Most of the fun of genealogy, online and offline, is the solving of puzzles and learning about your family’s place in history, but sometimes you hit a brick wall.

You may need a consultant on a specific research problem or help finding a missing relative. Maybe you need a record translated from a foreign language or some handwriting deciphered. Maybe you need an experienced eye to look over what you have and help you develop a plan for what to do next. Maybe you want to surprise your mother with a genealogy for Christmas, or maybe there’s just one whole branch of the tree you know you’ll never find time for.

All of these are good reasons to use a professional genealogist. Professional genealogists can prove you are a descendant of someone for organizations such as the Daughters of the American Revolution. Professionals can help you with genealogy chores as simple as searching some records you cannot get to online or travel to physically, or they can take what information you have and trace the ancestry as far back as you are willing to pay for.

But hiring a professional genealogist is not as simple as a Google search. Genealogical research is a science requiring skillful analysis and intellectual concentration, as well as years of experience and education.

“I would not discount local history and genealogy experts in the areas where an ancestor once lived, but I find this is a touchy area,” advised DearMYRTLE, the genealogy columnist and lecturer. “It is so difficult to evaluate the reliability of research when a person one might hire hasn’t been certified or [is not an] accredited genealogist.”

So, the solution, she said, is to look for someone certified as a researcher. First, there is the Certified Genealogist (CG) designation from the Board for Certification of Genealogists (www.bcgcertification.org). This organization tests and certifies researchers and teachers (the latter is a Certified Genealogical Lecturer, or CGL). A list of those certified is maintained on the website. The board has a Code of Ethics and Genealogical Proof Standard that the members must adhere to. Another such certification body is The International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen), which certifies genealogists through comprehensive written and oral examinations.

The ICAPGen website is http://www.icapgen.org, which offers the following: The agreement between the Accredited Genealogist (AG) professional and ICAPGen outlines the responsibilities of each AG researcher to ICAPGen, to the researcher’s clients, and to the genealogical community. Should a dispute or client complaint occur, the agreement outlines the arbitration process. Out of a desire to protect the consumer, ICAPGen tests the competence of genealogists and provides assurance to those who want to hire a professional in the field. You can find a list of ICAPGen members on the website.

The Family History Library of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) also has a staff of professional genealogists. The staff will test for AG status by the Genealogical Department of the LDS Church. Examinations include specialized areas such as American Indian, Southern, United States, England, and Germany. These genealogists are not necessarily members of the LDS church, nor do they limit themselves to LDS clients. Accredited Genealogists sign an ethics agreement and agree to adhere to a code of conduct; they are required to renew their accreditation every five years. You can get a roster of these by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) with the geographic or topical specialization needed to:

Family History Library

35 North West Temple Street

Salt Lake City, UT 84150-1003

Another organization to consult is the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG). Ethical conduct is extremely important to members of this association. Every member of APG signs a code of professional ethics, stating that the professional will

    • Promote a coherent, truthful approach to genealogy, family history, and local history.

    • Clearly present research results and opinions in a clear, well-organized manner, with accurately cited references.

    • Advertise services and credentials honestly.

    • Explain without concealment or misrepresentation all fees, charges, and payment structures.

    • Abide by agreements regarding project scope, number of hours, and deadlines or reporting schedules.

    • Refrain from knowingly violating or encouraging others to violate laws and regulations concerning copyright and right to privacy.

    • Give proper credit to those who supply information and provide assistance.

These are good things to ask any professional genealogist to provide.

Also, various certification boards in other countries may be of help, as the following sections explain.

Australia

Australian Association of Genealogists and Record Agents

P.O. Box 268

Oakleigh, Victoria 3166, Australia

Send five International Reply Coupons for a roster. Tests and certifications in Australian and New Zealand records.

Canada

Genealogical Institute of the Maritimes

Universite de Moncton, Moncton

New Brunswick, E1A 3E9, Canada

Send SASE (with Canadian postage or two International Reply Coupons) for a roster. Tests and certifications for specialized research areas in Canada.

England

Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives

Hon. Secretary

31 Alexandra Grove

London N12 8HE, England

Send five International Reply Coupons for a roster. Peers recommend those listed as competent by long experience.

France

Chambre Syndicale des Genealogistes – Heraldistes de France

74, Rue des Saints-Peres

75005 Paris, France

Send five International Reply Coupons for a roster.

Ireland

Association of Professional Genealogists in Ireland

c/o The Genealogical Office

30 Harlech Crescent

Clonskeagh, Dublin 14, Ireland

Send two International Reply Coupons for a roster. Membership is based on independent assessment and experience.

New Zealand

Genealogical Research Institute of New Zealand

P.O. Box 36-107 Moera

Lower Hutt 6330, New Zealand

Send a large envelope and two International Reply Coupons for a roster. Members sign a code of ethics.

Scotland

Association of Scottish Genealogists and Record Agents

51/3 Mortonhall Road

Edinburgh EH9 2HN, Scotland

Send two International Reply Coupons for a roster. Members sign a code of practice.

Set Terms

Hiring a genealogist is a bit like hiring a contractor: You must have a clearly defined project and budget in mind before you sign a contract. You need to present to the genealogist a letter of agreement that lists

    • The scope of work to be performed

    • How many hours to be worked for you, with some provision for time extensions under specified circumstances

    • A definition of fees for various actions

    • Definition of what the retainer covers and how it will be applied toward final payment

    • How you will agree on more research activities after the original work is finished

It is also a good idea to define who holds the copyright to the written research reports. Often, the professional genealogist wants to retain those rights, which means you cannot publish the report without the researcher’s permission.

Ask at genealogy societies and clubs for the names of good local professional genealogists before contacting one. Once you find one to talk to, it never hurts to ask for and check references. If the professional is reluctant to provide this, use your best judgment in deciding whether you want to hire this person. It’s also a good idea to begin with a short, simple assignment, such as a research chore in a city you just cannot travel to. See how quickly and accurately the candidate can work and how important your business is. Then you can judge whether you have the confidence to agree on a larger project.

Most genealogists charge by the hour; the fees can range from $10 to $95 per hour. An average is $30 to $50 per hour for the professional in the United States. However, you may find a researcher who prefers to charge a flat daily fee, such as $150 to $500 per day for their services. Indeed, several professionals prefer a minimum retainer (usually $350 to $500) for a research project. This gives the researcher a good block of time and some working capital for transportation, copies, and so on. It also gives the genealogist leeway to do a careful and thorough job on your project.

Once you have a specific list of research needs, a list of professional genealogists who meet your criteria in price and expertise, and you have checked their references, you can determine who to hire and sign an agreement. Then you give the researcher the information you have and the fees to begin.