FAQs

Whether you are a beginner and hope to establish a firm research foundation, or you have exhausted the records available based on your skill level, hiring a professional may be the logical next step. A professional can help you examine your existing research with a fresh perspective; advise you on what records may be available “offline”; help you complete a lineage society application, or coach you to reach your own next level. A professional will help to analyze and correlate information, resolve conflicting information, and conduct research that meets the Genealogical Proof Standard.

Yes! Each prospective client will complete a brief questionnaire regarding what he or she hopes to learn and what is already known. I provide a complimentary review (up to three hours) of your past research and a personalized proposal.

It depends on your research objective. If you are hoping to conclusively determine parentage within the last four generations, a DNA test really is necessary to meet “reasonably exhaustive research.” But if you are trying to establish a relationship with a Revolutionary War Patriot nine generations ago, a DNA test is likely not going to provide conclusive proof of descendency. I can advise you if a DNA test is needed, and if so, which type is the most appropriate.

Depending on the scope of services as we defined in our agreement, you will receive a research report, a lineage society application, or a written family narrative. Each finished product will include a fully source-cited list and analysis of consulted resources; a correlation of information; transcriptions and/or abstracts, as needed; copies of all sources; and recommendations for further research if applicable.

Genealogical research begins with establishing a clear research question or objective. A research plan is then established to determine what available resources are most likely to answer the research question. If you already have any of the items that would serve to answer the question, you’ll want to provide that information. This will save you from potentially paying for duplicated research. You may have an important clue already in your possession. Any documents, letters, photos, or notes that you have may help to answer your question.

Your client agreement will contain the payment details. You can either mail a check or through PayPal.