Disclaimer

Last updated: May 25, 2026

General Information Only

The Relative Detective provides genealogy guides, research tips, beginner-friendly resources, family tree help, record clue guidance, and family history information for educational and informational purposes only.

The information on this website should not be treated as legal, financial, medical, archival, historical, or professional certification advice.

Genealogy Research Has Limits

Genealogy research often depends on surviving records, readable documents, accurate indexes, spelling variations, location changes, family stories, and the information available at the time of research.

Records may be missing, incomplete, mistranscribed, misindexed, damaged, conflicting, or unavailable online. Names, ages, birthplaces, dates, and family relationships may vary from one record to another.

No Guaranteed Results

The Relative Detective cannot guarantee that a specific ancestor, record, relationship, document, answer, or conclusion will be found.

Research suggestions, record hints, family tree guidance, and written notes are based on available information and reasonable interpretation. Some genealogy questions may remain uncertain or require additional research.

Family Tree Accuracy

Online family trees, public member trees, hints, indexes, and user-submitted information can be helpful clues, but they may also contain errors.

Visitors are encouraged to review original records whenever possible, compare multiple sources, and keep notes about where information came from.

Use of AI Tools

The Relative Detective may use AI tools to help organize information, draft content, summarize research questions, create images, brainstorm resources, improve wording, or explain genealogy topics in a clearer way.

AI is used as a helper, not as a final authority. AI-generated or AI-assisted content may contain errors, omissions, or wording that needs review.

AI is not a substitute for original records, source evaluation, human judgment, or careful genealogy research. Visitors are encouraged to verify important genealogy details using reliable records and sources whenever possible.

DNA and Forensic Genealogy

The Relative Detective does not provide DNA analysis, forensic genealogy, law enforcement genealogy, medical genealogy, adoption search services, legal heir research, or guaranteed identity conclusions.

Any mention of DNA, ethnicity estimates, shared matches, or genetic genealogy on this website is for general informational discussion only unless otherwise stated.

Third-Party Websites and Records

This website may link to third-party genealogy websites, archives, databases, record collections, books, products, software, or services.

The Relative Detective is not responsible for third-party websites, their content, record accuracy, pricing, availability, privacy policies, subscription requirements, or business practices.

Affiliate Links

Some links on this website may be affiliate links. This means The Relative Detective may earn a small commission if you click a link and make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.

Affiliate relationships do not guarantee that a product, tool, website, book, database, or service will be right for every person’s research needs.

Downloads and Printables

Worksheets, organizers, checklists, guides, templates, and other downloadable resources are provided to help organize family history research. They are not a substitute for independent review, professional advice, or careful source evaluation.

Use at Your Own Discretion

By using this website, guides, resources, downloads, or services, you understand that genealogy research involves uncertainty and that you are responsible for how you use the information provided.

Contact

If you have questions about this Disclaimer, please contact The Relative Detective through the Contact page.