FamilyTreeNow.com is a free genealogy and people search website that allows users to look up family history, relatives, and public records without requiring a paid subscription. While many people use it to research their ancestry and family connections, the platform has also raised privacy concerns due to how easily it displays personal information.
This guide explains how Family Tree Now works, its features, privacy risks, and how to opt-out if you don’t want your information listed.
What Is Family Tree Now?
Family Tree Now is a genealogy and public records search website that provides free access to birth records, death records, census data, and more. Unlike premium genealogy services such as Ancestry.com or MyHeritage, Family Tree Now allows users to conduct searches without paying for a membership.
However, the site also includes current address histories, phone numbers, and potential relatives, making it a controversial tool for finding people.
How Does Family Tree Now Work?
Family Tree Now collects publicly available data from government records, census archives, and online sources. Users can search for family members, ancestors, or even themselves by entering a name, birth year, or location.
The platform provides two main types of searches:
- Genealogy Searches – Users can look up historical records, census data, and old family connections to build family trees.
- People Searches – The site displays addresses, phone numbers, and relatives, which raises privacy concerns.
While Family Tree Now markets itself as a genealogy tool, it also serves as an unofficial people search engine, making it easy to find personal details on nearly anyone in the U.S.
Is Family Tree Now Free to Use?
Yes, Family Tree Now is entirely free. Unlike most genealogy websites that charge for ancestry records or background checks, this platform provides unlimited searches without requiring an account.
However, not all information may be accurate, as data from multiple public sources may contain outdated or incorrect details.
Privacy Concerns: Is Family Tree Now Safe?
One of the most significant controversies surrounding Family Tree Now is how much personal information it makes available to the public. A simple name search can reveal:
- Current and past addresses
- Phone numbers (home and mobile)
- Possible relatives and associates
- Marital status and family connections
Because this data is accessible without verification, many privacy advocates warn that stalkers, scammers, or identity thieves could misuse the information.
If you are concerned about your details being visible, you can opt-out and remove your information from the database.
How to Remove Your Information from Family Tree Now (Opt-Out Guide)
If you don’t want your details listed on FamilyTreeNow.com, you can request removal using these steps:
- Go to the Family Tree Now Opt-Out Page
- Visit the opt-out page here.
- Find Your Listing
- Enter your name and location in the search bar.
- Browse through the results until you find your profile.
- Submit an Opt-Out Request
- Click the “View Details” button on your listing.
- Select “Opt Out This Record” at the top of the page.
- Wait for Confirmation
- Family Tree Now states that removal requests take 24-48 hours to process.
- After this period, search for your name again to confirm your data is gone.
💡 Important: The opt-out process only removes your data from Family Tree Now—it does not erase it from other public databases.
Family Tree Now vs. Other Genealogy Websites
Family Tree Now is one of the few free genealogy sites, but how does it compare to paid alternatives?
| Feature | Family Tree Now | Ancestry.com | MyHeritage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Paid subscription required | Paid subscription required |
| Records Available | Public records, census data, people searches | Birth, marriage, military, and DNA data | International genealogy records |
| Privacy Risks | Displays personal info without verification | Requires an account to access records | Requires an account to access records |
Sites like Ancestry.com or MyHeritage offer more comprehensive records for detailed family history and verified ancestry data. However, Family Tree Now is useful for basic genealogy searches without a paid subscription.
How Accurate Is Family Tree Now’s Data?
Since Family Tree Now pulls records from multiple sources, accuracy varies. While historical census data is usually correct, more recent records—like addresses and phone numbers—may be outdated or incorrect.
Users have reported finding:
- Old addresses are listed as current.
- Incorrect relatives or connections.
- People appear in multiple records with minor variations in spelling.
If you’re using Family Tree Now for genealogy purposes, it’s recommended that you cross-check details with official records or other genealogy databases.
Can Family Tree Now Be Used for Background Checks?
Although Family Tree Now allows users to search for current and past address records, it is not a background check service. The platform focuses on genealogy and people search, meaning it does not provide criminal records, financial history, or employment background details.
Because Family Tree Now compiles data from public sources, it may show residential history, relatives, and basic information, but it lacks the comprehensive verification required for professional background checks. If you need an official background report for legal, employment, or financial purposes, services like TruthFinder, Instant Checkmate, or BeenVerified offer verified public records searches that include criminal records, credit history, and court documents.
While Family Tree Now can be useful for finding past addresses or family connections, it should not be relied upon as an official background check tool.
How Family Tree Now Uses Public Records
Family Tree Now compiles data from U.S. public records, including:
- Census records from the 1800s to today.
- Birth, marriage, and death records.
- Property ownership and residence history.
The site does not collect private or confidential data, but because public records are widely available, anyone can access basic personal details without consent.
Alternatives to Family Tree Now for Genealogy Research
If you’re looking for other genealogy websites, consider these options:
- Ancestry.com – The most extensive family history database, including DNA testing.
- MyHeritage – Strong international record collection with innovative matching technology.
- FindMyPast – Specializes in UK and Irish genealogy.
- FamilySearch.org – A free genealogy website run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Each platform offers different strengths, depending on your genealogy research needs.
Final Thoughts
Family Tree Now is a powerful free genealogy and people search tool that comes with privacy concerns. While it helps find family records, past addresses, and public data, it also makes personal information accessible to anyone.
If you’re worried about your privacy, you can opt-out and remove your data. However, if you’re using the site for genealogy purposes, it provides a valuable free alternative to paid ancestry research services.
Have you used Family Tree Now? Share your thoughts in the comments!