How to Claim Ancestry
Claiming ancestry to a specific person in order to obtain rights as an heir to property or an estate can be a complicated task. Positive proof of identity and lineage is required. In the case of distant relatives, this can be a time-consuming task. Distant relationships can be difficult to prove. Many times it is advisable to enlist the services of a professional genealogist or an estate attorney. This is especially true if rights to a large inheritance are at stake.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
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1
Write out everything that is known about the person or property you wish to claim ancestry to. If you do not have a family tree to work from, you must create one. Start with yourself; then add parents, grandparents and great grandparents to the tree.
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2
Add all of your collateral relatives to the tree. Collateral relatives are aunts, uncles and cousins.
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Locate and obtain copies of all vital records including birth, marriage, divorce and adoption records. Estate and probate records should be included in the search. Certified copies of all documents are required. A certified copy will have a raised seal from the issuing agency.
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Search through old newspapers to obtain obituaries. Many times obituaries list the names of family members.
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Trace your lineage through DNA testing. Males should use a Y-chromosome test and females use a mtDNA or mitochondrial DNA test. If you know the person well to whom you are attempting to prove inheritance rights, ask him to submit to a DNA test as well. Compare the results to others who have matches. Companies that provide DNA testing for genealogical purposes will help you with locating matches.
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Review your family tree. There should be a supporting document for every relationship listed that links you to the person to whom you wish to claim ancestry. Certified documents carry more weight than items such as obituaries. You may wish to have a professional genealogist review your research.
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Take your family tree and all supporting documents to an attorney specializing in estates. Explain your relationship to the property or person in question. The attorney will then use the information provided to go through the court system to claim you as a legal heir.
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Tips & Warnings
If others have claim to the same property or person, you can expect a lengthy court battle. It is highly unusual to successfully lay legal claim to the ancestry of a person or property without the aid of an attorney.
