Research Pricing
Straightforward packages with no hidden fees. Every engagement includes a written report with full source citations.
Choose Your Research Package
Not sure which package is right for you? Send me a message and we'll figure it out together.
Starter Research
See what's findable before going deeper
- 2 to 3 hours of focused research
- Single surname or ancestral line
- Search of major genealogy databases
- Digital summary report (PDF)
- List of recommended next steps
- Email follow-up for questions
Delivered within 1–2 weeks
Standard Package
The complete research experience
- Up to six hours of dedicated research
- Two to three ancestral lines
- Census, vital, land & immigration records
- Detailed written narrative report
- GEDCOM family tree file included
- Copies of all source documents found
- One follow-up email Q&A
Delivered within 2–4 weeks
Premium Research
Comprehensive multi-generational research
- Up to fifteen hours of research
- Three to five ancestral lines researched
- Complete research plan provided upfront
- Full narrative report with family histories
- GEDCOM + digital family tree charts
- All source document copies included
- One follow-up consultation (30 min)
- Priority turnaround
Delivered within 4–6 weeks
Custom Project
For complex or specialized research needs
- Extended multi-week engagements
- DNA analysis & match interpretation
- International archive research
- Unknown parentage investigations
- Court, estate & probate projects
- Heir research for legal purposes
- Ongoing retainer arrangements available
Timeline discussed at consultation
Standards I Hold Myself To
Full Source Citations
Every fact in every report is cited to its source. You'll know exactly where each piece of information came from and be able to verify it yourself.
Document Copies
Digital copies of all records found: census images, vital records, immigration documents, and military files, organized and labeled for your personal archive.
Negative Findings Documented
If a record doesn't exist or can't be found, that's documented too, along with what was searched and why. No guessing or glossing over gaps.
Hourly & Add-On Services
Need something outside the standard packages? I offer hourly research and add-ons that can be combined with any package.
Payment & Policy
Payment: A 50% deposit is required to begin any engagement. The balance is due upon delivery of the final report. I accept payment via PayPal, Venmo, or check.
Refund Policy: Deposits are non-refundable once research has begun. If I am unable to initiate the project, your deposit will be fully refunded.
No Guaranteed Results: I charge for my time, expertise, and thoroughness, not for a specific outcome. I will always be honest with you about what records exist and what I am able to find.
Confidentiality: All client information and research findings are kept strictly confidential and are never shared with third parties.
Pricing FAQ
Absolutely. If the research reveals promising new directions that would benefit from additional hours, we can discuss upgrading your package or adding hourly time. I'll never add scope without your approval first.
Returning clients receive a 10% discount on subsequent Standard and Premium engagements. I also offer reduced hourly rates for ongoing retainer arrangements.
For package engagements, the price is fixed. I won't charge more if something takes longer, and I won't cut corners to finish early. For hourly engagements, you pay only for actual hours worked, billed in 30-minute increments.
Most records I access are included in my subscription services at no extra cost. If a project requires obtaining certified copies or paying archive access fees, those costs will be discussed and approved before I incur them.