FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ABOUT OUR SERVICES

• What is professional genealogy research? Professional genealogy research is the expert process of tracing family histories, verifying lineage, and constructing family trees. And, in the case of the work provided by Learn Your Family History, it includes historical context and narrative storytelling.

• What types of genealogy research do you offer? I offer a wide range of services, including family tree construction, historical records research, complex problem solving, family history narratives, and one-on-one consultations.

• Do you specialize in specific geographical regions or time periods? Yes. I specialize in U.S. Colonial records, European ancestry, and 19th-century American records.

• What research standards do you follow? Learn your Family History research standards include five core elements:

1. We conduct a thorough investigation, exploring a wide range of relevant sources to gather sufficient evidence to support claims. It's not about finding every single record, but about being comprehensive within the scope of the research question.
2. All sources used in the research are fully cited, allowing others to verify the information and replicate the research process. 
3. We clearly examine all evidence, assessing its reliability and relevance and correlating information with additional sources.
4. When different sources offer contradictory information, discrepancies are investigated and an attempt is made to reconcile the information to arrive at at a conclusion. This might involve evaluating the credibility of the sources or exploring alternative interpretations.
5. The research delivered is based on the evidence presented and clearly explained in a well-structured and understandable manner.

• Can you help break through "brick walls" in my family history? Absolutely. I am skilled in tackling difficult cases, such as missing records, conflicting data, and long-standing mysteries.

GETTING STARTED

• What's the first step to starting a project? Our first step is to schedule a consultation so we can talk through your project. During the free consultation we'll walkthrough your goals, expectations, timeline, and budget?

• What information do I need to provide to start a project? Please share names, dates (birth, marriage, death), locations, and any family stories or existing documents you have.

• What if I have very little information to start with? No problem! Even a small clue can be a valuable starting point. I'll build on what you know.

• How do I choose the right research package or service? At the conclusion of our consultation, you will hopefully have enough  appropriate service or package.

THE RESEARCH PROCESS

• What is the genealogy research process?

1. Initial consultation
2. Research and analysis
3. Compilation of findings
4. Delivery of a comprehensive report

• How long does genealogy research take? Timelines vary based on the complexity of the research, available records, and project goals. I'll provide a time estimate after the consultation.

• How often will I receive updates? I'll provide regular progress updates and notify you of key milestones during the project.

• What kind of records do you use? I access census records, vital records (birth, marriage, death), immigration/naturalization records, military files, land deeds, obituaries, newspaper articles, and more.

• Can you guarantee finding a specific record or ancestor? I can't guarantee every record, as availability varies, but we aim to uncover all relevant and available information.

DELIVERABLES AND OUTCOMES

• What will I receive at the end of the project? It depends on the research package you select. Most packages include a detailed genealogy report that includes:

1. A family tree
2. Source citations and documents
3. A narrative summary of findings
4. Organized, easy-to-understand presentation

• Can I request physical copies of documents? Yes. Physical copies can be provided for an additional fee. Please inquire about document retrieval services.

• Can you help me publish or preserve my family history?
  I offer services to help create family history books, digital archives, and custom formats to preserve and share your story.

FEES AND PAYMENT

• How much does genealogy research cost? Research is billed hourly or by package. Costs vary based on project scope and complexity. Custom quotes are available.

• Do you require a deposit or payment upfront? Yes, I typically require a retainer or advance payment based on the selected service package.

• What payment methods do you accept? We accept PayPal, Venmo, and cashier checks.

• Are there additional fees I should know about?
  Potential additional costs include travel expenses (if applicable), document retrieval fees, specialized services.

CLIENT COMMUNICATION AND PRIVACY

• How do you communicate with clients? We maintain open, ongoing communication via email or your preferred method. We’re always available to answer questions.

• How do you protect my privacy? I take your privacy seriously. All personal and sensitive data is handled securely, and recent/living person records are kept confidential.

• Who owns the research and materials? You retain full ownership of all research findings, documents, and reports we provide unless otherwise specified in a separate agreement.

OTHER QUESTIONS

• Can you help connect me with living relatives found through your research? Yes, with your consent and in accordance with privacy and ethical standards, I can help facilitate contact with living relatives.

• Do you offer consultations for self-directed research? Yes. I provide expert consultations to guide individuals who prefer to manage their own genealogy research.