Discover My Family
Professional family history research by Clive Andrews
Types of Research
Most people turn to a professional genealogist for one of three reasons. First, they do not have the time (or perhaps the inclination or expertise) to do the research themselves. Secondly, they have hit a brick wall and have run out of ideas and do not know where else to look. Or thirdly, they live too far away from where the records are stored so cannot explore them themselves.
Genealogical research is very unpredictable. One day you can search for hours and find nothing that is relevant or useful. Another day, door after door flies open revealing a treasure trove of fascinating information.
So, how do you go about using my services?
Most usually, people commission me to undertake specific research. For this I charge a very competative hourly fee of £15 (VAT is not currently charged) and expenses such as travel and photocopying. I offer a free initial consultation by email or telephone. Because of the unpredictable nature of genealogical research I suggest an initial budget and, once agreed, ask for 50% of the fee in advance, the remainder to be paid at the conclusion of the work. I send clients a progress report when the amount has been expended, suggesting what the next steps could be if they wish the research to continue. I pride myself on the thoroughness of my work and keep a detailed record of time spent on each client’s work. Expenses are kept to a minimum.
If you want to pay so that a friend or family member can have research done, then Gift Certificates are the answer. These are superb and unusual gifts for family or  friends, which give them the opportunity to have direct involvement with the research I do for them. Each Certificate comes with a brief guide explaining how it can be used and explaining to the recipient the work done by Discover My Family. For more details click HERE.
You could ask me to take photographs of buildings or locations connected with your family history. Location Photography is described on a separate page of this web site. Please click HERE to see the details.
Please remember that I can research your ancestors back to the early years of the 19th Century almost anywhere in the United Kingdom but for earlier ancestors it is most cost-efficient for you to use me to research those who lived in London, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and some other counties in the South West of England.
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