Genealogical Research - 5 Hour Session

Initial Consultation

If you are interested in a genealogy research session, Bonnie will respond to you and inquire about your goals (what you want to find out or which line you wish to research) and roughly how much you already know about that line.  You will be given the opportunity to provide any pedigrees or documents you have which can help Bonnie begin accurate research on an accurate foundation.  The more information you provide, the further the research session can go.  Usually all of this can be done through email or via phone, but can also be done through mail if you wish.  After reviewing the information provided, Bonnie will provide you with a rough estimate of the time it may require to achieve your goals.  (Please note that it is not always possible to accurately estimate the time needed, depending on your lines, era, location, records, etc.)  Once a time and rate are agreed upon through a Terms of Agreement form, the research will begin!

Communication

Your questions are always welcome at any time throughout the session.  If you would like updates part way through the research, Bonnie will be happy to provide you with a status of findings thus far.  You are also welcome at any time to change the direction of the research if you wish, as long as all contracts of time and rates are met.  Sometimes certain discoveries midway through a session may shed light on a different approach.  Bonnie will offer suggestions and insight when needed.

Research

Bonnie will always use research methods that are proven to be accurate and reliable.  With access to online record repositories, libraries, and archives, the researcher will base all conclusions on documented fact, or extremely strong circumstantial evidence.  All links will be proven before the research will continue to a next generation in the pedigree.  When it comes to your goals, the skies are the limit.  Bonnie is happy to customize the session according to what you wish to find out.  All research will be recorded in a research log, which includes the date, source, citation, and copies of documents.  This will allow you to see where we searched and what the result was.  You will also be provided with updated pedigree information and a research report.  This report will tell you the story of the research and explain our analysis, deductions, and conclusions.  The report will also include suggestions for future research, providing an accurate foundation to continue the research on the ancestral line(s).

Conclusion

When the research session is complete, Bonnie will mail a keepsake binder to your home.  The binder will contain the research log, copies of documents, updated pedigree information, and the research report.  It will have space for future research should you wish to continue on your own or with Bonnie.  It will be a nice collection for any bookshelf or coffee table.  You will also be provided with an invoice for the session.  Payment will be due within 14 days after you receive your keepsake binder.