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.