I’ve never hired a genealogist before, what can I expect?

(1) Once you make an inquiry, I will reach out and ask for more details about what you’re hoping to find and ask for applicable names and details pertaining to the ancestors you’re interested in. (2) From there, I will create a Letter of Engagement that outlines the scope of the project and requires your signature. If you agree to the Letter of Engagement, you’ll return a signed copy to me along with your Initial fee of $150.00 and I will begin work on your project. (3) Once the first 5 hours of research have been completed, I will explain my results and you can decide if you’d like to proceed. (4) The subsequent hourly fee is $30.00 per hour if you wish to proceed with more research (plus any expenses such as copies of records, facility fees, parking, etc..). During further research, I will reach out every time 5 hours of work is completed with a check-in to update you on the project status regarding hours and dollars and confirm if you would would like to continue the research or complete the project.

Genealogy is unpredictable and it’s best for me to maintain an open dialogue with you so that you can continue, pause, or complete the project when it suits you.

What kind of information do I need to provide for research?

Generally speaking, to the best of your knowledge, I need the name(s) (first, middle, last), birth dates, birth places, marriage dates, marriage places, death dates, death places, names of any siblings which helps me confirm I have the right person/family.

How long will my project take?

The number of hours needed to complete a project depends on (1) what the client wishes to know about their family and (2) record availability. The more you’d like to know, the more hours it takes.

Generally, I like to have 4-6 months to work on a project in the event research results are plentiful. In the event research does not yield much results, the project can be completed in less time.

If you’re considering family history as a gift, please plan ahead and make your inquiry several months early, especially if the waitlist has 1-2 projects listed.

What happens if nothing is found?

Generally, there is a legal or availability reason for a record not to be found. This is usually due to privacy laws that are in effect for a specific amount of time determined by the province or state in question. In other cases, records are sometimes destroyed in accidents such as fires at archival facilities. If for some reason I cannot find much of anything for your ancestor(s), I can almost always tell you why and recommend next steps.

Once my project is complete, when is payment due?

The initial fee is due before the project begins; when the work is complete, I invoice clients as soon as the work is presented and request payment within 30 days.

How do you accept payment?

Currently, I accept payment by e-transfer.

Why would I want to sort my Ancestry DNA matches?

Sorting DNA matches is most useful to adoptees or to a family member of unknown adoptee. For example, I knew my grandmother had a child when she was very young and that child was placed for adoption. I did not know the gender of the child and had no other information to go on. When I got my Ancestry DNA matches, I knew most of them but could not place some of my highest matches and was able to discover that adopted child’s identity. Such a breakthrough discovery with DNA cannot be guaranteed, but sorting your DNA matches can set you on the right path if you’re looking for someone.