How much does it cost to hire a professional genealogist?

Fees usually range from £30 to £150+ per hour depending on experience and the complexity of your project. Some offer fixed-price packages for specific research goals.

Can a genealogist find my biological parents?

Yes. A genealogist, often using a combination of DNA testing and traditional records research, can help identify unknown biological parents or relatives.

How long does genealogy research take?

Small projects can take a few weeks, but deep research spanning multiple generations may take several months or longer, depending on the records available.

What information do I need before hiring a genealogist?

You’ll need to provide any known names, dates, locations, family stories, and copies of any documents you already have. The more you know, the faster the research can start.

Is hiring a genealogist worth it?

Hiring a genealogist saves time, brings expertise, and increases the chances of finding accurate and meaningful family history.

Can a genealogist help me get dual citizenship through ancestry?

Yes. Genealogists often help clients gather the official documentation needed to prove lineage for citizenship applications (e.g., Italian, Irish, Polish citizenship).

What happens if there are gaps in my family history?

Professional genealogists know how to work around missing records by using alternative sources like land deeds, tax lists, old newspapers, and DNA matches.

Is hiring a genealogist worth it if I’ve already done a DNA test?

Absolutely. DNA testing gives raw data, but a genealogist can interpret it, build out family trees, and connect the dots between matches and historical records.

How far back can you trace ancestry with DNA?

DNA can often trace ancestry back 5–8 generations reliably, but traditional records are still needed for deep historical research beyond that.

What should I expect in a genealogy research report?

You’ll receive detailed written findings, copies of records found, source citations, family trees, and next-step recommendations if you want to go deeper.

Can I hire a genealogist to verify my existing family tree?

Yes. Many genealogists offer “tree validation” services to fact-check your research, spot errors, and strengthen your documentation.