Frequently Asked Questions

Why use me for your research?

I have been researching for 32 years with experience gained throughout that time. Everything I find will be my own work. I specialise in a more personalised research service. I take time to talk you through what I’ve found. 

What information do I need to provide to begin research?

I ask for birth, marriage and death dates and places (where known) on parents and grandparents. The more information I am provided with helps me find the right family. A family questionnaire will be sent to you.

How far back in time can you get?

Honestly this is a difficult one to be specific. It all depends on the availability of records - some WW1 records were destroyed in the WW2 Blitz of London; many Irish records were destroyed in the 1920s; some Parish Church records have disappeared over the years; the surname involved (for more common names it can sometimes be hard to differentiate with certainty one family from another).

What information will you find?

Again, it is difficult to say in advance. When my wife was researching her family, we discovered that her grandfather played in a Junior Silver Band in Hull. As a teenager he went with the band to the finals of a National Band Contest at Crystal Palace in London. This was an adventure in itself as the majority of the players had never been out of Hull. The band won the competition for their age group and were given a hero’s welcome on their return to Hull and were carried shoulder high through the streets.

Can I pay in instalments?

Yes, with research packages.

Do I have to pay in full before you begin research?

With research packages I ask for a minimum deposit of 10% of the requested package and then ask for the remainder to be paid when the research is completed. 

I just want a brick wall solved, not a whole research package

That is what my hourly rate is for.

How long does the research take?

Research projects can take from between 1 and 3 moths depending on the size of package requested, availability of resources and documents. I will give you a likely timescale when receiving your initial information.

 How I do business with you?

• My business policy is that all fees and expenses will be agreed with you up front, there will be no surprise costs. Any questions or concerns you may have will be dealt with quickly and resolved.
• It is unlikely that I will need to travel to local record offices but should this prove to be necessary I will discuss this with you beforehand and any costs involved detailed.