How It Works

If you want to hire us for your research and/or family legacy project, email or call us to discuss your goals.  We'll also discuss your budget and time constraints, our rates and expenses.  We request that you read our Terms and Conditions of Service.  Then if we both want to proceed with the research:

1.  Use our Client Research Request and write a brief summary of what you would like us to find and how many hours you authorize for the research. We require a 5-hour or $150 minimum project. Work requests must be contracted in writing.

2.  Tell us what work has already been done so we don't duplicate any work that has already been completed by someone else. Attach additional pages with information as necessary.

3.  Mail copies of any information that would be helpful with your research. (Do NOT mail originals.)  It's imperative that we have copies of work already done so we do not duplicate any previous efforts.

4.  Enclose a retainer or payment.  Minimum order is $150.  For larger projects, half payment is due before research is begun; the other half is due upon completion of that phase of the research.  Our policy is to "pay as you go."

5.  Send us your completed Client Research Request by USPS mail along with a retainer.  (Contact us with an email to let us know what you have sent.) 

6.  Upon completion (usually 4-8 weeks), after complete payment for the project is received, you will receive a Research Results Report from us.  The length of time and the length of the report depend on the client goals, and the type, size and depth of the research project, and the records found.  The report will list all sources searched, results found, analysis of those results, and will contain photocopies of any related documents.  We will also make suggestions for the next steps to take regarding further research, should you wish to continue.  At that point, we can discuss whether you wish to continue with further research.

PLEASE NOTE: You should be aware that there is no guarantee your ancestor will be found.  Every effort will be made to use resources and locate sources for definitive answers to your questions and the best possible results.  However, successful results are dependent on many factors, including where your ancestor lived and for how long, extant records for the location(s), and many other factors.  Payment is for the research hours spent and the report.  Successful results with definitive answers are always hoped for and earnestly sought, but they are not always forthcoming and are not guaranteed.   

We can help you plan, prepare and produce assorted media for Family Legacy Projects.   Call us if you want help defining, organizing and producing a Legacy Project for your family.  We can do it or consult with you on how to do it.  If you want to use our services, it is also possible for you to save money by working parts of the project yourself, such as scanning photos, etc.  We can define the project and then breakout parts for you to work if that is what you want to do.  Just call us and tell us what type of legacy material you have and what your goals are for it.  We can discuss them and make suggestions for ways to share and preserve your legacy material.