diff --git a/public/java/src/org/broadinstitute/sting/gatk/samples/Sample.java b/public/java/src/org/broadinstitute/sting/gatk/samples/Sample.java
index b39fdd79d..a14d999ea 100644
--- a/public/java/src/org/broadinstitute/sting/gatk/samples/Sample.java
+++ b/public/java/src/org/broadinstitute/sting/gatk/samples/Sample.java
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ package org.broadinstitute.sting.gatk.samples;
 
 import org.broadinstitute.sting.utils.exceptions.UserException;
 
+import java.util.ArrayList;
 import java.util.HashMap;
 import java.util.Map;
 
@@ -110,6 +111,17 @@ public class Sample implements Comparable<Sample> { // implements java.io.Serial
         return infoDB.getSample(paternalID);
     }
 
+    public ArrayList<Sample> getParents(){
+        ArrayList<Sample> parents = new ArrayList<Sample>(2);
+        Sample parent = getMother();
+        if(parent != null)
+            parents.add(parent);
+        parent = getFather();
+        if(parent != null)
+            parents.add(parent);
+        return parents;
+    }
+
     /**
      * Get gender of the sample
      * @return property of key "gender" - must be of type Gender