Free Checklists
Checklist
Follow the Steps.
Don't Miss the Evidence.
Free, practical checklists that turn complex DNA genealogy investigations into clear, repeatable research workflows — from your first DNA match to advanced unknown-parentage cases.
Good Research Is Easier When the Steps Are Visible.
DNA genealogy can quickly become complicated. Matches lead to trees, trees lead to records, records create new hypotheses, and new hypotheses send you back to your DNA evidence.
A checklist gives you a repeatable workflow so important steps do not disappear somewhere inside your research notes.
Browse All Checklists →13 Research Workflows for Real Genealogy Problems
Start with the checklist that matches the problem in front of you. Use it on its own or combine it with the free tools and templates in the Genetic Voyage Research Kit.
General DNA Research Checklist
The master workflow from fresh DNA test results to a source-backed family tree across five structured research phases.
DNA Match Research Checklist
A practical standard operating procedure for evaluating new DNA matches and avoiding repetitive detective work.
Leeds Method Checklist
A structured guide to using Dana Leeds' color-coding method to organize matches into four ancestral groups.
Chromosome Mapping Checklist
A practical protocol for assigning DNA segments to specific ancestors across chromosomes 1–22 and X.
DNA Triangulation Checklist
A practical workflow for evaluating whether shared segments across three or more individuals support a common ancestral connection.
Unknown Parentage Research Checklist
A methodical roadmap for researchers investigating unknown parents, grandparents or other missing ancestral connections.
Unknown Father No-Match Checklist
A nine-phase research workflow for cluster building, hypothesis testing, WATO analysis and advanced investigation when no direct father match exists.
Before Taking A DNA Test Checklist
The complete pre-test checklist — choose the right test, protect your privacy, and know what to expect before you order.
After Receiving Your Results Checklist
The complete first-week checklist — orient yourself, set up your tools, and work through your matches methodically.
Y-DNA & mtDNA Research Checklist
The complete guide to tracing a single direct ancestral line with specialised Y-DNA and mtDNA testing.
Traditional Genealogy & Paper Trail Checklist
The complete record-based research workflow to pair with your DNA evidence and turn clusters into a documented family history.
Adoptee Legal Records & Registries Checklist
The non-DNA path — original records, registries, and the court process, working alongside your DNA research.
Endogamy & Pedigree Collapse Checklist
A systematic approach when your matches don't fit the normal rules — adjusting cM interpretation, clustering, and triangulation.
Every Checklist Follows the Same Research Logic
The individual workflows may solve different problems, but they share the same underlying research discipline.
Plan
Define the question and decide what evidence could answer it.
→Analyze
Examine matches, segments, trees, records and relationships.
→Document
Record what you found, what you searched and what remains uncertain.
→Verify
Compare independent evidence before treating a conclusion as established.
Unknown Father
No-Match
Sometimes the Checklist Becomes the Investigation.
When a straightforward DNA match does not exist, the research problem changes. You may need to build clusters, identify candidate families, test competing hypotheses and combine DNA evidence with documentary research.
The Unknown Father No-Match Checklist brings those stages into one structured research workflow.
Explore the Specialist Checklist →About the Checklists
Are the checklists really free?
Yes. The checklists are provided as free genealogy research resources that you can view, save and use as part of your own research workflow.
Are these checklists only for experienced DNA researchers?
No. The collection includes foundational workflows as well as more advanced research methods. Start with the checklist that matches your current research problem.
Can I print the checklists?
Yes. The downloadable checklist format is designed to work as a practical research reference that can be saved digitally or printed for use alongside your research notes.
Do the checklists prove a relationship?
No. A checklist is a research workflow, not proof. Its purpose is to help you systematically collect, evaluate and document evidence. Genealogical conclusions should be supported by appropriate DNA, documentary and independent evidence.
Can I use these together with the Genetic Voyage tools?
Yes. The checklists are designed to work alongside the free tools and templates available throughout Genetic Voyage. A checklist can help define the workflow while a tool or template helps you perform and document a specific step.
Don't Wonder What to Do Next.
Choose a research problem, open the appropriate checklist and work through the evidence one step at a time.