Professional genealogy is most effective when the project begins with a specific, answerable question. “Find everything about my family” can be divided into stages, while “identify the parents of Mary Wilson, born about 1842 in Cumberland” gives the research a measurable focus.
Prepare what you already know
Gather certificates, family documents, photographs, DNA results, previous reports and links to online trees. Separate family stories from confirmed facts, but include both: an unproven story may contain a useful clue.
Choose a research objective
Decide whether your priority is building a tree, proving one relationship, finding an unknown parent, solving a brick wall or understanding an ancestor’s life. A defined objective helps control cost and prevents the work from expanding without agreement.
Expect a research plan
Before substantial work begins, I explain the proposed sources, likely obstacles, estimated time and limits. Genealogy cannot guarantee a particular answer because records may be missing, inaccurate or inaccessible.
Understand the deliverables
Ask what you will receive. This may include a narrative report, source citations, record images, a family tree, research log and recommendations. The report should distinguish evidence, interpretation and uncertainty.
Assess quality, not just names and dates
Reliable research explains why a record belongs to the correct person, resolves contradictions and avoids copying unsupported online trees. A conclusion should be reproducible from the cited sources.
Privacy and sensitive discoveries
Unknown parentage and DNA cases may reveal living relatives or unexpected relationships. Discuss confidentiality, access to DNA accounts, data handling and how sensitive results will be communicated.
Start with a manageable stage
A short preliminary search can test record survival and refine the question before a larger commission. I offer defined packages as well as hourly research, with the scope and cost agreed before work begins.