Before I can provide my free estimate, I’ll need to know a little about your goals:
- What are you looking to find out?
- Have you done any research or DNA testing to date? Do you have materials or background you can share?
Get the ball rolling by filling out my quick inquiry form.
My process:
- I’ll review what you submit at no charge and provide you with an estimate.
- I typically recommend that we start with an engagement of 10-15 hours. Quite often, that’s enough time to solve the topic in question. If more time is needed after that or you’d like to pursue additional lines of inquiry, we can put our heads together at that point and decide if/how we’d like to proceed. I’ve found that working in these smaller blocks of time and having frequent checkpoints with clients works really well for both sides.
- My hourly rate is $40/hour.
- As soon as I receive payment, I’ll begin work at first opportunity.
- As part of each engagement, I’ll provide you with a full summary report and copies of all historical records collected. For family tree cases, I’ll also provide an online tree that you can easily access and share.
Payment methods:
- Credit card via a secure online platform (Wave Financial)
- PayPal
- Check by mail
Expenses:
If a research round is likely to involve any of the following, I will provide projected expenses beforehand for your approval. For small expenses, we typically can take care of reimbursement at the end of a research round. If the projected expenses are significant, I may ask for a full or partial reimbursement up front.
- Travel expenses outside of Columbus, Ohio area (e.g. car mileage, airfare, accommodations)
- Original record orders
- Photocopies
Disclaimer:
It’s important to note that there are no guarantees in genealogical research. Records may have been lost—or, depending on the period in history, may never have been taken in the first place. Sometimes, our ancestors simply slip through the cracks of history. The success and speed of DNA analysis often depends on the genetic distance to your current matches. So, while no genealogist or historian can guarantee success, I’ll exhaust every possible avenue to get you the answers you’re seeking.