ESTATE PLANNING COUNCIL OF CLEVELAND

About the Program
Forensic Genealogists do family research for legal reasons. Sometimes that involves DNA analysis, but more often it relies on finding documentary evidence. Dr. O’Connell will discuss how she uses her people locating skills as a forensic genealogist and tell you about the field. She will share a more detailed sample case study, which involved an understanding of laws in 12 states and over 300 documents as evidence. This case study explores the wide range of documents needed to solve the case, giving attendees an idea of how the research process works. You’ll come away with new understanding for how genealogy can be used in a legal setting and how DNA and all its complications are revolutionizing the field.

About the Speaker
An experienced forensic genealogist, Dr. Katharine O’Connell assists attorneys, major banks, and title companies in locating missing and unknown heirs. She has provided due diligence in over 175 probate cases in locations throughout the United States and internationally. Clients include Key Bank, PNC bank, and attorneys throughout the state of Ohio and the U.S. She serves as a mentor in the forensic division of the Association of Professional Genealogists and has written a number of articles for the Cleveland Bar Journal. She is a professional affiliate member of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, the Ohio State Bar Association, the Estate Planning Council of Cleveland, and the Association of Professional Genealogists. 

Michael Wear, Esq., AEP® │ 2022-2023 Program Chair

Continuing Education – EPC Cleveland will request approval for this program from the CFP® Board of Standards for CFP® designation holders and from the Supreme Court of Ohio for Ohio attorneys to receive CLE credit. A certificate of completion will be available for those AEP®, CPA, and CWS designees who feel the program satisfies their continuing education requirements.  

Reservation Policy –

IN PERSON: All attendees are encouraged to register in advance and walk-in reservations will be accepted on a space-available basis only.  The meeting cost is $35 for members when paid in advance before noon 01/09/23, $50 for members after noon on 01/09/23 or at the door, $50 for guests, and $210 for a table of six (can be mix of members and non-members - please submit names to admin@epccleveland.org by 01/06/23).  If you reserve and are unable to attend, please call the office to cancel by noon 01/09/23 to avoid a no-show reservation billing.

VIRUTAL: All attendees must register in advance. The meeting cost is $10 for members and $15 for guests. You will receive login credentials with your registration confirmation email.    

To reserve, click "Register Now" below.

Program sponsorsed by: