Terms of Service

Terms
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF USE
The following terms apply to all work carried out by Blue Eagle Genealogy. By signing, you
confirm you have read, understood, and agree to these terms. Any dispute will be handled under
the laws of England and Wales.

1. PAYMENTS AND REFUNDS
1.1 Payment must be made in full before results are provided.
1.2 We accept payment by bank transfer or credit/debit card only.
1.3 A 50% deposit is required before work begins. For projects of 2 hours or less, full payment is required upfront.
1.4 Refunds are for unused time only, minus time spent and a 5% processing fee. No refunds are based on results.
1.5 Payment details may be securely stored to allow payment plans or future orders.
1.6 Extra project costs (documents, archive fees, etc.) are pre-authorised as follows:
a. Standard research – up to £40.
b. Scottish research – £80 due to higher record access costs.
c. Probate or heir tracing – £80 for certified documents or expedited searches.
Please note that these figures are guidelines only. Where essential records exceed the stated amounts, such costs will still be chargeable, and I will always act in your best interests to keep expenses reasonable and necessary for the research.

2. RESEARCH AND COMPLETION TIME
2.1 Provide all known information before research begins. Extra documents sent after work starts may require additional hours. Please pause your own research on the same lines until the project is complete to avoid duplication.
2.2 Do not send original or one-of-a-kind documents. Items are scanned (additional fee), then shredded or returned at your cost.
2.3 Projects are handled in the order we receive your deposit and research information. Most take 2–4 months, but delays can occur if repositories are slow.
2.4 Research Estimates
All time estimates are approximate. Genealogical research is inherently unpredictable, and the time required may increase once records, gaps, or complications are identified during the process. If research is likely to exceed the initial estimate by a significant margin, you will be notified before additional hours are used. Clients may choose to set a maximum number of
hours, pause the project, or approve further time.
2.5 Research starts with a known individual and works backward. Sources may include civil registration, probate, wills, newspapers, and occupational records.
2.6 Factual information is not copyright protected, but the text of reports, summaries, and written findings remains our intellectual property. You may share it for personal use if Blue Eagle Genealogy is credited.
2.7 The Client is responsible for providing accurate and complete information. Blue Eagle Genealogy is not responsible for errors caused by incorrect, incomplete, or missing information supplied by the Client.
2.8 We are not responsible for delays or failure to deliver services caused by events beyond our control, such as archive closures, technical failures, or postal delays.

3. DELIVERABLES
3.1 You will receive:
A clear summary of research findings outlining verified records, facts, and noteworthy discoveries, with all sources fully cited.
An Ahnentafel (Ancestor) or Descendant Report, as relevant. A detailed family tree chart illustrating your ancestry.
Digital copies of relevant record images obtained during the research process (provided upon request).**
A full narrative report is available as an optional add-on for those who prefer a written account of their family story. Report writing, formatting, and compilation of findings are considered documentation time and are billed at £30 per hour unless otherwise stated.
**Please note that some record images supplied may include documents reviewed during the research process but later ruled out as relating to a different individual. These “elimination records” are a normal part of genealogical methodology and are included to demonstrate the work completed and how accurate identifications were reached.
3.2 All deliverables are provided in digital format as print-ready PDF files. Printed copies are available at extra cost.
3.3 Additional analysis or documentation must be agreed in writing.

4. SHARING OF INFORMATION
4.1 We respect your privacy and keep all information you provide (including sensitive personal data) confidential. It is shared only with those involved in your project.
4.2 If you do not wish to be informed about potentially sensitive findings (such as unexpected family relationships, adoptions, or other private matters), please tell us before research begins.
4.3 Reports are password protected, and any family trees stored online as part of your research (such as on Ancestry) are kept private and accessible only to members with permission. A version of your report can be rewritten with details of living people removed if you prefer. This version may be used for teaching or as a sample of our work.
4.4 We may refer to anonymised research examples in blogs, talks, or training unless you opt out in writing.
4.5 We may disclose information if required by law or to protect the rights and safety of Blue Eagle Genealogy, clients, or the public.
4.6 Project files are securely stored for 24 months after completion unless you request otherwise.

5. WARRANTIES AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
5.1 You are paying for our time and expertise, not guaranteed results.
5.2 We are not responsible for how you use the research (e.g., for citizenship, inheritance, or benefits).
5.3 No warranties are given on the accuracy or completeness of findings.
5.4 Our liability is limited to the amount you have paid. We are not liable for indirect or consequential losses.

6. Gift Vouchers
6.1 Gift cards can be used for Blue Eagle Genealogy services only, including consultations, family history research, and personalised ancestry reports.
6.2 Gift cards do not cover extra costs such as official records, certificates, or third-party fees.
Any additional costs will be billed separately and must be paid by the client.

7. MODIFICATION OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF USE
7.1 We may update these terms at any time, with notice given by email or online. We may refuse service at our discretion.

8. TERMINATION OF SERVICES
8.1 Either party may end this agreement at any time by written notice. Refunds will be handled in line with section 1.4.

9. PROJECT SCHEDULING
9.1 Research projects are scheduled in the order deposits are received. Due to high demand, there is typically a waiting period of approximately two months before new projects can begin.
Clients will be provided with an estimated start date at the time of booking. Existing clients are given priority when reserving additional phases of research.