Genealogy is more than finding ancestors. Forensic genealogists apply genealogical methods to help resolve an expanding array of legal issues. They provide research to help settle estates, clear real estate titles, establish citizenship eligibility, and locate heirs to mineral rights, copyrights, and trademarks. They resolve unknown parentage, restore names to unidentified individuals, assist the armed services to find families of missing service members from past wars, and provide leads to help law enforcement solve violent crimes. Want to learn more about Forensic Genealogy? Or are you considering it as a career? The NGS 2026 Family History Conference will provide an opportunity to learn more about the exciting world of forensic genealogy from leaders in the field (see the program schedule for times and locations):
SA27 Day in the Life of a Professional Genealogist
Instructors: Catherine Becker Wiest Desmarais, CG, CGG, Michael S. Ramage, JD, CG, and Kelvin L. Meyers
In the first part of this session, Catherine Desmarais will discuss Military Repatriation: what skills and education are required to perform this very important work for our US armed services, and how these cases are typically processed. Michael Ramage will cover Probate and Heir Search: conducting genealogical research that will be used to distribute assets from estates has both risks and benefits. Practitioners need to be fully prepared for both. Kelvin L. Meyers presents Mineral Rights and Real Estate: What makes these cases different from probate work? Where does this work take place, and what special skills do you need? These presentations will be followed by a panel discussion with all three speakers.
FR28 The Genealogist as Expert Witness: A Live Mock Unknown Heirs Trial
Instructors: Catherine Becker Wiest Desmarais, CG, CGG and Michael S. Ramage, JD, CG
Experience a live mock trial for an unknown heirs’ case as Mr. Ramage, a 25-year trial attorney veteran, questions expert forensic genealogist Ms. Desmarais on the stand. Watch how genealogical evidence is presented and challenged in court and gain practical insight into the genealogist’s role as an expert witness.
Following this session, Catherine and Michael will be available to sign copies of their book Forensic Genealogy: Theory and Practice. Published by the National Genealogical Society, this book is a comprehensive, practical guide to forensic genealogy.
Catherine Becker Wiest Desmarais, CG, CGG, holds the credentials of Certified Genealogist and Certified Genetic Genealogist, awarded by the Board for Certification of Genealogists. She and her forensic genealogy team at Stone House Historical Research specialize in genealogical research for military repatriation cases and to resolve estate and real estate cases for the legal community.
Michael S. Ramage, JD, CG, is a full-time professional genealogist, author and lecturer. Mr. Ramage has served as a Trustee, officer and currently General Counsel of BCG, and he was the 2020-2022 President of the APG Forensic Genealogy Special Interest Group. His 25-year law practice included contracts, real estate and estate law and litigation. He has taught numerous genealogy courses at genealogy conferences and institutes around the country.
Kelvin L. Meyers is a fifth generation Texan and professional forensic genealogist since 1996 and is a frequent speaker to genealogical societies and family associations throughout the United States. Kelvin works with attorneys, trust officers, and several mineral companies researching and locating heirs throughout the US and the world. He also specializes in southern brick wall problems for clients. He is author of the NGS Research in the States Series book on Texas.
Conference registration is now open at conference.ngsgenealogy.org/2026registration/