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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT GENEALOGICAL RESEARCH

1 

Getting Started

1. I don't know where to begin researching my family. Can you help?
→ Initial Genealogical Assessment
 
2. I have collected many documents, but I don't know what they mean.
→ Initial Genealogical Assessment
 
3. I have reached a dead end. What should I do next?
→ Initial Genealogical Assessment

4. Can you review research that has already been carried out?
→ Expert Genealogical Opinion

2

Missing Records

5. The archive replied that no record exists. Does that mean it has been lost?
→ Initial Genealogical Assessment
 
6. Can archives make mistakes or overlook records?
→ Expert Genealogical Opinion
 
7. Why can't I find my ancestor even though I know they existed?
→ Historical Identity Reconstruction
 
8. What if the records were destroyed during the war?
→ Historical Identity Reconstruction

3

Identity Problems

9. My ancestor appears under several different names. Is that normal?
→ Historical Identity Reconstruction
 
10. Different documents contain conflicting dates. Which one is correct?
→ Expert Genealogical Opinion
 
11. How do border changes affect genealogical research?
→ Historical Identity Reconstruction
 
12. Why did my family suddenly "disappear" from the records?
→ Historical Identity Reconstruction
 
13. Can two people with different surnames actually be the same person?
→ Historical Identity Reconstruction

4

Probate & Legal Matters

14. I need to locate heirs for a probate matter. Can you help?
→ Probate & Heir Tracing
 
15. We know the heirs exist, but we cannot locate them.
→ Probate & Heir Tracing
 
16. My probate case involves beneficiaries living abroad.
→ Cross-Border Probate Coordination
 
17. I am a lawyer handling an international probate case. Do you work with legal professionals?
→ Cross-Border Probate Coordination
 
18. Can you coordinate research in more than one country?
→ Cross-Border Probate Coordination

5

Jewish Genealogy

19. Jewish naming traditions make my family tree confusing. Can you help?
→ Historical Identity Reconstruction
 
20. How do you research Jewish families when many records are missing?
→ Historical Identity Reconstruction
 
21. Can you reconstruct Holocaust-disrupted family lines?
→ Historical Identity Reconstruction
 
22. My family moved across several countries. How do you trace them?
→ Historical Identity Reconstruction

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Working With EHN - International Heir Search

23. How does an Initial Genealogical Assessment work?
→ Initial Genealogical Assessment
 
24. What information should I prepare before contacting EHN?
→ Initial Genealogical Assessment
 
25. How long does genealogical research usually take?
→ General Services
 
26. Do you work with private clients as well as professionals?
→ Individuals / Professionals
 
27. Which countries do you cover?
→ About / Services
 
28. Can you provide an independent expert opinion on existing research?
→ Expert Genealogical Opinion

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Educational Resources

29. Is EHN Heir Search on TikTok?
 
Yes.
 
EHN shares regular educational videos explaining forensic genealogy, heir tracing, historical research methods, Jewish genealogy, identity reconstruction, archive work and real-life case studies. These short videos are an excellent introduction to the way we approach complex genealogical problems and may answer many of your initial questions before you decide to commission research.
 
👉 Visit our TikTok page: https://www.tiktok.com/@forensic.genealogy?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

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Probate & Legal Matters

30. What makes EHN different from a traditional genealogical research service?

EHN specialises in forensic genealogy. Rather than simply locating historical records, we analyse evidence, test competing hypotheses and reconstruct family histories across changing jurisdictions, multiple languages and fragmented archives. Every investigation combines historical context with practical methodology to help individuals, legal professionals and institutions solve complex genealogical problems.

👉 Learn more about our methodology.

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