Here are some of the questions I’m frequently asked.
How long does it take?
That’s a very difficult question. Normally I take commissions in 5 hour lots. In this time I can normally take a line back 2 or 3 generations (to the grandparents or great grandparents of the person I’m researching) depending on the rarity of the name and the starting date and information. Some names are scarce and tracing them is not too hard. Some names such as “Smith” and “Jones” are much harder to research, and take a lot more time. However I regret I am unable to offer any guarantees as to how much I will be able to uncover, but will tell you when I start the likelihood of success. To get all your family lines back to 1800 can take several lots of 5 hours work. Again I can offer an estimate when taking on a commission, but please, it can only be an estimate. Once a commission is agreed and paid for I endeavour to get the results back to you by e-mail in 7 days. Certificates take about 10-14 working days to come through. An expedited service is available at extra cost.
What do you charge?
My base charge is £8.00 per hour for research work.
What are your payment requirements?
I ask for payment in advance for all research. Normally in the form of a payment of £40. This can be paid by cheque (in GB pounds, drawn on a UK bank), UK postal order, direct bank transfer (in GB pounds) or by PayPal using a credit card. I will supply you with my address and bank details when the commission is agreed. This advance fee represents 5 hours work including postage and reporting. Should I think a piece of research will take less than this, then I will agree a smaller payment in advance. No guarantees are given for results and in the unlikely event no results are obtained, no refund can be offered. Full details of searches would be shown as backup of the fee paid.
Are there any extras?
Alas yes, but this is a complete list – nothing will arise and surprise you. Should there be any likely extra costs you would always be consulted in advance
Is there anything you can’t research?
It’s very hard to research outside the UK as records are not normally as widely available. I can not guarantee any results for emigrants or immigrants, but I will discuss the possibilities again with you. There are several contacts I have for foreign genealogy.
I regret due to confidentiality of records I can not research adoptions.
For security reasons I can not research lines that are not your own. I always need to establish your place in a family tree before starting research.
FEES
Postage and reporting – £5 lump sum for preparation of report and postage to you.
Simple search of General Records Office indices for births, marriages and deaths if not part of normal ancestor research – from £5
Simple search of census records and print out of sheet if not part of normal ancestor research – from £5
Birth, death or marriage certificate (10 to 14 working days) – £15.00 mailed to you
Expedited certificate (3 working days) – £45.00 emailed to you, followed up by posting
Preparation of family tree or supply of gedcom computer file is included in research rate
Personal research visiting archives using local UK based specialists
Charged at cost. I will pass on their quote and then invoice for your information, but again ask payment in advance. Many ask up to £25 per hour, so you can see I’m not charging a large rate for my services. Sometimes Local Archives will do their own research for the case and this is often the most cost effective way of gaining information.
Printed booklets on your family story – estimate to be provided when details are know.