I like to establish a good working relationship with my clients, in order to understand exactly what they want, and to make sure they know what to expect at the end of my research. Once I have a good understanding of the scope of the request, I'll write a clear proposal, explaining what I aim to find out initially, how long it might take, how much it might cost, and what expenses might be incurred. I'll usually ask you to agree a budget limit - typically it will be £120 plus expenses for the first piece of research.
I'll keep you up to date with progress, and let you know at once if I hit any major brick walls, or alternatively if I make any exciting discoveries. At the end of the assignment I will produce a written report, which may include a diagrammatic family tree, and references to all sources that I have used in my research. It will of course contain the originals of all copy certificates obtained, and photographs or photocopies of documents consulted as appropriate. I will indicate whether I think I have gone as far as I can, or if there are other areas of research that might be worth pursuing.I conduct all research myself, except where it is more economic to ask the local record office to do a particular search for me. This might arise, for instance, when there is just one piece of information required to complete a pedigree or family tree, and the record office can quickly carry out the search for me.
Some starting points
 | Do you have a family Bible inscribed with names and dates? These are a great help for family history research, but sadly relatively rare. You might have old certificates, memorial cards or other useful documents amongst your family papers. | |
You may have some old photographs - and if they are annotated with names and dates, so much the better. However, even if all you have are a few names and dates, that should be enough to get started.