Families are forever.

Leslie Brinkley Lawson, Forensic Genealogist

Forensic genealogy is research, analysis, and reporting in cases with legal implications.

Using methodology and ethics consistent with the highest standards of the profession, Forensic Genealogy is conducted by unbiased, disinterested, third party practitioners with no personal or professional stake in the outcome.

What is a Forensic Genealogist versus an ‘Heir Searcher’?

A Forensic Genealogist is qualified through a combination of education, training and work experience; is employed or retained by attorneys, law offices, estates, courts, corporations, governmental agencies or other entities to perform genealogical work in legal issues as an independent third-party researcher, analyst, reporter and witness.

The term ‘Heir Searcher’ is more familiar to many, and is used by many in the genealogical field. But, the term usually signifies a person who searches for heirs to cases and takes a percentage of the value of the estate in the form of a contingency fee. In using such a person you lose the ability to be assured you are using a disinterested third-party. Contingency based fees can cost the heirs a substantial portion of the estate. An hourly rate often leaves more of the assets for the family.

Who are the most common clients of Forensic Genealogists?

Most of our clients are attorneys; oil and gas companies; insurance companies; banks and trust officers; guardians for the elderly; and executors to estates. Our focus is, of course, on kinship determination.

Lawson Research Services, LLC offers the professional services of Leslie Brinkley Lawson, using genealogical skills and ethics that are consistent with the Association of Professional Genealogists and the standards and practices of conduct as per the Council for the Advancement of Forensic Genealogy.