Below are some common questions. If you don’t see your query listed, please feel free to get in touch.
A DNA test is not essential for all types of family history research, but it can be incredibly helpful — particularly if you are interested in exploring your ethnicity or searching for unknown relatives.
I often recommend testing with MyHeritage, as I hold an active subscription and can manage client DNA results directly through their platform. This allows me to connect matches to family trees more efficiently and identify meaningful links.
If you have already tested with another provider, results can sometimes be uploaded for comparison.
I use a wide range of historical records depending on the time period and location involved. These may include:
• Birth, marriage and death registrations
• Census records
• Parish records (baptisms, marriages, burials)
• Electoral registers
• Military records*
• Probate and wills*
• Newspaper archives
• Gravestone records
• Immigration and passenger lists
Every piece of information is cross-referenced and verified before being included in your final report.
*these will be at an extra cost to the client.
While I specialise in UK and USA ancestry, I can also research records in:
• Wales
• Ireland
• Canada
• Australia
Irish research can be more challenging due to historical record loss, but meaningful discoveries are still often possible depending on the timeframe and location.
If your ancestry lies elsewhere, feel free to get in touch to discuss your specific case.
The more information you can provide at the beginning, the further and more efficiently I can research.
Ideally, I ask for:
• Full names (including maiden names where possible)
• Dates and places of birth, marriage, and death
• Known occupations
• Locations where relatives lived
• Any family stories or details that may help narrow searches
All information provided will be verified before research formally begins, as accuracy is essential in genealogy work.
Once you decide to proceed, you will receive a client information form to complete. This ensures I have a clear and structured starting point for your project.
Genealogy research relies on surviving historical records, and unfortunately, not all records have been preserved. While I cannot guarantee specific outcomes, I do guarantee thorough, ethical research and clear communication throughout the process.
Disclaimer
Genealogical research is conducted using historical records and available databases. While every effort is made to provide accurate and thorough research, specific results or discoveries cannot always be guaranteed.