
  • DNA and Adoption Research
  • Heir and Forensic Research
  • Specific Historical Research
  • Personal Biographies
  • Canadian Casualty Identification Program
Where to find Lyn Meehan

14620 – 106 Ave NW
Edmonton, Alberta T5N 1B8
Canada

Get in Touch

(780) 443-0540 or (780) 802-1454

meehanresearch@gmail.com

Meehan Professional Research

Member of the Association of Professional Genealogists

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