FAQs

- What if you cannot locate information about my relatives?

In the free preliminary check, I will have a chance to find threads to research. It will give me an opportunity to find available records which would be needed to research for your project. If during the research process I discover that continued research is not possible, I will immediately contact you to inform you and amend the cost of your package accordingly. If this should happen, a minimum charge of R250 will be retained from your deposit to cover the cost of research until that point.

- How far back can you go?

This entirely depends on what records are available. If there are records available, and they are able to be accessed, then we can continue going back; If not, there will be a point where we have exhausted all options.

- How long does it take to complete a family tree?

This is a tricky question as one needs to first ask themselves where they see the finish line, and secondly realize that records may have only started in the country of the ancestor's origin in the recent past, or may have been destroyed due to fire or war. We can go back as far as possible but there is always a point in which we will have to accept a finish line. However, this generally takes years to reach.

- How does the Pay As You Go Package work?

The Pay As You Go Package is based on pre-agreed time frames wherein I conduct research on your parameters. I will provide you with a project sheet weekly stating the times I spent on your project.

- Where do you find your information?

I have access to multiple sites and some subscription-based services wherein I search with the information you have provided to me. I shall provide source citations in my reports.

- What is a GEDCOM?

GEDCOM stands for GEnealogical Data COMmunication and is the standard used for sharing genealogical files. Most genealogy software adopts this standard.

- Are there hidden or additional costs?

Not particularly. I will never go ahead with any additional cost products without your prior written consent. Additional costs would be, for example, if I were to use a service to attain the PDF WWII record from a service provider, which is not available to the public. However, if such records exist, I will inform you and quote you separately, and then provide you with the document in email format. Family History research requires an element of trust and has to be open book on both sides.

- Can you show me how you do your research?

No. The way in which genealogical research is conducted by an individual like myself is very personal and comes from years of learning, taking classes, trial & error, and being in a community of like-minded people. To ask a genealogist how they conduct their research is like asking a doctor how he does his work.

It is important to realize and keep in mind at all times that we as genealogists will always exhaust our options as we want to find your records and results just as much as you do, due to our passion for the subject. If I cannot find the answers you seek, I will provide you will a report which you may take to another genealogist, I will even suggest or refer someone with a particular knowledge base specific to your needs if I know of one.