The first known ancestor is Gerard de Forest who lived in the 11th century.
Thanks to the wedding of Philipp of Lalaing, 2nd Count of Hoogstraten to Anne Countess of Renneberg, daughter of William, count of Rennenberg and Anne of Culemborg, their descendants inherited multiple important lands and titles.
[1] Othon, Lord of Lalaing;Married to Yolande of Barbançon, Lady of Montigny Antoine II de Lalaing, 3rd Count of Hoogstraeten(1533–1568) Married to Eleonore de Montmorency This legitimated branch of the family descends from Antoine I de Lalaing.
[3] Philip de Lalaing, Lord of La Mouilleriemarried to Florentia Rechem, Lady of Audenaerde.
[4] Maximilien I Joseph, count de Lalaing, 10th Viscount of Audenaerde (+1756);married to Marie-Catherine de Larchier, Countess of Thildoncq[5] The current family moved back to Belgium.