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General => Ancestral Family Tree DNA Testing => Topic started by: Paula42 on Wednesday 09 October 19 20:43 BST (UK)
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Hi
I got my mum and dad to have their DNA tested about a year ago. The results came back and it seems to have thrown a real spanner in the works and I am struggling to find the outcome.
It would appear that the man my dad thought was his father, was not.
The test also suggests that the man my mum thought was her father, is not.
My dad's was not a surprise really, I think. Although my dad thought the test was wrong. My dad sadly died in January so he will never know any outcomes that come about from my research.
My mum's however was a big surprise.
The thing is how do I find out where to take my research to identify who the fathers are?
Is this sort of thing common with DNA tests?
Thank you in advance for any help.
Paula
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Are there any relatives of your parents still alive and old enough to be able to answer any "awkward" questions?
Look at your parents birthdates in relation to when their respective parents married as a starting point
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DNA testing is a little like opening Pandora's Box.
If you insist on going down the DNA rote, you really shouldn't be surprised at what you find.
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I agree and is why I choose to have nothing to do with it.
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"Is this sort of thing common with DNA tests?"
The terminology for this sort of discovery is NPE (Non Paternity Event or "not parent expected") and if you google it you will find the extent of the surprising (and sometimes distressing) discoveries people have made after DNA testing.
https://www.npefellowship.org/what-we-do
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As I freely admit I know less that nothing about the current trend for DNA testing to find ancestors
BUT
how do you know that your Mother's father was someone totally different if she was the only person tested - or did her parents have their DNA recorded as well?
Sorry - probably a silly question ???
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Hello Paula, sorry to hear you've had an unexpected result from the DNA test. As ozigal has asked, how have you worked out your Mum and Dad weren't related biologically to their fathers - have their brothers or sisters tested with results showing they are half-siblings?
It would also help if you can confirm which firm you tested with and whether the test was autosomal, Y-DNA or mtDNA. From this, others with DNA experience will be able to advise on the next steps to take.
Best wishes to you, Flemming.
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I had the same question as ozigal.
I am assuming that both of these men, your 'grandfathers', are deceased and have not taken a DNA test?
Have more than one of your mother's siblings taken a DNA test, and have more than one of your father's siblings taken a DNA test? Is this how you found out that your parents have different fathers from their siblings?
If so, it could be that the sibling is the illegitimate one rather than your mother and/or father?
Sorry if I am on the wrong track here. :)
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It is actually fairly common to find surprises when taking DNA tests. Just take things a step at a time and start to analyse and group your matches. By looking at the trees of the matches that do not fit naturally into your previous paper trail tree you will be able to identify common ancestors for those matches and gradually build trees to figure out who your unknown ancestors may have been. Good luck in your search.
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Thank you all for your opinions.
Both my grandfathers are long gone, sadly. There is only my mum left and unfortunately she does not know anything, all a surprise.
Craclyn, I will take your advice and just go slowly through everything, not a lot else I can do.
Thank you all
Paula
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Alternatively, you could take the view that the men who brought your parents up are your real grandfathers. There's more to being a father than contributing a few sperm.
It all depends what you want out of your genealogy search.
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Paula - I'd really like to know how you are able to ascertain that your parents were not the natural children of their "known" father/mother.
Is there a way of finding this info with only their DNA being tested?
As I said - I know nothing on the subject and am interested in finding answers.
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Paula - I'd really like to know how you are able to ascertain that your parents were not the natural children of their "known" father/mother.
Me too!
The reason I'm asking is, I have access to my brothers' DNA & yet to identify a connection with our maternal line, neither by surnames or areas in common ???
I certainly don't think my mother didn't give birth to my brother i.e. I'm wondering if you have a similar thing?
If it's with high matches who's to say the others weren't from affairs rather than your parents?
Annie...with my DNA kit (since June), looking at it & wondering, do I or don't I? ::)
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You
should must take that test Annie!!! ;D
I was wondering the same - how do you know that your father/mother is the illegitimate son/ daughter?
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You should must take that test Annie!!! ;D
Don't do it, Annie! :D
Not unless you are mentally prepared for ANY answers that get thrown up.
KG (Proud to be a DNA Luddite!)
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I agree and is why I choose to have nothing to do with it.
Me too.
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Do it Annie, but face it with a desire to know the truth and prepare yourself for potential surprises.