GOOD QUESTIONS, PLAINLY ANSWERED
Frequently Asked Questions
The things people most often ask before getting in touch and the honest
answers, in plain English.
GETTING STARTED & RESEARCH
What information do I need to provide to start?
You don't need to have everything worked out. A name, approximate date, place, certificate, photograph or family story may be enough to begin. Send me what you already know and I'll let you know what information would be useful before research starts.
What happens before you start researching?
I'll first look at what you're trying to discover and the information you already have. I'll then explain what research appears possible, recommend the most suitable approach and confirm the cost or agreed research budget before any work begins.
I've already done some family history research. Can you use what I have?
Yes. Send me your existing family tree, records, certificates, notes or other research. I'll review what's already been found so I'm not unnecessarily repeating work you've already done.
How far back can you research my family tree?
There isn't a fixed number of generations that can be guaranteed. How far a family line can be reliably traced depends on where your ancestors lived, which records survive and whether each generation can be supported by sufficient evidence.
How long does family history research take?
It depends on the size and complexity of the project and the records required. I'll give you an indication of the likely timescale before research begins and keep you informed if anything affects it.
Can you research people outside the UK?
Yes. I can research families with connections outside the UK where suitable records are available. The amount and type of information available varies considerably between countries and time periods, so I'll assess what's possible before beginning.
Can you continue a family tree that somebody else started?
Yes. I don't automatically need to start again. I'll review the existing tree and supporting evidence first, then continue from the point where the documented family line currently ends.
What if I only want one particular ancestor or question researched?
That's fine. You don't need to commission a complete family tree. If you're trying to identify one ancestor, find a missing record or solve a particular family-history question, focused research may be more appropriate.
Can you guarantee you will find the person or answer I'm looking for?
No responsible family historian can guarantee a particular discovery. Records may be missing, damaged, inaccurate or may never have existed. I'll follow the available evidence and explain clearly what can and cannot be established.
What happens if the research reaches a dead end?
I'll look for alternative records, spellings, locations and other routes that may help move the research forward. If the surviving evidence isn't sufficient to reach a reliable conclusion, I'll explain where the trail ends rather than filling the gap with a guess.
COSTS & PAYMENTS
How much does family history research cost?
The cost depends on the type and scope of research. Family tree packages start from £149, while specialist research is generally charged at £20 per research hour. Larger or more complex projects are quoted individually.
Will I know the cost before research begins?
Yes. I'll agree the scope of the research and the cost with you before any work begins. If something arises that could involve additional research or expense, I'll discuss it with you first.
When do I pay for my research?
Smaller fixed-price projects and agreed blocks of hourly research are normally paid for before research begins. Larger projects may be split into a deposit and final payment. I'll explain the payment arrangement when we agree the project.
Do I have to pay everything upfront?
Not necessarily. Smaller projects are normally paid in full before research begins, while larger projects may be divided into staged payments. The payment arrangement will always be clear before you commit.
Can I set a maximum budget for research?
Yes. For research charged by the hour, we can agree a set number of hours or a maximum budget. I won't exceed the agreed amount without discussing it with you first.
What does £20 per research hour mean?
It means you are paying for the time spent professionally researching and analysing your family-history question. This can include searching records, comparing evidence, checking relationships and documenting the findings, not simply carrying out a single online search.
Why might certificates or other records cost extra?
Occasionally an official birth, marriage or death certificate, Scottish record or other paid record may be needed to investigate or confirm a family connection. These charges aren't included in the standard research price and will always be discussed with you before they're purchased.
Will you charge me if further research isn't worthwhile?
I won't recommend additional research simply to keep a project going. If the evidence suggests that further work is unlikely to produce a useful result, I'll explain why and discuss the available options with you.
What happens if more research is needed than originally expected?
I'll explain what has been discovered, why further research may be useful and what the additional work would cost. You can then decide whether you'd like me to continue.
Are there any hidden charges?
No. You'll know the agreed research cost before work begins. Any potential additional costs, such as certificates, paid records or agreed travel expenses, will be discussed with you before they're incurred.
YOUR RESEARCH & WHAT YOU RECEIVE
How will my completed family history research be delivered?
Your completed research is delivered digitally, with your family tree and supporting records organised so they're easy to keep, explore and share with your family.
What is included with a researched family tree?
