Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get started?
Reach out through my contact page and tell me what you’d like help with—whether it’s locating a single record, filling in a missing branch, or solving a brick wall. I’ll let you know the best next step.

What types of records do you use?
I work with many different sources, including census schedules, vital records, immigration and naturalization papers, church registers, newspapers, probate files, and cemetery records. Every finding is documented with its source.

How much does it cost?
My standard rate is $40 per hour. Small jobs, like retrieving a single record, may be billed at a flat rate. Larger research projects are billed hourly. Once I understand your goals, I’ll provide an estimate before beginning.

Do you create family trees?
Yes. I can build documented family trees going back several generations, or help strengthen and expand a tree you’ve already started.

What if you can’t find the record I’m looking for?
Not every record has survived, but I use all available sources and methods to give you the best possible outcome. If a record can’t be found, I’ll explain what was searched, what may no longer exist, and what alternatives might be available.

Do you search for living people?
No. My work focuses on historical and genealogical records. I do not provide searches for living individuals, missing persons, or current contact information.