The Legacy Tree Genealogists Blog

Hand-picked, tested and trained, our professional genealogist team knows how to find your story. We search the world for answers. Find the un-findable. And we’re experts at everything from tracking down rare international records to analyzing DNA test results. Based near the world’s largest family history library in downtown Salt Lake City, we also work with researchers and archives around the globe. Contact us today if you would like help discovering your ancestors!

The Journey of DNA’s Inheritance Paths: mtDNA and Y-DNA

September 18, 2020 by Paul - Legacy Tree Genealogists Researcher Leave a Comment

DNA has taken a far-ranging journey from our ancestors of long ago. The stories in this article demonstrate how mtDNA and Y-DNA can be used to solve research problems based on DNA inheritance patterns.*This article originally appeared in NGS Magazine, and is reprinted with permission.Each human has DNA, a biological code that affects many physical, emotional, and behavioral characteristics. Humans inherit copies of DNA from their parents, who in turn inherited portions of DNA from their parents, grandparents, and other ancestors.The journey that DNA takes from ancestor to descendants, from generation to generation over hundreds of years, follows four major DNA inheritance paths. DNA testing and consideration of these patterns enable researchers to uncover information about their biological heritage. Two inheritance paths, mitochondrial DNA and Y-DNA, are discussed in this article.The nature of genetic inheritance can sometimes make DNA even more valuable for genealogical …

Probate Courts are Beginning to Reopen…Let’s Get Ready to Notify!

September 11, 2020 by Jacqueline - Legacy Tree Genealogists Forensic Researcher Leave a Comment

Are you a probate attorney, paralegal, estate administrator, fiduciary, or investor? Probate courts are beginning to open. Be prepared and beat the rush! Our team of forensic genealogists’ shares tips to ensure you’re ready to notify.As probate courts begin to reopen, the courts will be inundated with new cases. It will be more important than ever to be ready and to achieve as much progress as possible in each hearing and avoid unnecessary continuances.Each state has very specific laws requiring different tasks to be achieved at different times. Generally, there are five groups of parties who must be notified: Heirs-at-Law (whether they are named as beneficiaries in a will or not). Named beneficiaries in the decedent’s will, if a will was made. Creditors Government agencies: Social Security Administration, Veteran’s Administration, U.S. Postal Service, etc. Others, such as retirement and pension plans, insurance companies, etc.Often, the trickiest …

Are You Set Up for Success? 4 Tips to Get the Most from Your 23andMe DNA Test

September 4, 2020 by Debra - Legacy Tree Genealogists Genetic Researcher Leave a Comment

Are you set up for success? We share four tips to help you get the most from your 23andMe DNA test.The popularity of DNA testing in recent years has resulted in a tremendous increase in the numbers of testers in the DNA companies’ databases. Those testers represent a wide spectrum of motivations, genealogy experience, and understanding of test results. But regardless of where you fall on the spectrum, one thing is certain: everyone wants something in return for their investment. So how can you best setup your DNA test for success? The answers depend upon where you have tested. We will focus this discussion on configurable ancestry-related tools at 23andMe, and not on any health-related features they offer. Set up Your ProfileOne of the most important opportunities to ensure success comes with setting up your profile, even with how you display your name. To maximize clarity regarding your ancestry for your matches, include your maiden name if you are married. If you …

Legacy Tree Onsite: The Historical National Archive in Cape Verde

August 28, 2020 by Legacy Tree Genealogists Leave a Comment

Legacy Tree Genealogists works with researchers from across the globe to access records for our clients. We asked one of our onsite researchers located in Cape Verde to share an overview of the record collections available at the Historical National Archive in Cape Verde.Historically, Cape Verde’s archipelago was a meeting point for citizens from Europe, America and Africa, mostly due to the slave trade, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Due to this unique past, the documents contained in the archives of Cape Verde can reveal answers about the shared past between Portugal and its islands of Azores and Madeira, Spain and the Canary Islands, the neighbouring countries of Angola, Mozambique, and Saint Tomé and Principe, and even Brazil. Cape Verde ArchivesCape Verde’s historical legacy is preserved in the Historical National Archive (HNA), which has its headquarters in the old colonial customs building in Gamboa, Praia, on Santiago island. It is responsible for the protection of …