Frequently Asked Questions
How much will this cost me?
The price will be finalised after we have carried out the Free of Charge and No Obligation Assessement (for either party) of what is possible.
Meantime, to help you decide whether to enquire about a service, our estimates page will give you an indication of what the price may be.
Why do you require a questionnaire to be completed first?
The return of the questionnaire is required so that we have some base information to carry out the initial research, and to inform you: what is possible, what is the likely output, and how long it may take.
How long will the research and report take?
For most engagements the work will be completed in about 8 weeks. Larger engagements may take longer, and you will be advised of this should the initial assessment indicate this is necessary.
You will also be kept informed of progress at least once per fortnight throughout this time.
Are you able to guarantee success?
No. Albeit, one of the main reasons for the free of charge assessment is to determine what is possible, and to inform you of the likelihood of success, before you agree to progress further.
Do you only carry out UK and Irish Ancestry?
Yes. We only specialise in UK and Irish Ancestry.
If your ancestors originate from other parts of the world, there are a number of online directories containing details of professional genealogists and what their specialities are.
How far back does your research go?
Depending on the availability of records, we will endeavour to trace your ancestry back to the early/mid 19th century. Beyond that, the results are far more unpredicatable with diminishing returns.
How accurate is the information you provide?
We employ reasonable endeavours to validate the records we uncover, and will provide you with the source for each primary record included in your final report. Also, where it becomes necessary to include conclusions based on probability, we will make this very clear.
That said, mistakes are possible. Particularly, as many records may have been originally hand-written with the subsequent transcription being incorrect. Other common challenges to overcome are: the accuracy of the spelling of names and places; individual’s baptism or civil record birth name verses the name or nickname used in their everyday life; and the ages of individuals recorded on census or death certificates.
What are the Primary Records used to conduct the research?
The primary records inspected and on which the subsequent report is based are as follows:
1. Civil Registration Indexes for Births, Marriages and Deaths
2. 1841, 1851, 1861, 1871, 1881, 1891, 1901, 1911 and 1921 Census Records (UK)
3. 1939 England & Wales Register
4. 1901 and 1911 Census Records (Ireland)
Who owns the copyright on the report you produce?
We retain the copyright of reports and other documents submitted to our clients. This means you, or the recipient (if it is a gift) may only use the report and other documents for your/their own use or further research. That means you/they cannot publish any part of the report or other documentation without our permission.