Frequently Asked Questions

Three compelling reasons to hire a professional genealogist include:

· Expertise and Access to Specialized Resources: Professional genealogists have access to a wide array of specialized resources, databases, and archives that are often not available to the public. Their expertise in navigating these sources can uncover records and information that the average researcher might miss.

· Accurate and Efficient Research: With years of experience and specialized training, professional genealogists can conduct accurate and efficient research. They know the best practices for verifying information, resolving conflicting data, and documenting findings meticulously, ensuring that your family history is both accurate and reliable.

· Time and Effort Savings: Genealogical research can be extremely time-consuming and complex. Hiring a professional can save you significant time and effort, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your life. Professionals can also handle challenging research problems, such as tracking down elusive ancestors or interpreting old documents.

Preparing for a research consultation with a professional genealogist is key to making the most of our time together. Here's a guide to help you get ready:

Information to Gather:

· Family Tree Information: Gather details about your immediate and extended family members, including names, birth dates, marriage dates, and death dates if applicable.

· Geographical Details: Know the places your ancestors lived, including towns, counties, states, and countries.

· Historical Context: Consider any known historical events that may have impacted your ancestors, such as migrations, wars, or economic changes. 

Documents to Bring:

· Vital Records: Birth, marriage, and death certificates.

· Census Records: Copies of relevant census records.

· Immigration and Naturalization Documents: Passenger lists, naturalization papers, and passports.

· Family Heirlooms: Photographs, letters, diaries, and family Bibles can provide valuable clues.

· Existing Research: Any previous genealogical research or family trees you or others have compiled.

Questions to Prepare:

· Specific Goals: What are your main objectives? For example, discovering your ancestral origins, identifying unknown relatives, or verifying family stories.

· Brick Walls: Identify any specific challenges or "brick walls" you've encountered in your research.

· Methodology: Are you interested in learning about the research methods used so you can continue independently?

· Documentation and Sources: Inquire about the best ways to document and source your findings to ensure accuracy and reliability.

With this preparation, we'll be well-equipped to dive into your family history and uncover fascinating stories together. To assist you with this, we have included downloadable forms at the bottom of our products and services page.  Is there a particular ancestor or family line you're especially curious about? 

The costs of hiring a professional genealogist can vary widely depending on the complexity and scope of the project. Here's a general overview of average costs for various genealogy services:

Research Projects

· Hourly Rates: Most genealogists charge between $40 and $150 per hour, but the average rate is around $65 per hour.

· Minimum Commitment: Some genealogists require a minimum number of hours or an upfront payment. Minimum commitments can vary.  A guiding point to consider is a 10-hour minimum, which would usually equate to five hours of actual research and an additional five hours for analysis & correlation of the evidence, report writing, creation of charts and group sheets if applicable, and gathering of suggested future research needed.

Heritage Society Applications

Application Assistance: Costs can range from $200 to $1,000, depending on the complexity of the application and the amount of research required.

DNA Projects

DNA Analysis and Interpretation: Prices can vary significantly, often ranging from $500 to $2,000 or more, depending on the depth of analysis and the number of tests involved. Many not-for-profit organizations can also assist with finding results in adoption cases at lower costs.

Family History Books

Writing and Publishing: Creating a family history book can cost $1,500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the length, design, and number of copies.

Other Genealogy Services Available through Professional Genealogists include:

· Custom Charts and Reports: Depending on the level of detail and customization, costs can range from $500 to $1,500.

· Missing Heirs and Beneficiaries Research: This specialized service can cost around $3,000. Or more.

Keep in mind that these are average estimates, and actual costs can vary. Many genealogists offer a free initial consultation to discuss your specific needs and provide a customized quote.

Is there a particular service you're interested in, or do you have a specific project in mind?