DNA Dilemma

[Melinda Anderson]

Since getting DNA results for a family member, I suspect (know) that there was a "non-paternal event" a couple generations up the tree. DNA and pedigree analysis of shared matches leads me to a pretty certain conclusion of who the actual father is- although there is no genealogical evidence of this- the people lived in different states. However, this man is linked by geography and/or genealogy and solid DNA evidence to the other very close matches- and solid DNA evidence to us. So my question is: Is there a way to add an alternate father to the established family group? I'm adding the current information and proof in a note, but wanted to link him to the family in some way- short of replacing the existing father at this point. No one concerned is living.

[Dennis J. Cunniff]

Re: DNA Dilemma

Is there a way to add an alternate father to the established family group? I'm adding the current information and proof in a note, but wanted to link him to the family in some way- short of replacing the existing father at this point.

Yes, he can be a "second" father to anyone you believe was fathered by him. Just go to the child's family card and "add new father" or "add father from sidebar".

Really what you want to do is create two family groups: one with the biological mother, father, & child, and the other with the "legal" father, mother and child.

Then you have to decide which set of parents will be your "preferred" set. (Though you can easily switch back and forth depending on what you want to do.) Reunion will use the preferred set for charting and reporting.

[Melinda Anderson]

Re: DNA Dilemma

Yes, he can be a "second" father to anyone you believe was fathered by him. Just go to the child's family card and "add new father" or "add father from sidebar".

Really what you want to do is create two family groups: one with the biological mother, father, & child, and the other with the "legal" father, mother and child.

Then you have to decide which set of parents will be your "preferred" set. (Though you can easily switch back and forth depending on what you want to do.) Reunion will use the preferred set for charting and reporting.

Thank you! It took a little maneuvering, but I think I've got it. It asked me if I wanted to add the child as a duplicate (keep in two families) or to move it. I chose duplicate, which I think is what you were saying. With only DNA and no genealogical evidence as yet (and maybe never), it has been a tricky situation.

[Dennis J. Cunniff]

Re: DNA Dilemma

Thank you! It took a little maneuvering, but I think I've got it. It asked me if I wanted to add the child as a duplicate (keep in two families) or to move it. I chose duplicate, which I think is what you were saying. With only DNA and no genealogical evidence as yet (and maybe never), it has been a tricky situation.

Yes, I guess it's easier to do than describe. "Duplicate" was indeed the correct choice