Three words: experience, expertise, resources. While many records are available on the Internet to anyone who knows where to look for them, not all are. There are many other sources. Additionally, many of the records that are available on the Internet are either very difficult, or even impossible to access without paid subscriptions to various databases and programs. What starts out as "free" Internet research can easily, and quickly, become very expensive. Professional genealogists have access to all available resources. We also have the experience and expertise to be able to recognize what we find as something that is pertinent, not pertinent, or something that should be further explored.
How Long Does It Take?
Usually, single record searches are sent within 7-10 business days. Basic research projects are normally completed in 3-8 weeks, and more extensive projects are normally completed in 6-12 weeks.
Why Does It Take So Long?
Your research project is scheduled as soon as we receive your retainer. Your project is very important to us, and will be completed in the shortest time possible. In many cases, results are shipped much sooner than the estimated time.
What Are "Billable Hours"?
Billable hours constitute all time spent working on your project. This includes time spent on actual research, either online or on-site, driving time to and from sites, time spent preparing the initial agreement, time spent organizing and reporting results, time spent preparing and sending status reports, and any other time devoted exclusively to your project. In cases where we may travel to a single site to obtain records for more than one project, you are charged for only a proportionate amount of time. For example, if we visit a genealogy library to obtain records for three separate projects, you are charged for only 1/3 of the time involved. It would not be ethical to charge each client for the full amount of time and, whenever possible, we attempt to combine resources in this manner.
How Do I Know How The Research Is Progressing?
We are happy to send a status report whenever you request it, to keep you updated on what we find. You may want to request that we send a status report weekly, but keep in mind that preparing and sending a status report takes time, billable time, which may be more effectively used doing actual research on your project. We realize that you are anxious to learn the results, but we also want to maximize the actual research time we are able to devote to your project. It is always in our best interest, as well as yours, to produce the best possible results on your project.
Why Do I Have To Pay A Retainer Fee?
Your retainer fee covers the initial expenses of getting started on your project. Payment in full is due only when your results are ready to be shipped.
What Can I Do To Help Improve The Results Of My Project?
First of all, don't pay us to find information that you already have! In most cases, we are being paid to spend a specified amount of time working on your project. You can optimize that time by providing us with any and all information you currently have about the family line you want us to research. You should also provide copies of any family records you may have. This information could potentially save hours of research time, which can better be used attempting to find new information. Details about useful information that you may be able to provide will be discussed in our initial consultation.
Are Results Guaranteed?
No. We guarantee that we will spend the agreed upon amount of time, working diligently to find all available information about your family line. No one can guarantee or predict what the results will be, and you should stay away from any genealogist who makes that claim. Records were not always recorded and stored as accurately and efficiently as they are today. While it is amazing how many very old records are still intact and accessible, many are not. It is very common to encounter gaps, inconsistencies and inaccuracies in old records. Professional genealogists are trained to recognize these pitfalls, and in many cases, are able to work past them. However, we obviously will not be able to find a record that simply does not exist, so results do vary, according to the information that actually exists.
How Many Family Lines Will Be Researched?
We can research as many lines as you wish, but remember that you are paying for a specific amount of research time. If you are primarily interested in researching your family name (paternal), you may want us to spend all or most of our time on that particular line in order to give you more thorough results. If you are more interested in your complete family tree (including ancestors in both your father's and your mother's lines), you may want us to research both the paternal and maternal lines. The specific goals for your research project will be discussed during the free initial consultation process.
Will I Be Able To Consult With A Researcher Before I Make A Decision?
Yes, absolutely. Initial consultation is always free. Simply click here to submit your request for a Free Initial Consultation. After we receive your request, a professional genealogist from Ancestry Legacy will contact you to discuss your project. This could be the most important step in your research project!
Will I Have Something In Writing Before I Pay A Retainer Fee?
Yes, based on our initial consultation, a letter of agreement will be sent to you for approval. This agreement will detail your specific goals, and will specify exactly what we intend to provide, as well as the cost of our services. If you agree, you simply return the signed agreement, along with your retainer fee, and your project will be scheduled. If you desire modifications to the agreement, feel free to contact us to discuss any changes.
