Sample Reports
Affidavit of Heir Search
Heir Search Contact Information Report
Probate Family Members List
Heir Search Genealogy Report 1
Heir Search Genealogy Report 2
Jump to Section
- 1 Sample Reports
- 2 Top 3 Questions Asked
- 3 Most Frequently Asked Questions
- 4 Getting Started
- 5 Hiring a Professional Genealogist
- 6 Pricing and Research Hours
- 7 How the Research Process Works
- 8 Research Timelines
- 9 Records and Archives
- 10 DNA Research
- 11 Brick Wall Research
- 12 Results and Expectations
- 13 Privacy and Confidentiality
The questions below come directly from real conversations with clients who contacted our research team about their genealogy projects. Over time, many of the same questions appear again and again during these calls. To make things easier for future clients, we have compiled the most common questions and answers here so you can quickly understand how professional genealogy research works and what to expect when starting a project.
Top 3 Questions Asked
#1 – Cost – How many hours will the research take?
As a general guideline, it takes 30–45 minutes to properly research one individual.
Use our Free Quote Calculator to get a quick estimate.
#2 – Time – How long does research take?
Work begins the same day your research package is purchased.
Our current average completion time is 5–10 business days, depending on case complexity and record availability.
#3 – Expectations – What if no heirs are found?
To ensure the investigation is documented in a manner that courts and judges expect when reviewing heirship research, our report clearly explains the research process and findings.
As such, the final report will clearly document:
- Records searched
- Evidence discovered
- Conclusions supported by the available documentation
Most Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a legitimate, court-recognized service?
We currently serve 20+ legal professionals nationwide, providing certified genealogical reports prepared by forensic genealogists, former intelligence officers, and in-house DNA experts. With over 10 years of experience, we understand the importance of speed, accuracy, and discretion in this field.
How secure is this process?
All case information and documents are handled through our secure, encrypted platform, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with legal privacy standards.
Can I use this in court / does it hold up under scrutiny?
Our reports are regularly submitted in courts across the U.S. and can be supported with expert testimony if needed.
How much will this really cost?
No hidden fees, no percentage-based commissions; all costs are disclosed upfront.
Are all fees due upfront?
Our low-cost fees are transparent and payable upfront.
What happens after I purchase a package?
After purchase, you’ll receive a login to our platform where you can upload files and communicate directly with your assigned genealogist.
How fast is the turnaround?
Most searches begin within 1 business day, with initial findings typically available within 5 to 10 days, depending on case complexity.
I don’t have time to explain this to my client, can you help?
We’ll prepare a polished summary you can forward to your client with no edits needed.
Why are there so many great reviews for your company?
➜ Top 6 Reasons
- Can start TODAY and finish quickly,
- Direct communication with professional genealogists,
- Best pricing for “Professional” services,
- Personable trustworthy team with great results,
- Flat fee, no hidden fees, or price surprises,
- All documentation will be “Court Ready”
Will I need an additional purchase after the recommended package?
In 95% of cases, the package we recommend is the only one needed to meet your requirements. If additional services are required, we’ll discuss this with you upfront to ensure transparency.
What are your fees for court appearances?
Our fee is $200 per hour, with additional costs for expenses including travel, accommodation, and other related charges.
Getting Started
How do I start genealogy research with your team?
The first step is contacting us with whatever information you already have. That may include names, dates, locations, family stories, old documents, or even partial clues. Our team reviews the details and recommends the best starting point for the research. [more details]
What information do I need before contacting you?
You do not need a complete family tree to get started. Even limited details such as one relative’s name, an approximate location, or a possible date range can be enough to begin building a research plan. [more details]
Do I need exact dates and locations to begin research?
No. Exact dates and places are helpful, but they are not required. Professional genealogists are trained to work with incomplete information and use multiple record sets to narrow down the right person or family line. [more details]
What if I only know a name or partial information?
That is very common. Many projects begin with only a name, a rough location, or a family story. We use records, timelines, and evidence analysis to turn small clues into useful leads. [more details]
Can you help if I am completely stuck in my research?
Yes. Many clients come to us after reaching a dead end. We often help by reviewing what has already been done, identifying missing sources, and creating a more focused plan to move the research forward. [more details]
What countries or regions do you research?
We work on research projects involving the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, and other regions depending on record access and the details of the case. The best way to confirm fit is to share your project details with us. [more details]
Hiring a Professional Genealogist
What does a professional genealogist actually do?
A professional genealogist researches historical and modern records, compares evidence, builds timelines, resolves conflicts in the data, and documents findings in a clear and organized way. The goal is not just to search names, but to reach reliable conclusions supported by records. [more details]
Why should I hire a genealogist instead of researching myself?
Many people start on their own, but eventually hit a point where the easy records are gone. A professional genealogist knows where to look next, how to evaluate conflicting information, and how to avoid wasting time on the wrong person or family line. [more details]
What tools and record search databases does a professional genealogist use?
In terms of tools, from what we’ve seen work well across projects, the most useful databases tend to be:
• Newspapers.com or GenealogyBank (for obituaries and family connections)
• Ancestry or FamilySearch (for census and vital record verification)
• A people search database such as BeenVerified, Spokeo, or Whitepages Premium (to locate living individuals)
This combination typically covers the majority of heir search needs from identification through to contact. [more details]
What records can professional genealogists access that I cannot?
In many cases, the difference is not just access, but experience. We know how to use archives, probate files, land records, newspapers, court material, local repositories, and specialty collections more effectively and how to connect those sources together. [more details]
Can you verify whether my client’s family tree is correct?
Yes. We can review your existing research, test whether the connections are supported by records, and point out weak spots, missing evidence, or possible mistakes that need further proof. [more details]
Can you help organize my existing research?
Yes. Some clients already have documents, notes, DNA matches, or an online tree. We can review what you have, sort useful evidence from assumptions, and build a clearer path forward. [more details]
Do you provide documentation or proof for your findings?
Yes. Our work is based on record research and documented findings. Depending on the project, clients may receive a written summary, source references, copies of records, and research notes that explain how the conclusion was reached. [more details]
Are your reports suitable for legal or probate use?
For probate and heirship matters, our research is structured to support due diligence and clear documentation. If your matter involves a legal proceeding, let us know at the start so the project can be scoped correctly. [more details]
Pricing and Research Hours
How much does genealogy research cost?
Pricing depends on the scope of the project, the complexity of the research, the countries involved, and how many individuals or family lines must be reviewed. Simpler projects need fewer hours, while probate and heir search matters often require broader work.
How many hours of research do I need?
That depends on how much is already known and how difficult the case is. Some projects can begin with a small package, while others need more time because they involve missing heirs, multiple generations, or limited records. You can start with our free quote calculator to get a quick estimate.
What happens if the research takes longer than expected?
If more time is needed, we explain what has been done, what remains, and whether additional hours are likely to be worthwhile. This allows you to decide whether to continue based on progress and next steps.
Can I purchase additional research hours later?
Yes. Many clients begin with an initial package and then add time if the research uncovers promising leads or if they want us to continue into a new branch of the family.
Do unused research hours expire?
In many cases, unused hours can be applied to future work. If this is important for your project, ask us when booking so the policy for your package is clear from the start.
What happens if no results are found during the research time?
Even when a final answer is not reached right away, the time is still used to test records, eliminate wrong paths, and identify what is and is not supported by evidence. That work still has value because it narrows the field and informs the next step.
Do you offer flat-rate research packages?
Many projects are set up in fixed research-hour packages so clients know the scope in advance. The right package depends on the size and complexity of the project.
How do I know how many hours to purchase?
We review the type of case, the amount of starting information, and the likely record path, then recommend a package that matches the expected scope. A focused case may need only a small start, while a broad heir search may need a larger package.
How the Research Process Works
What happens after I hire your research team?
We review your starting information, define the research objective, identify the most useful record groups, and begin work based on the agreed scope. If questions come up early, we may contact you to confirm details before moving deeper into the project.
How do you decide which records to search first?
We usually start with the records most likely to confirm identity, family structure, location, and time period. The exact order depends on the project, but the goal is always to build a reliable foundation before moving into more complex research.
Do you keep clients updated during the research process?
Yes. Depending on the project, we provide updates on what has been found, what remains unclear, and whether the current evidence supports continuing in the same direction or changing strategy.
How are the results delivered to me?
Results are typically delivered in written form with explanations, findings, and supporting records where available. The exact format can vary based on whether the project is personal family history research or a legal matter.
Will I receive copies of the documents you find?
In most cases, yes. When records are available to share, they are included or referenced as part of the research results so you can see the evidence behind the findings.
Can I ask follow-up questions after the research is complete?
Yes. Many clients have follow-up questions once they review the findings. We can clarify the results and, if needed, discuss whether additional research would be useful.
Research Timelines
How long does genealogy research take?
Timelines vary based on the scope, the country involved, the quality of the starting information, and the availability of records. Some projects move quickly, while others take longer because the records are limited or the family line is complex.
How quickly can you start my research project?
Start times depend on current project volume and the type of case. If you have a deadline, tell us at the beginning so we can confirm whether the timing is realistic.
Do some cases take longer than others?
Yes. Unknown parentage, probate heir searches, collateral lines, international work, and cases with missing or conflicting records usually take longer than straightforward lineal research.
What factors affect the timeline of genealogy research?
The biggest factors are record availability, name commonness, migration patterns, whether multiple people have similar identities, how much information is known at the start, and whether the case requires legal-level documentation.
Can research be completed in a few days or weeks?
Some focused projects can move quickly, but many cases need more time for proper review and documentation. Fast answers are possible in some situations, but serious genealogy work often requires patience.
Records and Archives
What types of historical records do you search?
We may search census records, birth records, marriage records, death records, probate files, land records, obituaries, newspapers, immigration files, military records, church records, city directories, and other sources depending on the case.
Do you access international archives and records?
Yes, when relevant to the case. International research depends on record availability, language, local access rules, and whether the archives have been digitized or require manual review.
Can you obtain birth, marriage, and death records?
We often use or locate these records when they are available and relevant. Some jurisdictions have access limits or fees, so the best approach depends on where the event took place and how recent it was.
Do you search immigration and passenger records?
Yes. Passenger lists, border crossings, naturalization records, and related immigration files can be very useful for tracing where a family came from and when they moved.
Can you find census records and historical documents?
Yes. Census records are often one of the most important building blocks in family research because they help place people in time, location, and family groups.
DNA Research
Can DNA results help find unknown relatives?
Yes. DNA can be a strong tool for identifying unknown parents, grandparents, and collateral relatives, especially when combined with traditional record research.
Can you analyze AncestryDNA or 23andMe results?
Yes. We can review match patterns, shared matches, clustering, and family trees connected to your DNA results to help identify likely family connections.
Can DNA help identify unknown parents or grandparents?
In many cases, yes. DNA is often one of the strongest tools for unknown parentage cases, especially when there are enough meaningful matches to build out family groups and compare them against the available facts.
Do I need to take a DNA test before hiring a genealogist?
Not always. Some cases can be solved with records alone. In other cases, especially unknown parentage or adoption work, DNA may significantly improve the chances of success.
Brick Wall Research
Can you help break through a genealogy “brick wall”?
Yes. This is one of the most common reasons people hire us. We review the problem, look at what has already been tried, and identify new records, new strategies, or new ways to test the evidence.
What happens when historical records are missing?
When direct records are missing, we use indirect evidence. That can include family associations, land records, probate records, witnesses, migration patterns, DNA, and other clues that help build a case from multiple sources.
How do genealogists verify difficult family connections?
We compare multiple sources, build timelines, look for consistency across records, and resolve conflicts before reaching a conclusion. Strong genealogy depends on evidence that fits together, not just on one document or one online tree.
What strategies do professionals use when records are limited?
We widen the search area, study relatives and neighbors, look at older and lesser-used record groups, review local history, test alternate spellings, and use broader evidence analysis to build a reliable picture.
Results and Expectations
What kind of results should I expect from genealogy research?
The result depends on the case. Some projects identify a clear answer quickly, while others produce a documented summary of what was found, what was ruled out, and what the best next step would be.
Is it guaranteed that my ancestors will be found?
No ethical genealogist can promise a guaranteed result. Research depends on the records that exist, the accuracy of the starting information, and the complexity of the case. What we can promise is a careful and professional effort based on the evidence available.
What happens if no records are located?
If no useful records are found, we explain what sources were searched, what obstacles were encountered, and whether any other path remains worth testing. That still gives you a clearer understanding of the case.
Can research continue after the initial project ends?
Yes. Many projects continue in stages. Once one goal is completed, clients often choose to extend the work into another branch, another country, or a deeper review of the same family line.
Will I receive a written report explaining the findings?
Yes. The findings are typically explained in writing so you understand what was found, how the conclusion was reached, and what evidence supports the result.
Privacy and Confidentiality
Is my personal information kept confidential?
Yes. Information shared for research purposes is handled carefully and used only in connection with the project.
Do you share my research with anyone else?
No. Client research is not shared with outside parties unless the nature of the project requires it and you have authorized that use.
How is sensitive family information handled?
Sensitive family information is treated with discretion and professionalism. This is especially important in cases involving living relatives, probate matters, unknown parentage, or unexpected discoveries.
