The Process

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The first step in determining if my services fit your goals is to click on the Contact link at the top of this page.  Provide the following information: name, email address, phone, when is best for me to call, your U.S. time zone, and a brief description of the kinds of genealogical information desired.  Examples may include "I want to find my birth family," "When did my family immigrate to the U.S.?" or "Great-grandpa had a brother, but we don't know what became of him."  I will then contact you and we will discuss your research needs. There is no charge for the consultation.  If I am not the best match for your project, I have access to the genealogy community and can refer you to a professional who has the required expertise.

Once we have determined what the focus of the investigation will be, and have basically agreed to the terms, I will prepare a contract that specifically details the set number of research and writing hours, hourly and total fee, expenses, permissions, and other stipulations.

The contract and related document(s) will be sent to you via email for your review, signature, and date.  Although I prefer to use electronic options such as electronic signatures, PayPal, and email for correspondence, I can do paper as well.  The Family Information Worksheet, detailing what information you already have on the topic, and scans or copies of any family history documents and photos that will aid in the research process, can either be sent digitally or on paper.  The sooner I receive the signed contract, retainer, worksheet, and family documents/photos, the sooner I can begin reviewing your paperwork and start digging. 

A $250 retainer is required before starting the research.  Should the project require less time and expense than the retainer covers, you will receive a refund for the unused portion.

Again, for fastest service, please use the PayPal app below.  You do not need a PayPal account to complete the transaction.  If you prefer, I will also accept a personal check or money order made out to "Our Progenitors, LLC."  Mail the check to Our Progenitors, LLC, PO Box 1773, Sierra Vista, AZ 85636.

No two projects are exactly alike, and there is no way to predict in advance the level of success in locating the family history answers you seek.  Sometimes, a search will immediately result in the shortest path from A to B; at other times, there is no direct path from A to B, but one may indirectly exist from A to C to D to B; or, at times, despite thorough investigation, there is no apparent route to B.  As an example of the latter, I have spent countless hours trying to break through a difficult problem concerning my paternal great-grandfather.  I have reviewed hundreds of records and still do not have the answer. 

If I am not able to answer the research question after expending nearly all the contracted hours and expenses,  you have the option of a) having me report what I could find, as described below, or b) continuing the research at the same hourly rate.  A contract amendment will be needed in the latter case.

At the conclusion of the research I will prepare a report, which I will email to you, so that you may easily share the information with members of your family and print as needed.  If you wish to cover the printing, supplies, and postage expenses, I can also prepare one or more hard copies of the report, printed in color, and placed in a notebook.

Finally, you will receive a full accounting of the project's expenses.