Lost touch? Advice on how to begin that search for family and friends

Are You Looking For Someone?
Here is a little bit of advice for those thinking of searching for missing family or friends.

Life is short and we all have the right to try to find the people that matter to us before it is too late. It is enjoyable doing this kind of family research and it can be quite thrilling when the person you are looking for is found.

The first task is to look at all the information you have. It is always a good idea to write down everything and to ask for any family stories about the person they are looking for. These little snippets of information can seem of dubious value, but they can also provide the clues necessary to solve the mystery.

Much time is spent in archives and in libraries, though some investigation is carried out on the Internet and using databases on CD Rom. It is amazing what can be learned with the use of a PC and a search engine like Google.

Sooner or later it is time to use those old-fashioned investigative skills on the telephone or by writing carefully scripted letters to possible relatives. They need to be approached gently and given time to get used to the idea of this new contact. They may need to talk with their family and decide whether or not to go any further. Remember, their family may not even know of your existence and you don't want your sudden arrival to be a nasty shock to them.

For a while it can be useful for the researcher to act as a go-between offering their address for both parties to use until they decide it is ok to take it further. If a meeting is planned it is wise to make it at a neutral location somewhere between their homes. Much like going on a first date, it is best to be careful and not expect too much too soon!

It should be remembered that any search and reunion is bound to be stressful. It is always a good idea to wait until things are reasonably stable in your life before embarking on this kind of journey and it is helpful to have a close friend, relative or a caring partner who can offer support to you over the times of misery and joy that such a search can bring.

Whenever you feel ready to find out what happened to the people missing from your life, I suggest that you shop around a bit before deciding on a researcher to help you. Check that they are a member of a trade organisation like the Association of British Investigators (ABI) or the Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives (AGRA). That way you can be sure that they are working to a code of practice.

Feel free to drop me a line if I can be of any help in your search.

Giles Higgitt
Blood-Ties Tracing Service
http://www.blood-ties.com
Email: info@blood-ties.com

This release was published on openPR.