What if I'm not Nordic?

While my specialty is in the Nordic countries and Midwestern U.S., I am open to researching anyone from anywhere, including those with unknown parentage. Send me a message and we can sort out the details to see if I can adequately help you reach your goals.

What if I have done my own research on a site such as ancestry, myheritage, familysearch, etc?

Did you know that hints, smart matches, and notifications are not always accurate? When I first started my genealogy journey, I was amazed that Ancestry allowed me to trace back to the 1300s, MyHeritage allowed me to trace back to Viking kings of the 1000s, and FamilySearch linked my data to their “world tree” and traced a line back to Adam and Eve. While it’s fun to explore those possibilities, I realized that most of it was unverified. I started my trees over from scratch using the Genealogical Proof Standard and ONLY accepting data that follows an accurate paper trail, using the highest quality sources available. If you’ve made the same mistakes as I did, it’s not too late to start over and I can help you with that! 

What if you don’t find what I’m looking for?  

I value honesty and communication. While I will make every effort in the allotted time to find the answers you are looking for, there are no guarantees. You would be paying me for my research time. If we reach the end of the research time and you still want me to keep looking, we can reassess and add on more time. Unfortunately, there are no guarantees.

What if you find unsavory information about my ancestors?

Due to the professional standards that I abide by, I will not withhold relevant information from you if I find such information. I also will also not pass judgement, but instead will relay the facts as I find them. It is important to keep in mind the cultural context and standards of the time.  

Will you build a family tree for me?

Yes, if it relates to your research goals. Once I have fulfilled the research time block and you do not want to pay for more, I will export the tree into a GEDCOM file and you can do with it as you wish and upload to genealogy software programs or online genealogy sites that accept GEDCOM file uploads. NOTE: The tree will only reflect the results of the research block so it most likely will not reflect your entire family tree. 

Will you need to talk to my family members?

Usually not, but if you want me to speak with other family members we can discuss that option.

What will you need from me? 

We’ll discuss what you know and want to know and go from there. If you have documents at home or online, I’ll ask that you send them over so that I can review. Even if you do not think they are relevant, they might help save extra research time. 

What will I receive when the research is done?

You will receive a Research Report that will explain my findings, citations, and suggestions for further research. If applicable, I will also include pictures, copies of documents, maps, and/or transcriptions.

Can you help adoptees locate birth parents and siblings?

While this is not my specialty, I may be able to help. You and/or biological family members would need to consent to taking DNA tests. DNA tests frequently go on sale during holidays so if you are on a tighter budget, that would be the best time to do that. Keep in mind that taking a DNA test may not help you find the answers you are looking for and it may bring up unexpected results or cause relational strain.

Do you offer free consultations?

Yes. Before you sign any contracts or make a payment, we will discuss your research goals and determine if I am a good fit to help you out. If it’s determined that I am not, I will do my best to refer you to another professional who may be a better fit.

How do you charge? 

I sell in blocks of time. The most common block of time is 10 hours. That will typically be enough to get you started and create a lot of suggestions for further research. Upon completion of the 10 hours, we can reassess and if you would like to keep going, you can purchase another block of time.

How do you accept payment? 

I accept payment via check, Venmo, or PayPal. The amount due will need to be paid up front. If for any reason I do not fulfill the amount of research time, I will refund you the difference. 

What if I want to buy for a friend? 

That’s great! Contact me and let me know how much you’d like to spend and put me in touch with your friend and we can go from there.

Will I have to sign any contracts? 

Yes, I follow professional genealogy standards for taking clients and will email you paperwork to look over before I do any research for you.

Will my information be private? 

Yes. While researching, I will keep your trees private. If I need to outsource additional research help, I will make sure privacy standards are met. If you have something that is of a sensitive nature that relates to research, please let me know. I will not publicly share any of your information unless I have your written permission. Keep in mind that much of the data I will find will already be accessible in either private or public databases. 

Do you abide by a code of ethics?

Yes. I am a member of The Association of Professional Genealogists and abide by their code of ethics.

Do you copyright your materials? 

You are welcome to make copies of my research and give to family or post online, but I’d ask that you credit The Nordic Genealogist for anything you use or share. It is your family, so I do not wish to keep any data from being used how you wish.

Have another question? 

Contact me! I’ll do my best to reply within 5 business days.