Your Most Common Genealogy Questions Answered

Begin by starting a family tree online or off. You can find the best options here. Then, document what your family already knows before you begin your research. Read our get started guide.

DNA is not a required part of genealogical research, but it can be very helpful. We’ve done a pretty thorough comparison to help you choose the best option for your needs, so explore that before deciding.

There are many wonderful questions that can help you with your family tree. Here are 100 to inspire you. Always be thoughtful with someone’s time and emotions during interviews.

Absolutely not. It’s estimated that only 10% of genealogical records are available online; the rest are in archives, courthouses, libraries, and other earth-bound places. Here’s how to find them.

Start right here. Understanding your surname, including researching geographical distribution, variations, and who else has it, can really help your family history research. 

No special research is required. If you have a specific line you suspect contains royal relations, start there. Royal ancestry will reveal itself, if present, as you carefully build your family tree.

Yes! Researching a wider circle of family, friends, and even neighbors uncovers hidden information and paints a much more vivid picture of your direct ancestors’ lives.

Cousin kinships can be quite confusing! Your relationship with someone is based on the earliest direct ancestor you share, but even many long-time researchers still consult a chart to figure that out.

No. You can never assume that someone else’s research is accurate, and copying their tree can mean spreading their mistakes. Review trees with caution and compare them to your own research.

Breaking down a tough brick wall in your research requires an organized and systematic approach. Get some help here, or look for the 8-step brick wall plan in our Master course.

A vital record is one that is issued by governments or other entities to certify birth, death, marriage, or divorce. Some vital records are available online, here’s how to access them.

If your family doesn’t recall where your ancestor was buried, check out an online gravesite database (like Find a Grave) or look for clues in death certificates or obituaries. Here’s some help.

All sorts of relationships make up what we call “family” and, therefore, help to shape our histories – but whether or not you include non blood related family in your tree is up to you. Here’s help.

You can share a link to your online family tree via email or text easily from most programs, or you can create something more enduring like a book, binder, print or keepsake. Check out these ideas.

You do. It is vital that every single detail be properly sourced or you will likely end up with an inaccurate tree. Learn about citing sources here or in our easy-to-use online Master course.

You’re never really “done” researching your family history. There are always new people, stories, and records to add to your tree. Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to source everything!