At age 53, attorney Maria Leonard Olsen learned that the father who raised her is not her biological father. She learned this from a DNA test presented to her as a gift. She also learned that she had watched her biological father on multiple television shows and in movies throughout her life. Her world was upended. As she sought out resources and support groups, Maria discovered she was far from alone. DNA discovery stories are no longer rare. Nor are DNA test discoveries lacking in legal ramifications. Unfortunately, the law takes time to address the concerns that scientific advances can elicit. Legislation typically is slow to address science''s effects on people''s rights. In the meantime, people are left without guidance or resources on how to protect themselves. About one in seven adults in the U.S., or 30 million people, have used consumer DNA tests. Approximately a quarter of these people learned of a relative they had not previously known about, and roughly 27 percent were surprised by the ethnic background of their ancestors. These numbers are only expected to grow as the booming DNA testing industry increases-and the fallout for many will be significant. Science has opened a new vista, excavating family secrets that were buried for generations. Few consumers today understand the possible consequences of taking a consumer DNA test. Maria Olsen brings legal expertise, personal experience, and research involving hundreds of interviews with others impacted by surprise DNA test results to offer the first comprehensive guide to navigating this new terrain. Learn what you need to know before you take the test and what you need to do to protect yourself afterwards-as well as advice and support for how to handle surprising results-in this practical, wide-ranging, and accessible guide.

Autorentext
Maria Leonard Olsen practices law as a commercial litigator in Washington, DC. She is an author (50 After 50: Reframing the Next Chapter of Your Life), podcaster (Becoming Your Best Version), journalist, TEDx speaker (Turning Life's Challenges into a Force for Good), book marketing coach for female authors and mentor to women in recovery. Maria served as a political appointee in the Clinton Justice Department and on numerous boards. She writes for several women in midlife publications (including AARP's The Ethel, The Midst, KuelLife and CrunchyTales) and is a frequent public speaker on wellness issues. Her next books will be DNA Test Surprises: What To Do Before and After You Open the Pandora's Box of Consumer DNA Testing (Bloomsbury 2026) and 60 After 60: Finding Serenity in Your 60s or at Any Age. Learn more at MariaLeonardOlsen.com and follow her on social media @FiftyAfter50.

Inhalt

Preface: The DNA Test Journey and Implications
Chapter 1: My Unusually Excellent DNA Test Journey
Chapter 2: A DNA Primer
Chapter 3: Practical Tips for Those Who Have Found New Family Members Via DNA Tests
Chapter 4: Lessons Learned From Consumer DNA Testing Journeys
Chapter 5: Privacy Concerns
Chapter 6: Use of DNA Test Results in Law Enforcement
Chapter 7: Insurance and Medical Implications of DNA Tests
Chapter 8: Paternity and Fertility Donor Fraud
Chapter 9: Inheritance Issues
Chapter 10: Retroactive Child Support Possibilities and Other Emerging Family Law Issues
Chapter 11: Discrimination
Chapter 12: The Bioethics of DNA Applications
Epilogue
Resources
Glossary of Terms and Common Ancestry Acronyms