Can searcher companies get it wrong !

[Cas (stallc)]

Thank you Cas for your caring comment. No I never went down the DNA route but just found an investigative company and hired their services.

With very much respect..how can you be 100% sure the agency are correct if your DNA was not tested. DNA cannot lie.

I am surprised they would give you this life changing info, without confirmation.

At a hefty fee!

[Cas (stallc)]

I am not suggesting you should, but maybe a DNA test would answer your questions.  Ancestry is the largest  database, it sometimes has discounts... there maybe one due for father's day shortly. Around £59.00 discounted if I remember correctly.

People that match your DNA are mostly open to connection. You can build a tree, possibly learn more than the agency has given you, which I don't know how they can prove the findings correct.

A paper trail is just that, which I spent many expensive years accumulating. Only to find after DNA testing, one line was incorrect, that my paper trail said was correct.. As said, DNA cannot lie.

Just a few thoughts

Cas

[Biggles50]

The cash expended to date is well, best wrote off as experience.

The best route IMO, is taking a DNA test, it is the only method short of your Biological Father turning up on your doorstep  that you have any effective means of seeking paternity.

I suggest that you order an Ancestry DNA test, supply the sample and post it back to them.

Meanwhile learn about DNA, starting with this thread:-

https://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=863488.0

DNA can be very revealing and questions can be answered, but it can require a lot of time and effort.

We can help more once you have the results of your DNA test.

[tomjackliam]

Cas I think you make some fair points and youe experience is the same as mine in that the line the agency have taken just somehow doesn't seem right. Having said that Via Google I found a small company advertising under the name I have and it's owner is supposedly my half brother is depicted. He definitely looks like me and like me has a cleft chin which isn't that common. But I take your point about a DNA check given it's not that expensive. It could also confirm my sister isn't actually my sister as well.

[Robert_Britt]

I did my DNA through ancestry and it correctly identified several nieces and nephews as well as first, second and third cousins, which when I contacted them I found to be accurate as well. I met (through email) a second cousin and we have corresponded back and forth a few times.

[Ruskie]

I agree with those who suggest you take a DNA test. In cases such as yours I think a DNA test is especially useful, if not vital.

Yes, Ancestry has the largest database but keep in mind that to get the most out of the results, it is now necessary to pay an ongoing annual subscription, so you can see who you match with.

Without a subscription, what you can see is very limited. If you can afford to do so, take out a subscription once your results come through. There are a couple of threads here on rootschat with a link to a very much reduced offer.

Ancestry also divide your results into paternal and maternal sides, which can be helpful.

If you need more help, don’t hesitate to ask. There are many DNA experts here who will be willing to assist.

[tomjackliam]

I did my DNA through ancestry and it correctly identified several nieces and nephews as well as first, second and third cousins, which when I contacted them I found to be accurate as well. I met (through email) a second cousin and we have corresponded back and forth a few times.

Glas it worked out for you Robert. It's definitely worth trying for me.

[tomjackliam]

I agree with those who suggest you take a DNA test. In cases such as yours I think a DNA test is especially useful, if not vital.

Yes, Ancestry has the largest database but keep in mind that to get the most out of the results, it is now necessary to pay an ongoing annual subscription, so you can see who you match with.

Without a subscription, what you can see is very limited. If you can afford to do so, take out a subscription once your results come through. There are a couple of threads here on rootschat with a link to a very much reduced offer.

Ancestry also divide your results into paternal and maternal sides, which can be helpful.

If you need more help, don’t hesitate to ask. There are many DNA experts here who will be willing to assist.

Thanks Ruskie clearly great advice.

[aghadowey]

I don't see how you can blame a 'searcher company' for lack of response to what seem to be your birth father's family- or am I reading your original post incorrectly and it's another issue that is the problem?
I was contacted by a close DNA match a few years ago. The situation is more complex than they realise. I did explain that I couldn't help them because it would hurt several innocent people but the other factor was the information I found when checking the details of the match's father.