Forensic Genealogy: Theory & Practice
We are pleased to announce a new forensic genealogy book
Catherine Becker Wiest Desmarais, CG
Michael S. Ramage, JD, CG
Forensic genealogy applies genealogical knowledge, methods, and standards to legal problems and proceedings. Forensic Genealogy: Theory & Practice is the first comprehensive textbook on this field of study. It is the brainchild of Michael S. Ramage, JD, CG, and Catherine Becker Wiest Desmarais, CG. Contributing authors include Kelvin L. Meyers, FTxSGS; Angie Bush, David Gurney, JD, PhD; Cairenn Binder, and Rich Venezia. Thomas W. Jones, PhD, CG, CGG, CGL, FASG, FNGS, FUGA, is its editor. Published by the National Genealogical Society in 2025, Forensic Genealogy: Theory & Practice sets a standard of professionalism and expertise across all areas of forensic genealogy practice.
The first eight chapters discuss areas of forensic genealogy specialization:
- Missing and Unknown Estate Heirs: Law and Procedure
- Real Estate Issues
- Mineral Interests
- Military Repatriation
- Solving Unknown Parentage Cases with DNA
- Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG)
- Dual Citizenship
- Other specialties such as tort cases, copyright and trademark, guardianships, and more.
Part 2 covers forensic genealogy skill development:
- Business Considerations
- Privacy and Ethical Issues
- Evidence and Proof
- Finding Living People
- Written Work Products
- Courtroom Issues and Skills
The book is available in the NGS online store.
Price for NGS members: $45.00
Price for non-members: $55.00
Details — facts — are the stones from which solid genealogical houses are constructed. But a heap of stones is not a house. The strength of each stone needs to be examined, and weak ones culled. Those that withstand critical examination must be fitted together tightly, matching the protrusions in one to the indentations in the other.
Elizabeth Shown Mills and Gary B. Mills, “Editor’s Corner: Facts: Do They Really Speak for Themselves?” National Genealogical Society Quarterly 86:4 (December 1998), third unnumbered page. Used with permission.