Frequently Asked Questions
If you are consulting a professional genealogist for the first time, consider these things.
- Ask for their credentials: education, professional affiliations, publications, access to records.
- Ask what they charge, what services they provide, method of payment(retainer, credit card, bill for services).
- Define the researcher's work. Provide the professional with all the information you have on the specific problem to be solved.
- Evaluate the results. Is the report neat, orderly, concise? Does it answer the question asked? Is the report supported adequately with documentation?
- If you have a problem or complaint, tell the professional first. If you can't resolve the problem, contact the organization or person who referred you. The APG or the BCG have arbiters who will help you.
FAQ
What are your credentials?
I am a Certified Genealogist. Since 1964, the Board for Certification of Genealogists, Washington, DC., independent of any society, has stood for the highest standards of competence and ethics. Board-certified genealogists must pass rigorous tests and subscribe to a code of ethics. Having passed BCG evaluation, I am entitled to write CG after my name for the period 2005-2010. For more answers to this question, please read my "About Us" section.
Where do you research?
I research in Kansas primarily, in courthouses, libraries, the Kansas State Historical library and archives, churches, cemeteries, LDS Family History Centers, and the Internet.
What do you charge?
Current fees are: $35.00 per hour for analysis, planning, research, and reports, with a minimum retainer of $140.00. Actual costs for photocopies, postage, microfilm/microfiche rental, photographic film and processing, meals and hotel expenses for overnight travel. Mileage outside of Saline County, KS is figured at 50.5 cents per mile based on the standard Kansas Department of Transportation mileage estimate between cities. Lectures, workshops and seminars are usually based on a per lecture fee of $200, plus travel, lodging, and meals.
How long will it take to get my first report?
You will have your first report usually within 4-8 weeks of receipt of your retainer by the researcher. If more time is required, you will be notified as soon as possible. Delays are usually the result of waiting on film or on information from third-party sources to arrive.
What do I get for my money?
You get a report detailing what records were searched, what was or was not found in those records, analysis of the information found in the record, a photocopy of the record, suggestions for further searches, and an itemized statement of your account. You are paying for my time and expertise.
What do you need from me?
To make efficient use your retainer, I need names, relationships, places, dates, and any other information relating to specific events. For example,
"Jane Doe was born July 4, 1776 in Philadelphia, PA to John and Mary Doe. The family was Irish Catholic."
If the request is genealogical, I need a family group sheet, pedigree chart, list of sources previously checked for the requested information. This saves both of us from my reporting information you already have.
Should I need an arbiter, whom do I contact?
I hope you will never need this service concerning one of my reports. If you have a complaint, contact me first. I want you to be happy with my work.
But just in case, these are the organizations to contact concerning my work. Association of Professional Genealogists, P. O. Box 40393, Denver Co 80204-0393
Board for Certification of Genealogists, P. O. Box 14291, Washington, DC 20044
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