Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are individual enquiries?

These are specific questions you would like the answer to, or specific pieces of information you wish to find out using a process of historical research. It might involve one person, one event in time or one property, for example, or it could be a more in-depth look at just one line of your family tree. I charge an hourly rate as way of maintaining a flexible approach to this kind of genealogical work. 

What can you find out for me?

Some examples:

· Confirming vital dates e.g. date of birth, date of marriage, date of death

· Finding out where an event took place such as a marriage

· Finding out where an ancestor used to live and who else was there at the time

· Finding out what someone did for a living

· Finding out who was living in a property at a point in time, perhaps your house

· Understanding extended family, step-family, or first and subsequent marriages

· House histories

· Family narratives

Can you find living people?

‘Reverse genealogy’ is the term coined for finding descendants, rather than ancestors, and it is possible that this approach could lead you to learn about new living relatives. However, there is no guarantee that any line of research will lead to a living relative and I give no guarantee that I can find living relatives for you to make contact with. I am not a registered paralegal nor a registered private investigator. I do not specifically undertake ‘heir hunting’ (looking for the beneficiary of an unclaimed estate). It is important to note that data protection legislation applies to living individuals - see more to the right of this page.

How far back can you go in my family tree?

The million-dollar question! Mapping a family tree starts with what you already know, and I will use historical records to confirm these details and to make connections and start to trace your family backwards in time. In the UK it is usually possible to map out a five-generation family tree of direct ancestors with you or your children as the starting point, which is likely to go back to the 1800s. It is certainly possible to do more than this, although the further back we go the more challenging it becomes. I would be pleased to talk through the options and an estimate for this work. 

What kind of detail is available for my family tree?

Records of births, marriages and deaths are the cornerstone of genealogical research and there is a vast array of other historical evidence which is available to researchers including military records, workplace and academic histories and a lot more. 

Why do you charge separately for certificates?

Births, marriages and deaths are a matter of public record in the UK and obtaining copies of the original certificates is only possible through the Government Record Office and certain other services, all of which charge a fee. I need to pass this fee onto my customers along with a small charge for postage and handling. 

Why does a family tree with overseas relatives cost more?

Not all countries have an open culture about public record keeping in the way we are familiar with in the UK. It may be necessary to make requests to overseas record offices, archives or government departments using whatever process they dictate. I can pursue this for you, and I will advise you what I anticipate may be involved when we first discuss your request.

Any other questions? Ask me at alex@leogenealogy.co.uk