Terms and Conditions
Effective Date: January 27, 2026
These Terms of Use govern access to and use of the Shot in the Dark Forensics website (“Website”). By accessing or using this Website, you agree to these Terms of Use. If you do not agree, you should not use this Website.
1. Purpose of the Website
The Website is provided for informational purposes and to facilitate inquiries regarding investigative genetic genealogy and related professional services. Information on this Website does not constitute legal, medical, forensic, or investigative advice and should not be relied upon as such.
Use of the Website does not establish a client relationship, professional engagement, or obligation to provide services.
2. No Case Acceptance or Guarantee of Services
Submission of a contact form, case inquiry, consultation request, or other communication through the Website does not constitute acceptance of a case or initiation of services. All matters are subject to professional review, scope determination, and agreement before any services begin.
Investigative genetic genealogy is an inferential process and may or may not result in identification or definitive conclusions. No outcomes are guaranteed.
3. Use of Information Submitted
Information submitted through the Website is used solely for the purpose of reviewing inquiries and determining whether services may be appropriate. Users are instructed not to submit DNA data, laboratory reports, or sensitive documents unless explicitly requested following review and acceptance.
Submission of information does not transfer ownership of that information and does not obligate Shot in the Dark Forensics to act upon it.
4. Intellectual Property
All content on this Website, including text, graphics, logos, and original materials, is the property of Shot in the Dark Forensics or its licensors and is protected by applicable intellectual property laws.
You may view and use Website content for personal, non-commercial informational purposes only. No content may be reproduced, distributed, modified, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission.
5. Acceptable Use
You agree not to use the Website in any manner that:
- Is unlawful, misleading, or fraudulent
- Interferes with the operation or security of the Website
- Attempts to gain unauthorized access to systems or data
- Submits false, unauthorized, or misleading information
Shot in the Dark Forensics reserves the right to restrict or terminate access for misuse.
6. Third-Party Links and Services
The Website may reference or link to third-party services or resources. Shot in the Dark Forensics does not control and is not responsible for the content, policies, or practices of third-party websites or services.
Use of third-party resources is at your own risk.
7. Disclaimer of Warranties
The Website is provided “as is” and “as available.” Shot in the Dark Forensics makes no warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or availability of Website content.
No warranty is made that the Website will be uninterrupted, error-free, or free from harmful components.
8. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Shot in the Dark Forensics shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages arising out of or related to use of the Website or reliance on Website content.
This limitation applies regardless of the legal theory asserted.
9. Professional Standards and Ethical Framework
Services, when provided, are conducted in alignment with ethical principles consistent with professional investigative genetic genealogy standards and inspection-style documentation practices reflective of ISO/IEC 17020. Website content is informational and does not substitute for formal engagement, documentation, or independent verification required for legal or evidentiary use.
10. Governing Law
These Terms of Use are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction in which Shot in the Dark Forensics operates, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.
11. Changes to These Terms
Shot in the Dark Forensics may update these Terms of Use at any time. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date. Continued use of the Website constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.
12. Contact
Questions regarding these Terms of Use may be directed through the Website’s contact mechanisms.