Clear answers to common genealogy questions.

I work on family tree reconstruction, focused branch research, narrative histories, archive searches, DNA-informed projects, and bespoke investigations.

No. Even a few names, dates, documents, or family stories can be enough to begin shaping a useful research plan.

No. Record survival, common surnames, illegitimacy, migration, and gaps in the archive can all limit what can be proven. Part of my role is to explain those limits clearly.

Always. Findings are separated into what is confirmed, strongly suggested, or still unresolved.

Sensitive findings are handled carefully and communicated with context. I will never sensationalise discoveries that may affect living relatives or family relationships.

No. DNA can point to relationships and help test hypotheses, but it works best when combined with documentary evidence and careful analysis.

Yes, for personal family use. Some archive images and third-party materials may still be subject to separate reuse restrictions.

Most work is quoted according to scope, complexity, and likely sources. Smaller lookups may be fixed-fee, while wider projects are usually estimated in phases.

That depends on scope and archive access. Focused lookups may take days, while broader family history projects may take several weeks.

Client information is used only for the purpose of carrying out agreed work, stored carefully, and handled in line with privacy obligations.