It began with an identity question
Tori began genealogical research in 2016 after a paternity test changed the known structure of her own family. That search led through DNA matches, conflicting identities, copied trees, living-relative research, and the discovery of a previously unknown brother. It also exposed a recurring problem: conventional tree platforms could preserve names and relationships, but not the full reasoning that established them.
The missing layer
Evidence lived in downloads. DNA analysis lived in spreadsheets. Theories lived in notes. Correspondence lived in email. The final answer could look clean while the path used to reach it remained fragmented. ProofTrail was designed to hold that missing investigative layer.
Built around reasoning, not hints
ProofTrail is designed to keep the research question, evidence context, contradictions, unresolved work, and final conclusion connected enough to be reviewed. The software, Academy, and professional network share that evidence-first standard, while internal scoring, automation, assessment keys, and implementation logic remain proprietary.