Services, fees, code of conduct

  Hiring a professional genealogist is a great way to discover your family history. If you have never considered hiring a professional genealogist before, you may be wondering what to look for and what to expect. You can find additional information about what to consider in selecting a professional genealogist and what to expect once you hire one on the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) website.  https://www.apgen.org/articles/hire.html

Consultation  - FREE 

My hourly rate is $35 per hour for custom projects

Record Retrieval - $35.00. Same day retrieval may be available. Contact for rate and availability.

This will include up to 1 hour research and 3 records from the same repository. Additional records are $15.00 including 30 minutes research. Travel rate may apply (see below).

Document Analysis - Abstract of document including analysis $35.00 per document up to 3 pages.

Record Transcription - Complete transcription of historical US documents $35.00 per original document page. (English only)

Family Histories - Contact for consultation.

Lineage and Heritage Society Assistance - Contact for consultation.

Heir Research - Contact for information

Travel Rate - $0.55 per mile outside of Marian and immediately surrounding counties. Hourly rate will be charged for research outside of Indiana. Meal and Lodging fees may apply. Contact for consultation.

Lectures -  

I am available for classes or lectures for your society or even family reunions. See page for details.

  Purpose: The APG Code of Ethics and Professional Practices serves to promote: (1) a truthful approach to genealogy, family history, and local history; (2) the trust and security of genealogical consumers; and (3) careful and respectful treatment of records, repositories and their staffs, other professionals, and genealogical organizations and associations.   

Consistent with these purposes, I agree to:

   Present research results and opinions in a clear, well-organized manner;

  Refrain from withholding, suppressing, or knowingly misquoting or misinterpreting sources or data;

  Report appropriately qualified genealogical conclusions in writing based on the weight of the evidence with fully and accurately cited sources;

  Represent my abilities, services, and credentials honestly, avoiding the use of misleading or exaggerated statements;

  Engage in sufficient continuing education to maintain competence and comply with applicable requirements;

  Prepare and abide by written agreements regarding applicable project scope, fees, charges, payment structures, and deliverables without concealment or misrepresentation;

  Disclose potential conflicts of interest;  Maintain confidentiality of client communications and research, except as permitted in writing by the client or required by court or professional disciplinary proceedings;

  Treat information concerning living people with appropriate discretion;

 Refrain from violating or encouraging others to violate laws or regulations concerning copyright, rights to privacy, business practices, or other pertinent subjects;

  Refrain from mutilating, rearranging, or removing from their proper custodians printed, original, microfilmed, or electronic records;

  Give proper credit to the work of others and refrain from plagiarism;

  Refrain from soliciting established clients of another researcher through denigration, violation of laws or regulations, or other improper means;

  Refrain from behaviors or statements that malign or are maliciously calculated to injure the profession;

 individual genealogists; genealogical associations, programs, or educational organizations;

 or the Association of Professional Genealogists.  

 Our country has a rich and diverse past. This has led to times of unrest  that often resulted in destruction of key repositories and properties.  Some documents and records have been lost or destroyed. Every effort  will be made to recover requested documents or associated documents that  meet The Genealogical Proof Standard.