Currently accepting clients for...

• DNA
• Family History Research

An experienced forensic genealogist, Katharine O'Connell assists estate attorneys, fiduciary analysts and title companies in kinship research.  She has successfully resolved over 200 probate cases, in locations throughout the United States and internationally. She does regular Pro Bono research work for the Legal Aid Society in Cleveland, Ohio and serves as a mentor to aspiring forensic genealogists.

Katharine has a doctoral degree and specialized training in DNA, forensic genealogy, African American genealogy and immigration records, all of which contribute to her intensive research skills for clients.  She is a professional affiliate member of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association and the Ohio State Bar Association. She is an active member of the APG Forensic SIG, serving as a the director of their mentoring program, and is a member of the APG Great Lakes Chapter.  She serves on the APG Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee.  She is a licensed PI through Phoenix Investigations and Security, Ohio.

She is available as a speaker on the subject of Forensic genealogy and general genealogy and has published articles in the Cleveland Bar Journal and the Probate Law Journal of Ohio.

Geographic Specialties

Ohio, Pennsylvania, Midwest, California, Texas, U.S. records, experience with Puerto Rico and Canada collections. 

Testimonials
This information is wonderful and extremely helpful. I cannot thank enough for your excellent and thorough work." J. K., Assistant Vice President, Fiduciary Advisor, Ohio/Pennsylvania Bank "I certainly appreciate your assistance and you are doing a terrific job tracking down this seemingly lost family. Thank you again." Cleveland, Ohio Probate Attorney

Publications/Media
Finding Her Story in History: the work of the forensic genealogist, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association Law Journal, April, 2020 What's in a Name: more than you expected!, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association Law Journal, June, 2022 The Importance of Names in Estate Planning, Probate Law Journal, Ohio, Sept/Oct. 2022, Beyond GINA: DNA and the limits of the Law.

Lectures
Finding Living People: tips and things to be aware of; Forensic Genealogy and the Law; Generational Family Research: tools you can use (for estate planners); DNA, Missing People and the Great Unknown: Forensic Genealogy and the Law

Repositories
Cleveland Public Library, Cuyahoga County Archives, Western Reserve Historical Society Library Genealogy Center, Allen County, Indiana

Research Time Periods

• 21st Century
• 20th Century
• 19th Century

Languages
English, some Spanish, some Italian

Certificates
Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh, Certificate in Forensic Genealogy, 2019 Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh, Certificate in Practical Genetic Genealogy, 2020 Certificate in African American Genealogy, SLIG 2021 Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh, Certificate in Abstracting and Handwriting transcription, 2021 Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh, Advanced DNA Analysis, 2022 Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research, Researching Recent Immigrants, 2022 Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research, DNA as Genealogical Evidence, 2023

Affiliations
Association of Professional Genealogists (Forensic, Great Lake Chapters), National Genealogical Society, the East Cuyahoga Genealogical Society, CAGG, and other professional organizations dedicated to furthering research skills.

Degrees
Doctorate, MM, University of Kentucky BM Rice University