FAQ

Why hire a genealogist?

Why hire a genealogist? If you don’t have the time or commitment to research your family tree, then you should definitely consider hiring a genealogist. Family tree research is a time-consuming process, and professional genealogists know most of the ‘shortcuts’ that can save time and effort.

What are my credentials?

Please read more about me here. I am a qualified genealogist and as a member of the Register of Qualified Genealogists, I abide by their code of conduct. I am registered as a data controller with the Information Commissioner’s Office (registration number ZA813018), which ensures any information you provide me with will be handled appropriately and confidentially.

Am I able to research your family tree?

No genealogical research will be undertaken without a prior consultation undertaken by myself. I will determine the scope of ancestors and records available for research. If a package is agreed upon, I will send you an agreement to be signed. This agreement serves to safeguard both parties and is a requirement for qualified genealogists.

If there any significant problems or I am unlikely to be able to research the package of your choice, I will discuss this further with you.

What happens next?

If it is feasible to research your family tree, I will ask for any information you know about your ancestors. Don’t worry if you know almost nothing – that’s what this service is for!

I will give you a clear idea of how long research is likely to take before I confirm the project. Typically it can take up to 8 weeks to receive the final product, but sometimes less and sometimes more depending on workload.

Should you send photos and records?

Absolutely! The more photos and records you scan (at least 300 DPI), the better the finished products will look.

What if I find something out that you don’t want included in the report?

In the event that I find something that may be shocking or upsetting during the course of my research, I will always make you aware of this information. Consequently you can make the decision whether to include it or not in the final report.

What if you have already researched your family tree?

If you are looking for vibrant and professional ways to present your family tree research, please get in touch and I can provide this service.

What if you want a report/book AND a chart?

If you are looking at purchasing both a book/report and a chart, I would be more than happy to give you a discount. Please contact me to discuss this further.