| The practice of genealogy is becoming an | | | | entire ancestral line. Others choose to have a |
| increasingly popular pastime around the world. | | | | comprehensive multigenerational search or even |
| With the advent of modern technological tools like | | | | have a written family history book. It will be |
| the personal computer and the internet, more and | | | | based on these options that the research will be |
| more people find that indulging in their interest for | | | | billed as well as the total number of hours spent |
| genealogy is no longer too difficult to remain | | | | for the entire research. In general, the longer and |
| wishful thinking. In fact, so many people are | | | | more complicated the research project is, the |
| interested in it that many websites and online | | | | more it's going to cost, so weigh your budget |
| forums dedicated to genealogy have popped up | | | | wisely. |
| practically overnight to address the needs of the | | | | 3. Ask for a detailed payment scheme. Check |
| interested public. | | | | with the researcher if he/she includes additional |
| Different people have different reasons for | | | | charges on top of the basic fees. These charges |
| engaging in this study. Some find it fascinating, | | | | may include but are not limited to photocopy |
| exciting and awe-inspiring to be able to unearth | | | | costs, handling and postage fees, overseas phone |
| knowledge of their ancestors and their past. | | | | call bills, records and microfilm fees. Some |
| Others engage in genealogical research to pay | | | | researchers, however, may include these |
| tribute to their past ancestors as well as to leave | | | | additional costs into the complete package price. |
| a legacy to the future generation. And still some | | | | 4. Ensure that online payments are safe. Most |
| find a sense of self-fulfillment and a path to | | | | researchers transact their businesses online, so |
| self-discovery in their search into their pasts, | | | | make sure that the payment method protects |
| allowing them to uncover more about themselves | | | | you from scams and frauds especially when you |
| as they dig through their family history. | | | | are asked for your bank account or credit card |
| No matter the reason, most beginners who are | | | | numbers. |
| serious in piecing their past together usually turn | | | | 5. If online payment is not possible, ask for other |
| to a professional genealogy research for help - | | | | options. Some researchers accept cash or check |
| and with good reason. A professional genealogy | | | | payments. For check payments, researchers |
| research brings a lot of expertise and experience | | | | usually wait for checks to clear before beginning |
| to the table that beginners need as they embark | | | | work on your project. |
| on their quest to uncover their personal family | | | | 6. Make sure to hire a credible researcher. You |
| histories. | | | | can do this by asking him/her which documents |
| Once the decision has been made to seek the | | | | he/she uses to check on their search capabilities. |
| help of a professional however, make sure you | | | | A credible researcher should be able to list the |
| pick the right person for the job. Screen your | | | | following sources: compiled newspapers and |
| researcher well for getting a good researcher | | | | sources, vital records, church records, census |
| means you get good results on your data quest. | | | | records, wills, probate records, local and |
| To make sure that you pick the right person, | | | | government land records, military and court |
| here are a few simple guidelines to follow: | | | | records, burial and cemetery records, ship |
| | | | passenger listings, immigration and naturalization |
| 1. Make sure that you get a researcher who | | | | records. |
| knows how to empathize and understands your | | | | 7. Check the procedure for mailing of research |
| reasons for taking on this project. A person, even | | | | packages. In some cases, additional fees are |
| a professional, who understands that there are | | | | charged for special delivery requests. |
| personal sides to every professional engagement, | | | | 8. Research duration depends on the complexity |
| will likely to care for the project as much as you | | | | of the project. However, most research |
| do. Also ensure that all information your | | | | packages may be completed within 8 to 12 |
| researcher uncovers is protected by a privacy | | | | weeks. |
| policy. Remember, you paid for the work, so you | | | | As a final note, always make sure you read any |
| have a right to protect the documents you paid | | | | agreement and understand all terms and |
| for. | | | | conditions before signing anything that can be |
| 2. Calculate your budget. The cost of research | | | | construed as a contract for services rendered. |
| depends on what the researcher does, which | | | | Remember, it is not just your money at stake, |
| varies on the extent of the research you may | | | | but also the peace of mind in knowing that the |
| want to have done. Some may opt for research | | | | information you get is correct, accurate and most |
| covering an individual, a whole family or even an | | | | of all, acquired smoothly and honestly. |