So you want to trace your family tree, but are unsure of where to start. Or maybe you have hit that ‘brick-wall’ ancestor and don’t know where to look next.
Family Tree and Family History Research
As a professional genealogist, I offer bespoke family history research tailored specifically to your family history needs. I can start your family tree from scratch or help you to find a particular ancestor.
I can undertake research across England, Wales and Scotland back until about 1837. This was the start of Civil Registration in England and Wales, so this will cover mainly online sources. Before this time, a great deal of sources are only found in local archives. So, pre-1837 I focus my genealogical research upon the South-West of England. Specifically on the counties of Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Wiltshire. I have a great deal of experience in these areas, as most of my own family history research has been in these counties. I am also based in Somerset, which means I am really well placed for research in the South-West.
But what if you are looking for a different service? Perhaps you need a document looked-up in an archive that you are unable to travel too or need some advice on how to proceed with your research? I do offer these services as well. You can find more information about these and the other related services that I offer here. Don’t forget to have a look at what previous customers have to say too.
The Research Process
Having received an initial request (whether by telephone or email), I give all clients a free initial assessment. This can take up to an hour and allows me to judge how long any research might take. It also gives me familiarity with each case. To allow me to get as much out of this initial assessment as possible, I always ask for the following things from each client when they send their initial request:
- What it is that you would like to be researched?
- Any information that you have about those being researched (including birth, marriage and death dates where possible- copies of any certificates you have are also very useful).
- Any other information such as whether you have a restricted budget, or would like me to look for any specific records in the final research.
I try to perform each initial assessment within 48 hours of receiving an initial request (although please be aware that this may be longer at busy times). Then I will contact you with an estimate of how long the research will take and the cost of the research. You will also receive a Research Plan which sets out the research aims and an outline of how those aims may be achieved. Please bear in mind that certificates (birth, marriage or death) from the General Register Office (GRO) and credits for ScotlandsPeople that are obtained throughout the course of the research are additional charges. These are added to the final price estimate.
When the research has been agreed, the finished product will include a written report and generally one or two family trees, depending on the nature of the research. This is usually sent in a PDF format via email. If you wish to receive a paper copy, then extra charges will apply to compensate for printing and postage- please do indicate whether this is required in any initial communication. Additionally, I can also send a separate GEDcom (Genealogical Data Communication) file version of any family trees included in the finished report. These would be sent electronically via email, but please do ensure that you have the correct software to read this type of file. I am happy to give advice about this.
Payment
Please contact me to discuss your needs. I will then be able to give you a quote for any work being undertaken, taking into consideration any special requirements. When your project is complete, an invoice will be sent to you with all relevant payment details included. Payment is required within 14 days. Your finished report will then be sent after payment has been received. I accept cheques, Bank Transfers or PayPal payments, all in pound sterling (£).
For those wishing to use PayPal, please note that they are a third party website whose services I utilise. I do not retain your credit card details as they get processed through PayPal. Please see PayPal’s Privacy Policy for more information about how they handle your details.
Data Protection
As a professional Genealogist, I abide by UK Law and am registered as a Data Controller with the Information Commissioners Office (registration number ZA459827) . Any client can be sure that their personal information will be handled correctly and confidentially.
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