Research Services
Three types of research services are offered.
Genealogy Inquiry
Focus: A specific research challenge, such as proving descent from a suspected ancestor.
Package includes: A 2-3-page report with occasional notes on historical context and footnote citations. Google folder of records.
Just The Facts Genealogy Report
Focus: Family ancestry documentation through births, deaths, and marriages. Occasional notes on historical context.
Package includes: 5-10-page report with screenshots of selected records and hyperlinks to cited sources (footnote citations optional). Google folder of records.
In-depth Genealogy Report
Focus: Fleshed-out family ancestry documentation with fuller descriptions of the source and more in-depth historical contextualization.
Package includes: 10-15-page report with screenshots of selected records and hyperlinks to cited sources (footnote citations optional). Google folder of records.
Process, Fees, and Payment
The Process:
We start with an initial 10-minute review to determine whether there are records to search. No Charge.
$40 payment (paid upfront) for a 2-3 hour search of the records. Another $40 paid on completion.
Based on this initial assessment, I will present options for proceeding.
We agree on which direction(s) I should pursue, and for how many hours.
I present you with an informal summary of my findings. We agree on whether I should extend that line of research, pursue additional possibilities, or end there.
I prepare and deliver the report.
Fees: $40/hour. Initial $40 payment must be received before I start work.
Payment: Zelle is preferred (PaulHeinegg@gmail.com), but I also accept Venmo, PayPal, and check. Ask for usernames and mailing address.
Terms of Service
Clients must understand that the results of genealogical research will vary widely depending on the availability of records in a given county and on individual happenstances (for example, the uniqueness of a surname). In fact, genealogical research often yields little to no results. Nonetheless, the genealogist must still be paid for their labor.
However, to help mitigate this possibility, I will conduct an initial exploration of the records and share my assessment of the likely fruitfulness of the potential research directions.
Genealogy research involves the analysis of available sources to extend knowledge or test hypotheses, rather than a search for evidence to prove a predetermined hypothesis. The results of genealogy research may disprove, rather than prove, presumed descent from a historical figure, or they may contradict family oral history. Again, the genealogist must still be paid for their labor.