Terms of Service

Blue Eagle Genealogy Terms of Service Agreement

We are happy to serve you! Please read our terms and conditions below so you are informed of the scope of our service. Your payment for research services indicates your agreement with these terms.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF USE

The following terms apply to all work carried out by Blue Eagle Genealogy. By signing or placing an order, 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 Payment is accepted 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 – up to £80 due to higher record access costs.
c. Probate or heir tracing – up to £80 for certified documents or expedited searches.
These figures are guidelines only. Where essential records exceed the stated amounts, such costs will still be chargeable. Blue Eagle Genealogy will always act in your best interests to keep expenses reasonable and necessary for the research.

2. Research and Completion Time

2.1 Please provide all known information before research begins. Additional documents sent after work starts may require extra hours.
2.2 Do not send original records or one-of-a-kind documents. Items are scanned (additional fee), then shredded or returned at your cost.
2.3 We may request a Power of Attorney form for government record requests; this is optional.
2.4 Projects are handled in the order deposits and information are received. Most take 2–4 months, but delays can occur if repositories are slow.
2.5 Research begins with a known individual and works backward using sources such as 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 details.
2.8 We are not responsible for delays or failure to deliver services caused by events beyond our control, including 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.

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 All information you provide (including sensitive data) is kept confidential and 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 notify us before research begins.
4.3 Reports are password-protected. Any online trees (such as on Ancestry) are kept private and accessible only to those granted permission. A version of your report can be rewritten without details of living people if you prefer. This version may be used as a teaching or sample project.
4.4 Anonymised examples may be used in blogs, talks, or training unless you opt out in writing.
4.5 Information may be disclosed 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 (for citizenship, inheritance, or benefits).
5.3 No warranties are given on the accuracy or completeness of findings.
5.4 Liability is limited to the amount paid for the project. Blue Eagle Genealogy is 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 additional costs such as official records, certificates, or third-party fees. These will be billed separately.

7. Modification of Terms

7.1 Blue Eagle Genealogy 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 Projects are scheduled in the order deposits are received. Due to high demand, new projects typically have a waiting period of up to two months before starting. Clients will be provided with an estimated start date upon booking. Existing clients have priority when reserving additional phases of research.