Looking for a long-lost relative? Try these steps to find them
As many as 23% of American children live without at least one parent. The good news: in our internet world, finding them is easier than it would have been in the past.
Depending on your circumstances, you might be able to set out on an investigative journey yourself. Where should you begin when searching for estranged or missing family members? Here are the steps to finding long-lost relatives.
1. Gather as much information as possible
Many things may prompt you to seek out family members, such as the death of another relative or an unforeseen disaster.
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First, start asking the critical questions: Who are you looking for? What’s their name? Where were they the last time someone was in touch with them? If you’ve got family nearby, they might be the best place to begin.
Next, look through old records, journals and photo albums for other clues. Even knowing their date of birth will help narrow your search significantly.
The internet should be employed here. You might be able to dig more up even if all you have is a first and last name. Where else should you be looking on the internet?
2. Use your clues to scour public records and social media
Search engines themselves, as mentioned, may yield results. Social media sites may also get you closer to actual results.
One important consideration here many young folks may neglect is public records from the county, state or even the news. Libraries (physical buildings) can also give you access to other genealogy research services, including one database courtesy of Ancestry.com.
If your family member belongs to a particular industry or trade union, reaching out to them might be a great idea. This is especially relevant for military members. Background checking sites can also unearth unexpected details, but your mileage may vary, depending on whether you’re willing to pay.
Mapping your family tree? Try one of these free templates
Free family tree templates can help teach your children where they come from. It’s also a fun way to learn more about your history. Not all family tree sites are safe, though. Some put your personal information on the web for anyone to see. Tap or click here to delete yourself from this scary site.
Get a copy of your or a loved one's military records
If your parents are no longer alive, probably not a day goes by that you don’t miss them. I know — I feel that about my father. During the Korean War, he served in the Army and later worked as a management employee for United Airlines.
Ancestry.com: What you can do with a free trial and how to cancel once it's over
Genetic testing illuminates your past and present. By rubbing a cotton swab on the inside of your cheek and mailing it off to a company, you can learn which countries your ancestors came from. You can even pinpoint risk factors for different genetic conditions, which can help you make healthier decisions in the future.
20 things you can get for free that you shouldn’t pay for
There are a ton of services you should never cut corners on. For example, you get what you pay for when it comes to security essentials like VPNs and cameras.
Then again, a dollar sign doesn’t ensure a good product. A ton of great tools are free, like video editing software or even streaming platforms. If you want language lessons, smoke detectors or even a deep climb into your family tree, you can do it all without cracking open your wallet.
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It seems everyone wants to know what you’ve been up to these days. Your history is everyone’s business, like it or not. Future employers want to know your criminal record. They look at your credit score to see if you’re good with money — after all, they’re trusting you with theirs.