How To Find A Long Lost Relative – Five Proven Methods

People seek to find long-lost relatives for various reasons – and there are plenty of good ones. It isn’t just a way to satisfy curiosity and have a better understanding of family and one’s identity. Finding a long-lost relative can also make anyone more aware of hereditary conditions and bring closure to unresolved family affairs.

If you’re looking for ways to find long-lost relatives, our article is here to give proven methods that will help you reconnect and even discover relatives you didn’t even know existed. Read to the end to learn how to find a long-lost relative.

Five Ways To Find A Long Lost Relative

Below, you’ll find five ways to find a long-lost relative. We’ll include a variety of methods to ensure you have multiple options and, therefore, a higher chance of finding your long-lost relatives.

1) Talk To Your Family

While talking to your family might seem like an ineffective step, it can provide you with critical information about a long-lost relative. Any names, birthdates, past locations, or simple details like their profession or the schools they attended can help you look in the right direction.

Even if your family, including extended family members, can’t pinpoint where a long-lost relative might be for you to reconnect, obtaining information about them can undoubtedly help with your search.

2) Genealogy Websites

Genealogy websites like Ancestry and FamilySearch are excellent places to start finding a long-lost relative. These websites have access to historical records that can be helpful in your search. However, depending on the genealogy website, you may need to pay for a subscription to access the records, though you will also have countless free ones.

Like asking your family, searching for relatives on genealogy websites can bring you closer to your long-lost relative by helping you discover additional information that can help locate a long-lost relative.

3) Social Media And Search Engines

With the rise of the internet, almost everyone has an online presence. Even if your long-lost relative is very old, they likely have or had a social media account at some point.

If you have the name of the long-lost relative you’re trying to find, use search engines and social media to locate accounts you can use to contact. Although finding a specific person with just a name can be time-consuming, many social media platforms have filters you can apply to narrow down the results.

4) People Search

Similar to search engines and social media platforms, there are free people search engines that enable users to search for people. However, these websites don’t work the same as Google or Yahoo. They are dedicated to finding people, which is excellent for locating a long-lost relative. In fact, a common use of these websites is to find long-lost relatives and friends.

One of these free people search engines is FreePeopleSearch.com. You can run a comprehensive search using your long-lost relative’s name and narrow the results by city and state.

If you don’t have the name of the long-lost relative or suspect that they might have undergone a name change, simply search for yourself. It will list your relatives and bring up available contact information, including phone numbers, social media accounts, and addresses. This can also help you find the relatives you didn’t know existed, let alone long-lost ones.

5) Contact A Genealogist Or Hire A Private Detective

Genealogists and private detectives can help you find a long-lost relative. They are professionals who can help you locate estranged family members using a wide range of methods, from DNA testing to actively searching and following leads.

However, both genealogists and private detectives can be expensive. With hourly rates ranging from $40 to $150 or more, be prepared to spend thousands, particularly if DNA testing is involved.

Expectations For Finding A Long Lost Relative

With all the methods we’ve discussed, from simple actions like asking your family about the relative to using a people search website, you’re sure to find your long-lost relatives.

However, it is best to maintain realistic expectations when trying to find a long-lost relative. While there’s always a chance that you might not be able to find them, it shouldn’t be your only worry.

Your long-lost relative may not welcome you with the same excitement. Families break up for various reasons, and these separations can be complex. Be prepared for a range of outcomes before contacting a long-lost relative after finding them, as the response you receive may not align with your hopes.