HOW IT WORKS
Your Research. Your Questions. Your Budget.
Every family history project is different. You may have a single question about one ancestor, a family mystery you've been trying to solve for years, or an entire branch of your family you'd like to explore.
That's why I don't try to fit every project into a predetermined research package. We'll start by discussing what you want to discover, what you already know, and how much research makes sense for your goals and budget.
1 — Start With a Free Consultation
Tell me what you'd like to discover and what you already know.
Your initial consultation is free. I'll ask about your research question, the people and places involved, and any research or DNA testing you've already completed.
There's no obligation to hire me.
2 — I'll Review Your Research Question
Before recommending paid research, I'll consider what you're trying to discover and the information already available.
I'll identify a clear research objective and determine which records, repositories, databases, DNA evidence, or other sources are most likely to help answer your question.
3 — You'll Receive a Research Proposal
I'll recommend an initial amount of research based on the scope and complexity of your project.
Before research begins, you'll know:
What question we're trying to answer
What research I recommend
The amount of research time authorized
The estimated cost
What you'll receive when the research is completed
You can approve the proposal, ask to adjust the scope, or decide not to proceed.
4 — I Conduct the Research
Once you've approved the project, I'll begin researching the agreed-upon objective.
Professional genealogical research involves more than finding names in online family trees. I locate and evaluate records, compare evidence from multiple sources, document where information came from, resolve conflicting evidence when possible, and follow new clues as they develop within the authorized research time.
5 — You Receive the Findings
At the conclusion of the project, you'll receive clearly documented results explaining what was researched and what was discovered.
Depending on the project, your results may include:
A written research report
Copies or images of relevant records
Source citations
Family relationships or reconstructed family groups
Analysis of conflicting evidence
DNA findings when applicable
Recommendations for additional research
A research project can still be valuable even when a particular record or answer cannot be found. Negative searches and eliminated possibilities can help determine where the research should go next.
6 — You Decide What Happens Next
Some questions can be answered during the initial research period. Others uncover new evidence that leads to additional questions.
If further research would be useful, I'll explain what I recommend and why.
Additional research is never undertaken without your approval.
Professional Research Without an Open-Ended Bill
You remain in control of your research budget.
Rather than beginning an unlimited project and billing indefinitely, we'll agree on the initial research scope and budget before work begins. If you'd like to continue after reviewing the findings, we can establish the next research objective together.
Your first consultation is free.
Tell me what you're trying to discover, and I'll help determine the best place to begin.
Ready to Discover More About Your Family?