DNA & genetic genealogy
Interpreting matches, shared DNA, family clusters, and traditional records together to investigate relationships.
Careful research · clear answers
Every family has a story. Let’s see what we can uncover.
Personal genealogy research for the questions that matter to you—from DNA matches and unknown family connections to records, newspapers, cemeteries, and family trees.
Introductory rate for dedicated research time. No genealogy experience needed.
A family story, waiting
Follow the names · compare the records · listen to the evidence
Handled
with care
with care
Where the clues can lead.
A brief introduction to research that looks beyond names on a tree—following records, DNA, overlooked details, and unexpected connections to bring a family story together.
Have a family question of your own?
Let’s see where the clues lead.
Book 2 Hours of Research — $80 Introductory Rate
Bookings aren’t open quite yet. Susan will personally email you the moment they are.
Notify me when bookings open01DNA & family connections02Records & archives03Clear, sourced findings
“You don’t need to arrive with a perfect research plan.”
Not sure where to begin?
Sometimes all you have is a name, a DNA match, an old family story, or a question no one has answered. That’s enough. Tell me what you know and what you hope to discover, and we’ll begin there.
Tell me your questionResearch shaped around your question.
You do not need to know which databases to search or what kind of research to request. Bring the question; I’ll help identify a thoughtful path forward.
Unknown parentage & connections
Careful, evidence-led research for adoption, unknown parents, and long-unanswered family questions.
Records & newspapers
Census, vital, newspaper, obituary, cemetery, and archival research that follows people through time and place.
Family trees & brick walls
Building or reviewing family lines, checking evidence, and finding useful next steps when a trail has gone quiet.
I look beyond the obvious path.
ABOUT ME
Genealogy has always been more than collecting names and dates for me. I love the search—the small clues, unexpected connections, and moments when pieces that didn’t seem related suddenly begin to come together.
My strongest area is DNA and genetic genealogy, particularly when the answer isn’t sitting neatly on the expected branch of a family tree. I also work with historical records, newspapers, family stories, locations, and the people surrounding a family. Sometimes the clue that moves research forward is found by looking beyond the person or branch we thought we needed to follow.
I especially enjoy the difficult questions: unknown parentage, DNA mysteries, missing family connections, and research that has reached a brick wall. I can’t promise that every question will have an answer, but I can promise to follow the evidence carefully, explain what I find honestly, and never turn a possibility into a fact before the evidence supports it.
I also understand that genealogy can uncover much more than we expected. Discoveries can bring excitement and connection, but they can also bring surprise, grief, or complicated feelings. Your story and your information will always be approached with kindness, privacy, and respect.
Your questions are welcome here.
Your information is personal and treated with care.
Possibilities are explored, not presented as facts.
And when the expected path ends, I’m willing to look beyond it.
A clear, gentle process.
From your first question to the final report, you’ll know what happens next.
Share what matters
Tell me what you most want to know and anything you already have—names, dates, places, stories, DNA details, links, or documents.
I follow the evidence
I spend two focused hours researching your question, checking sources, recording searches, and looking for connections.
You receive a clear report
You receive the findings, source details, an honest assessment, and practical next steps for continuing the research.
Simple, accessible pricing.
One focused block, with no complicated package to choose.
$80one 2-hour research block
- Two focused hours on your research question
- A written summary of findings
- Sources and records noted clearly
- Possible next steps, even when the trail is difficult
You’re purchasing research time—not a promised result.
Genealogy depends on the records and evidence that survive. A block may answer a question, uncover a useful lead, rule out a path, or show that more research is needed. You will always receive an honest account of the work completed.
Book with Beyond Roots & Branches Genealogy.
Finding unexpected connections that bring a family story together
Begin with the question that matters most. Complete the short intake, then pay $80 securely through Stripe.
Step one
Choose your research block
There is one simple starting option.
Focused genealogy researchTwo hours · findings, sources, and next steps
$80
Step two
Start with your question
No professional research brief needed. Your own words are best.
Step three
Pay securely with Stripe
Complete your $80 payment for one 2-hour research block on Stripe’s secure page.
Stripe opens in a new tab so your intake answers stay here. After payment, return to this page to add any helpful details.
Step four
Add details & contact preferences
Share only what feels relevant. Your email address is requested so I can introduce myself and follow up; you can choose Messenger if you prefer to continue there.
Step five
Review your request
If you completed your payment on Stripe, keep a copy of your prepared request for your records.
This sends your request directly to Susan so she can prepare for your research.
Send my request to SusanReviews, in clients’ own words.
This space is reserved for genuine experiences. No sample testimonials or invented ratings.
What Susan researched:Who my bio father was!
The outcome:We found him!
His review:She is amazing very patient kind and may I add very fast at what she does! She takes the time out to get it done she has a heart of gold and a heart for people she want stop until she has it done for you! She lets you know everything ever step of the way I love her and I will recommend her she help me find my dad and siblings and again I choose her any day over anyone
He also added:It's worth it she is amazing and will get you accurate results again choose her ms Susan!
— Calvin Durham
Real stories will live here.
Past clients are invited to share an honest rating and a few words about the research experience. Reviews appear only after they have been submitted and permission has been given to publish them.
If we’ve worked together before, you’re invited to share your experience through the short review form.
Share your experience
The form asks about the research, the outcome, your review and rating, how your name should appear, and whether Susan may publish your words. Extra comments are optional.
Leave a reviewQuestions before you begin.
Clear answers about what a research block includes and what to expect.
Not at all. Start with what you hope to learn and whatever details you already have. Part of the work is identifying which sources and research methods may be useful.
You will receive a written summary of the work completed, the findings, source details, and suggested next steps. The exact contents depend on your question and the evidence available.
No. Genealogy can be limited by missing records, privacy restrictions, incomplete family information, or DNA evidence that does not yet point to a clear relationship. You are paying for careful research time and a transparent account of what it reveals.
Yes, when it is relevant to your question. Share only information you are comfortable providing and avoid sending passwords or login credentials. Any detailed access process should be agreed separately and handled securely.
The report will explain what was completed in the purchased time and where the research stands. Any additional work should be discussed and approved before another block is booked.
Bring the question you’ve been carrying.
Whether you have a folder of records or only one uncertain detail, we can begin with what you know.