Hiring a genealogist: what you need to know
- Mar 29
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 7
What can a professional genealogist do for your research? This guide answers this question and more - what professional genealogists actually do, what they charge, how to find the right one, and how ProGenMatch makes the process easier. Whether you are based in the UK or researching British ancestry from overseas, we hope it helps you make your decision.
Why should I hire a professional genealogist?
Many records in British archives have never been digitised. They exist only in their original form in archives. Professional genealogists know which records exist, where to find them (online or in archives), and how to interpret them.
But it's not just archive access. Professional genealogists can also assess the evidence you already have, noting any inconsistencies and suggest alternative sources to work around any gaps. Many genealogists are based in the areas they specialise in, so they can work on the ground e.g. visiting graveyards, identifying surviving buildings. They can place your ancestor in their local landscape and provide the context that makes the records meaningful. The research outcome is not just a family tree with names and dates, but an understanding of who your ancestors actually were.
However, finally - and most importantly - a professional genealogist will tell you honestly when a particular line of enquiry might not be successful. Sometimes, the right records really may not exist, and a dead end really is a dead end.
What do professional genealogists actually do?
They research your family history on your behalf. Sources used may include general registration certificates, non-conformist registers, census returns, wills, land tax assessments, title deeds, estate papers, and newspapers, as well as records relating to manors, courts, the military, guilds, Poor Law, schools, migration, tax...and more.
They document and assess what they find, and provide a record of their findings - usually a written report.
How much does a British professional genealogist cost?
Fees vary depending on the researcher's experience and the complexity of the project. Most genealogists charge by the hour, with rates typically ranging from £30 to £50 per hour. Some offer fixed-fee packages for specific tasks e.g. going back one generation.
You'll receive a written quote and proposal before work begins, and you only proceed if you're happy - there's no obligation. At the end of the project you'll receive documentation (usually a written report) describing what was found, what was searched, and what conclusions the evidence supports.
How do I find a genealogist who specialises in what I need?
This is one of the most common problems people encounter. Genealogy is often regional e.g. the records for a family from Ayrshire are different from those for a family from Sussex. But some records are held centrally e.g. many legal, military, and occupational records are held at the National Archives in London. And Scotland has its own distinct history, systems and archives.
ProGenMatch exists to solve this problem. You tell us what you're researching and where, and we connect you with the genealogist best placed to help - by region, record type, or specialism.
How far back can you trace my family tree?
Many families can be traced to the early to mid-1800s. Beyond this, it depends on who your ancestors were, where they lived, and which records are available. However, Britain does have a large range of surviving historical records. You ancestor might have left a will, have been an apprentice, or appear in tax and estate records.
Talk to your genealogist about what you know - they'll give you a realistic idea of what's possible for your family history.
How does ProGenMatch work?
ProGenMatch is a free matching service connecting clients with professional genealogists. You submit an enquiry describing what you're looking for. We review your request and match you with the genealogist in our network best suited to your research - by region, record type, or specialism. Your researcher contacts you directly to discuss the project, and provides a no obligation proposal and quote. If you decide to proceed, you pay your genealogist for their research.
ProGenMatch covers England, Scotland, and Wales. Northern Irish ancestry research falls primarily under Irish records, which we do not currently cover.
Before submitting an enquiry, you may want to check our current coverage here