Services & Fees

Every family history project is unique. Some clients are looking to extend a family tree, others need help identifying an ancestor, resolving conflicting evidence, investigating a historic property, or tackling a long-standing genealogical problem.

Whatever your objective, every commission begins with a discussion of the research questions you would like answered and the evidence already available. From there, I will recommend the most appropriate first stage of research and provide a clear quotation before any work begins.

Professional genealogy is far more than locating records. It involves evaluating original documents, interpreting historical evidence, resolving contradictions, and drawing well-supported conclusions. Every commission is approached using recognised genealogical standards to produce reliable, evidence-based research.

How the Research Process Works

Initial Consultation

Every enquiry begins with an informal discussion by email or telephone. This allows me to understand your objectives, review any existing research, identify the most promising sources, and recommend an appropriate research strategy.

Following our discussion, I will provide a quotation outlining the proposed work, the anticipated timescale, and any expected archive or document costs.

Research Commission

Research is normally undertaken in clearly defined stages rather than as an open-ended project. This allows each stage to answer specific research questions while providing the flexibility to review the findings before deciding whether further work is worthwhile.

Depending on the nature of the commission, research may include:

• Examination of original archival records

• Analysis of existing family history research

• Parish, probate, land, tax and court records

• Nonconformist, military and occupational records

• Historical maps, newspapers and local history sources

• Evidence analysis and correlation across multiple record sets

At the conclusion of each stage, I will discuss the findings with you and recommend any worthwhile next steps.

Professional Fees

Research is commissioned on either a half-day or full-day basis, depending on the scope and complexity of the project.

Research commissions start from £240 (half day).

Many projects begin with a half-day or full-day commission to assess the available evidence before deciding whether further research is justified. Larger or more complex investigations are then completed in agreed stages, allowing you to remain fully in control of both the direction of the research and the associated costs.

Any archive admission charges, document reproduction fees or travel expenses will always be discussed and agreed before they are incurred.

What You Will Receive

Every commission concludes with a professionally presented report setting out the research undertaken, the evidence discovered, and the conclusions reached.

Reports include:

• A clear narrative explaining the findings

• Full references to all sources consulted

• Analysis of conflicting or ambiguous evidence

• Copies of significant historical documents where permitted

• Recommendations for further research, where appropriate

The result is more than a collection of records. It is a carefully researched, fully documented account that can be relied upon, independently verified, and preserved for future generations.