Hiring a Professional Genealogist
Why bring in a professional
You may have been researching your family history - searching online databases, piecing together census records, maybe hitting some frustrating dead ends. At some point, many family historians wonder: should I hire a professional genealogist? Here's what you need to know.
People typically hire professional genealogists when they:
Break through brick walls
Provide local research and knowledge
Have access to physical archives
Move your research forward when you don't have time
Read old documents
Verify existing research
Working with a professional
Step 1 - Initial Enquiry
Share what you already know and what you're hoping to find. Your pro reviews your information, clarifies any gaps, and confirms what’s realistic.
Step 2 - Quote & Plan
You receive a clear written quote: tasks, hours, total cost, timeline an any extra expenses.
Step 3 - Research
Describe one of your services
Step 4 - Research Report
What research costs
Most genealogists charge between £25 and £50 per hour. You can purchase an initial block of e.g. 5 hours or a set budget, then review progress before continuing. In addition to research time, there may be small additional costs for document ordering, travel time and reprographics/photography costs.
Remember all time blocks include time to write up findings and to create or update your family tree.
2 hours
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Looking up a document in the archives
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Confirming simple facts
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Reviewing a problem to advise on next steps.
10 hours
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Tracing one ancestral line through multiple generations
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Tackling a stubborn brick wall
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Archival research - working through one main collection or time period.
20 hours
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Tracing multiple family lines
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Reconstructing family groups
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Archival research across several record collections or locations.