FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

How much does it cost?

If you hire a professional genealogist through Ancestry.com, fees start at around £2'500. Professional genealogists in the UK charge up to £50 an hour, depending on experience. My goal has always been to make family history affordable. If you want to hire a pro to delve into your family history, you need to be prepared to part with at least a few hundred pounds. 

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How do you calculate your prices?

All fees are based on costs which include the purchase of original documents (£3 to £23 each) as well as subscription services, printing and other costs. I work full-time hours (as a self-employed sole trader) and each project takes up to four weeks to complete. 

 

How far back do you go?

Early 1800s, late 1700s. I specialize in researching people born after Civil Registration (the legal requirement to have a birth certificate) was introduced (early 1800s).

 

What information do you need?

As a bare minimum – the full name and date of birth of the ‘Home Person’ and the names of at least one of their parents. The more information you can give me beyond that, the better. Once you've booked your research, I'll send you a form which prompts you for the information I require. 

 

What if I don't have any information?

Not a problem. There are lots of people who’ve come to me not knowing anything past their parents’ names and I’ve managed to trace back to all 16 of their great-great-grandparents.

 

Can you just use my research and put it into a Family Tree and/or book?

Absolutely. I’ve done all sorts of custom Family Trees for people and had brilliant feedback on them. Paper-based research will need to be scanned and shared with me electronically and I can view online research (on Ancestry, Find My Past, My Heritage) – you’ll need to send me a Share invite using my email address familytreesbyhannah@gmail.com​

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My sibling wants a copy - do I have to pay twice?

No. If I do a Family Tree or a Book you pay once and then additional copies can be purchased at a reduced price.  This makes it an ideal way to sort out all your Christmas presents in one go!

 

Do you include living family members on the Family Tree?

Yes. If the Family Tree is for Grandma, I'll make sure all her grandchildren are on there for her to see. The details (names and dates/places of birth) of living people need to be provided by you, I don’t research living people.

 

Do you ship abroad?

Yes. I’ve shipped Family Trees and Books all over the world, usually via Parcelforce. Postage and Packaging is charged on an ad-hoc basis and is additional to the cost of a project. Shipping to a UK mainland address is included in the prices shown on the website.