Not the father

[Paula42]

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

[CaroleW]

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

[KGarrad]

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.

[Milliepede]

I agree and is why I choose to have nothing to do with it. 

[IgorStrav]

"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

[~buttons~]

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 

[Flemming]

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.

[Ruskie]

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. 

[Craclyn]

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.