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Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: Why is payment required upfront?
A: The genealogy community’s general payment structure requires upfront payment for services. The main reason for this is the nature of genealogy research. We like to be free to consult with the client as research progresses, and having payment already taken care of allows us to give away our “secrets” as they are found while still ensuring that we’ll be compensated for our time. We understand that asking for payment upfront is asking new clients to go out on a limb, and we offer our many positive references and ethics agreement to show our reputability. You will be working one on one with a professional who is knowledgeable, trustworthy, and honestly cares about your family history (we’re quite passionate about it).
Q: Do you charge more for international research?
A: No, we do not.
Q: How do I know if the genealogists who work with Legacy Tree GenealogySM are up to par?
A: Visit our genealogists page to see the experience and credentials of the professional genealogists on our team. You can also click here to see what our clients have to say about our work.
Q: Will I have to do a lot of work before you can start research on my family?
A: No. Just send us the information you already know about your family via email, mail, or over the phone. Try to provide us with everything you know, so that we don't waste time by duplicating any work. We'll be most interested in your information about dates and places for ancestors' births, marriages, and deaths, even if you only have approximate information.
Q: How soon will I get results?
A: Results are usually sent to you within 12-16 weeks. Sometimes we are required to contact many record agencies for things like death certificates, obituaries, and social security application papers in order to construct your family tree. These requests can add several weeks to the time.
Q: How long will it take you to do my entire tree?
A: Each family tree is unique and branches out into many different lines, often in many geographic locations. In addition, a family tree (depending on the location) can often be traced to as early as the 1500s, sometimes earlier, but sometimes there are unforeseen problems that force a particular line to end in the 16- or 1700s. This means that the length of time required to "complete" a family tree will vary. Since a tree just keeps getting bigger and bigger the further back in time you go, you could essentially research your tree for years without “finishing” the tree. How complete your family tree is will be up to you. Our solution to this in terms of payment is to bill in blocks of time. Please click here to learn more about the costs of our different project blocks.
Q: Can I order more research after I get the results back?
A: Yes. Just let us know what you'd like and we'll continue research on any of your lines.
Q: How much can you find in one research session?
A: This depends on the research problem we are working on. If your tree ends in the early 1900s, it is likely we will extend your tree many generations in one session. If we are working on a pre-1800 U.S. ancestor or are determining the origin and parentage of an immigrant ancestor the time required can be much greater depending on how many records we have to search before parentage can be established either through direct or circumstantial evidence. Be assured we will do as much as possible within the time you have authorized us to use.
Q: I’ve heard that genealogists sometimes cut corners to find an ancestor and end up with inaccurate information. How do you keep this from happening?
A: Each of our research projects includes a full research report with corresponding documents. You are able to read through each step we took in identifying your ancestors. If there is ever a conclusion you don’t agree with, feel free to contact us for clarification.
Q: How are the results sent to me?
A: The results of research on your tree will be mailed to you and are organized in a presentation binder. You and your relatives will also be able to access the research report, scanned images of the documents, and your digital genealogy file on a private web page created for you.
Q: How do I know if I qualify for a tax deduction when ordering professional research?
A: You must belong to a church which instructs its members to conduct genealogical research. If you qualify, the deduction can be added to your tax form under the same category as tithing. Payments must be made to our partner organization, Religious Family History Corporation or RFH Corp. and can be done via electronic bank withdrawal or check.
Q: If the research I order is tax deductible, how will I know how much I can deduct?
A: If you qualify, every payment you make to our partner charitable organization (Religious Family History Corporation or RFH Corp.) is tax deductible. Each January, a statement will be sent to you listing the amount you have paid the previous year.
Still have a question? Feel free to contact us.
Click here to learn more about our professional research packages.
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