FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Professional Genealogy • Family Tree Research • Ancestry Help

 

How to Hire a Professional Genealogist?

Look online or in repositories, such as Archives, Libraries or Historical Societies

🔍 What should I look for when hiring a professional genealogist?

Choose a genealogist with many years of experience, a strong record of Good Reviews, and a reputation for accurate, well‑sourced research. Look for someone who communicates clearly, provides transparent pricing, and specializes in the type of research you need (Ancestry tree cleanup, brick walls, DNA analysis, DAR/SAR lineage, etc.).

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⚖️ Which is better — hiring a genealogist who charges by the hour or one who charges by the project/package?

Both pricing styles can work well, but they serve different needs.

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Hourly pricing is ideal if you want transparency and control. You pay only for the actual research time used, and the genealogist can tailor the project to your goals and budget. This approach works especially well when the amount of available documentation varies — some family lines have rich records going back to the 1600s, while others reach an overseas brick wall within a few generations.

 

Hourly billing ensures you’re paying for real work, not a flat fee regardless of how many hours the research actually takes.

Project or package pricing offers a predictable, fixed cost. Some clients prefer knowing the total price upfront, especially if they want a specific deliverable. However, packages may cost the same whether the genealogist spends 10 hours or 40 hours on the research, which can sometimes result in clients paying more than the actual time required.

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The best choice depends on your priorities:

• Choose hourly if you value fairness, flexibility, and paying only for the work performed.

• Choose project pricing if you prefer a set cost and a defined scope from the start.

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At Family Tree Specialist LLC, I use hourly pricing because it allows me to give honest recommendations based on the records available and ensures you receive the maximum value for your investment.

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*Why should I hire a Professional Genealogist

You can save a lot of stress, aggravation, and in some instances - MONEY!  When hiring a Professional at Family Tree Specialist, it can actually be LESS EXPENSIVE!  

 

Subscriptions to the research sites can cost well over $1,800 per year.   For less than that we can often do the research and provide you with a ~Beautiful ~Detailed Narrative e-Booklet describing the lives of your ancestors!

In addition to saving money, you will save countless hours of your already-stretched-thin time when we are doing the research and writing the report -

 Go play with your children and grandchildren - 

Spend more time with your Spouse or friends...

​*What is the Best way to research my Family History & find my Family Tree

The easiest way is to hire an affordable professional.

Otherwise, subscribing to the research sites allows you to do a lot of it from home.  Then there are places to send for records - Archives, Libraries, Historical Societies, etc.  

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How much does it cost to hire a Professional Genealogist

Fees vary greatly depending on the Education and Level of Experience the Genealogist possesses.  They can range from 

$50 per hour to $200+ per hour.

The "Big Name" companies start around $1,500-$5,000 and go over $10,000!

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📱 Is there a free genealogy app?

Yes. The FamilySearch Tree app is completely free and lets you build and explore your family tree without a subscription.

 

💰 Why is genealogy so expensive?

Genealogy requires access to paid databases, historical records, travel, and expert research skills. Much of the cost comes from the time needed to verify each generation with accurate documentation.

 

🧬 Is it worth hiring a professional genealogist?

Yes. A professional genealogist can save you months or years of frustration, break through brick walls, and provide verified, accurate family history you can trust.

 

🪙 Is there a cheaper alternative to Ancestry?

Yes. FamilySearch, WikiTree, and Gramps are free alternatives that offer large collections of records and tools for building your family tree.

 

🌐 What is the best free genealogy website?

FamilySearch.org is widely considered the best free genealogy website, offering billions of records at no cost.

 

🆓 Is there a way to research my family tree for free?

Yes. You can use free resources like FamilySearch, state archives, Find A Grave, and local historical societies to begin your research.

 

⚡ What is the quickest way to get my family tree or ancestry questions answered?

Ask a professional genealogist. An expert can review your tree, identify errors, and give you clear answers much faster than researching alone.

 

❗ Why does my Ancestry tree have errors or missing sources?

Many online trees are built using hints or other people’s trees, which often contain mistakes. A professional review ensures your family tree is accurate and fully sourced.

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🛠️ Can you fix or clean up my Ancestry.com tree?

Yes. I specialize in correcting errors, removing duplicates, sourcing each generation, and rebuilding your tree so it’s accurate and ready for future research.

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📜 How far back can genealogy research go?

Most families can be traced reliably back to the 1700s or 1600s, depending on record availability. Some lines go further, but only when documentation exists.

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⏳ How long does professional genealogy research take?

It depends on your goals. A simple review may take a few hours, while deeper research or brick‑wall cases may require more time.

 

⭐ Can you help me find a DAR or SAR Patriot?

Yes. I can research your direct lineage, verify documentation, and identify any ancestors who qualify for DAR or SAR membership.

 

🧱 What if my family tree has a brick wall?

Brick walls are common. A professional genealogist can use advanced strategies, historical context, and lesser‑known records to break through them.

 

📘 Do you provide a written family history or eBook?

Yes. I offer beautifully written, easy‑to‑read family history summaries and eBooks that bring your ancestors’ stories to life.

 

🧪 Does DNA testing help with genealogy?

Yes. DNA can confirm relationships, identify biological lines, and help solve long‑standing mysteries when combined with traditional research.

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​What is the quickest way to get my Family Tree/Ancestry questions Answered

Reaching out to a Professional that gives free consultations can often yield good results.  Be sure to have the information necessary at the ready.  Also, be sure you are giving the genealogist the correct information.

 

What should I look for when hiring a Professional Genealogist

​When searching for a Professional check Reviews to see if others were happy with the work provided.  It is

also a good idea to check the # of years the genealogist has been practicing. 

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Why is genealogy so expensive? Digitizing, indexing, and hosting billions of records takes time and money — plus, professional research often involves travel, subscriptions, and specialized skills.

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Is it worth hiring a professional genealogist?

Yes, especially if you're short on time, stuck on a brick wall, or need verified documentation for lineage or membership.

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Is there a cheaper alternative to Ancestry?

Yes — FamilySearch, WikiTree, and Gramps are free and offer solid tools for building and researching your tree.

What is the best free genealogy website? FamilySearch.org is widely considered the best free site, offering billions of records, a global family tree, and no subscription fees