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Frequently Asked Questions
Using 19th, 20th and 21st century sources, it is possible to trace most families back to the 1800’s - there are of course exceptions to this. Before this time, some parish records exist as far back as the early 1538 when parish records began in England and Wales but realistically the furthest your research could take you is the 1700’s. Parish registers are most often held at local County Records Offices, I can undertake this research for the Staffordshire area and for area’s outside of Staffordshire for a small addition cost (please ask for details).
How far back can i go?
Whatever package you choose, I'll aim to discover when and where your ancestors were born, who they married, what their occupations were, where they lived and any children they may of had. It is not usually necessary to obtain death certificates for the purpose of proving one's ancestry, however every effort will be made to obtain as much detail as possible.
What information will i find?
The preliminary research that I undertake should provide enough information to begin your project. However if my research hits a brick wall, e.g. an illegitimate child, you will be informed and the research for that line may cease.
What if you can't find my Ancestors?
A family tree can take anything from 4 weeks to 15 weeks to complete, please note this is a rough guide, every family history is different. You'll be kept regularly informed about the progress of your research. It may be possible to complete your research within a 2-3 weeks if, for example, your family stayed in the same place for 200 years. If you require some of your research quickly, maybe for a present, don't let these timescale's put you off, contact me to discuss further.
How long does it take?
Information regarding your ancestors is obtained via many different resources from churches, books and online. Please click on the click below for a more detailed breakdown of the resources used to trace your ancestors.
Where do you obtain your information?
Please place your order, or make a no obligation enquiry by contacting me using the links at the bottom of each package description within the Products page.
How do I order my chosen package?
Payments can be made either by cash, personal cheque or by credit / debit card securely through PayPal (I will send you an invoice via e-mail).