Depending on the project, you'll receive your researched family tree, a GEDCOM file and digital copies of the historical records used during the research, organised into individual ancestor folders.
What is a GEDCOM file?
A GEDCOM is a standard family-tree file format that allows genealogical information to be transferred between most major family-tree programs and websites. It means you're not locked into one particular genealogy platform.
How are my family records organised?
Records are organised into individual folders for each person researched. These can include census records, birth, marriage and death records, parish records, military records, newspaper articles and other relevant documents discovered during the research.
Can I add the research to my existing family tree?
Yes. The GEDCOM file can be imported into many popular genealogy programs and websites. If you already have a family tree, we can also discuss the best way to incorporate the new research without unnecessarily duplicating existing information.
Will you explain where the information came from?
Yes. Family relationships and conclusions should be based on evidence rather than assumptions. I'll use the available historical records to support the research and make clear where information has come from.
What happens if some of the evidence is uncertain?
Family-history records don't always provide a definite answer. Where evidence is conflicting or incomplete, I'll distinguish between what can be supported, what appears likely and what remains uncertain rather than presenting assumptions as facts.
Do I keep the digital files and records you provide?
Yes. The completed digital research supplied to you is yours to keep. You can store it, share it with your family and use it as the foundation for future family-history research.
Can I have a printed family tree?
Yes. Digital delivery is standard, but printed family trees or charts can be arranged as an optional extra. The cost will depend on the size and format required.
Can I come back later and continue the research?
Yes. Your family history doesn't have to be researched all at once. You can start with one family line or a particular question and return later to investigate another branch or continue the research further.
RECORDS, EVIDENCE & RESEARCH STANDARDS
How do you make sure the family history research is accurate?
I compare names, dates, places, relationships and other details across available historical records. Wherever possible, conclusions are supported by more than one piece of evidence rather than relying on a single record or assumption.
Do you use information from other people's online family trees?
Online family trees can provide useful clues, but I don't treat information from another person's tree as proof on its own. Important names, dates, places and relationships are checked against reliable historical records wherever possible.
Are hints on genealogy websites always correct?
No. Hints are suggestions generated from records and other information and can be extremely useful, but they still need to be checked. A similar name, age or location doesn't necessarily mean the record belongs to the correct person.
What happens when different records give conflicting information?
Conflicting information is common in family-history research. I'll compare the available evidence, consider when and why each record was created and explain which conclusion appears best supported. Where the evidence remains uncertain, I'll say so.
How do you know that a record belongs to the correct person?
I look beyond the name and compare details such as age, birthplace, occupation, address, relatives and other known information. The aim is to build a consistent body of evidence connecting the record to the individual rather than relying on one matching detail.
What if a historical record contains a mistake?
Historical records aren't always accurate. Ages can change between censuses, names can be misspelled and information may have been recorded incorrectly. Differences are investigated alongside other records rather than automatically accepting one version as correct.
What if a record I need no longer exists?
Some records have been lost, destroyed or were never created. Where this happens, I'll look for alternative sources that may provide similar evidence. If the missing record prevents a reliable conclusion, I'll explain the limitation clearly.
Do you use original certificates and official records?
Where appropriate, yes. Many records can be researched using digital images, indexes and archive collections, but occasionally an official certificate or other paid record may be necessary to establish or confirm an important connection. Any additional cost will be agreed with you first.
Can you research Scottish ancestors?
Yes. Scottish family-history research can involve records accessed through specialist collections and some records require additional pay-per-view fees. If paid records are likely to be needed, I'll explain this and agree any additional cost before accessing them.
How do you handle information about living people?
Information relating to living people is treated carefully and only used where relevant to the research you've asked me to undertake. Family-history research and any information you provide will be handled with appropriate respect for privacy.
READY TO BEGIN
Still have a question?
If something isn't covered here, just ask. I'm happy to talk through
what's possible before any work begins.
Origin
Family History Research
Professional genealogy research from Lincolnshire, helping clients across the UK and overseas discover the stories hidden in their family's past.
Lincoln, Lincolnshire, East Midlands, United Kingdom
Ready to begin?
Tell me what you're trying to discover. I'll review the information and let you know what research is possible before any work begins.
© 2026 Origin Family History Research. All rights reserved.
Lincoln, Lincolnshire, East Midlands, United Kingdom. Digital family history research for clients across the UK and overseas.