Frequently asked questions

⚜️ About the Process

How long does each project take?

Genealogy isn’t instant. It’s artful detective work through time. Delivery times vary by package and scope, ranging from one week to sixty days. Smaller ancestral lineages (1–2 generations) can often be completed within 7–14 days, while more complex or multi-line family histories require additional research time to ensure accuracy.

I work directly within major databases like Ancestry, FindMyPast, FamilySearch, MyHeritage, Fold3, and Newspapers.com, as well as local archives, cemetery registries, and historical societies. Some sources take longer to update or confirm, which is why each project includes a small grace period for new records to appear and be verified before final delivery.

My approach values quality over speed. Thorough, cross-checked, and carefully documented research every time.

What kind of records do you use?

I draw from an extensive range of both digital and physical archives, including:

Vital Records — Birth, marriage, and death certificates
Census & Population Records — U.S., U.K., Canada, and Ireland
Immigration & Passenger Lists — Including Ellis Island and provincial ports
Military Records — Service cards, pension files, and draft records (via Fold3)
Newspaper Archives — Obituaries, announcements, and historical articles (Newspapers.com, Irish News Archives)
Cemetery Databases — Local burial registers, Find a Grave, and parish ledgers
Court & Probate Documents — Wills, estate settlements, guardianship records
Land & Deed Indexes — Early property transactions, maps, and grants
Church Records — Baptisms, confirmations, marriages, and burials (Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, etc.)
 

Each record is cross-referenced and cited. Where possible, I also note the historical context, including occupations, migration trends, or socio-political influences that shaped your ancestors’ lives.

Do you include the original records?

Yes. Each package includes digital copies or scans of located records whenever possible.

For clients who order the custom genealogy book, these records are printed on archival-grade paper, placed in crystal-clear protective sleeves, and organized by family branch.

🕰️ Customization & Communication

Can I request a specific ancestor or line to be researched?

Absolutely. Each project begins with a consultation form or email exchange to clarify what you already know and what you hope to discover.

You can choose to focus on one particular ancestor, surname, or family line, or allow me to explore freely through your ancestry and uncover unexpected connections.

How will I receive my results?

All research is delivered digitally in PDF format, including:

A written summary of findings
Source list and citations
Family tree charts (where applicable)
Ancestral narratives for select packages
If you’ve ordered the printed genealogy book, it will arrive by post, assembled with care and packed in an archival-quality box or leather binder.

Can I request updates after the project is completed?

Of course. Genealogy is an ever-evolving field. New records appear constantly.

You can commission follow-up research at any time, or I can re-open your project later to expand upon new findings for an hourly rate or as a new tier package.

🌿 For Spiritual & Ancestral Clients

What’s different about the Witch/Ancestral Connection packages?

These packages go beyond genealogy as data. They merge historical research with spiritual interpretation — helping you understand not just who your ancestors were, but what energetic patterns, archetypes, or symbols move through your lineage.

Each ancestral reflection is written intuitively, grounded in real records but woven with insight, folklore, and ancestral themes.

Are these readings the same as a psychic session?

No. They are historically based and intuitively interpreted, not channeled or mediumship-based.

Think of them as bridges between genealogy and ancestral reverence — rooted in history, but aware of the unseen threads that connect past and present.

✉️ Practical Questions

How do I get started?

Simply choose your package and contact me with the names, dates, or any details you already know. I’ll confirm scope, timeline, and expectations before beginning.

If you’re unsure which package suits your needs, I’ll help you decide — whether you want a single ancestor traced or a full family legacy preserved.

Can you research outside of the U.S.?
Yes. My expertise includes Canada, Ireland, the U.K., and Western Europe, with a particular passion for Irish and Celtic ancestral lines.

If your ancestry extends into regions beyond my current access, I’ll let you know up front — or recommend a verified regional specialist if necessary.

🧬 Should I take a DNA test?
You don’t have to, but a DNA test can be tremendously helpful, especially when paper trails grow thin. Genetic testing doesn’t replace traditional research, but it can illuminate connections that records alone can’t reveal.

Here’s how it helps:
Confirming lineage: Matches can verify that your documented family lines are correct.
Breaking brick walls: DNA can identify biological relatives or ancestral regions when written records are missing or lost.
Connecting with living cousins: Many discoveries come from shared DNA segments and family trees of others who’ve tested.

For best results, I recommend testing through AncestryDNA, MyHeritageDNA, or 23andMe, as these databases are well integrated with the research tools I already use. Once results are available, I can incorporate your DNA data into your genealogy project to refine accuracy and uncover new ancestral branches.

If you prefer, I can also review your existing DNA matches and integrate them into your research narrative, particularly useful for adoptees or those seeking biological family connections.

What if no records are found?
Even the most thorough research can reach what we call a “documentary wall.” When that happens, I’ll provide a clear report of all sources searched, along with next-step recommendations, such as parish visits, land registries, or DNA testing options.

You’ll always receive something of value: verified records, research notes, or evidence explaining why certain records remain elusive.

Do you offer gift options?
Yes! A genealogy project makes an unforgettable gift for birthdays, weddings, or memorials.

Gift orders can include a custom presentation box, silk ribbon wrap, and wax-sealed envelope, turning history into an heirloom.

🩸 Specialized Research

 

 Can you help if I’m adopted or don’t know one of my parents?

Yes — absolutely. This is one of the most meaningful forms of genealogy work I do. For adoptees or clients missing information on one biological parent, a DNA test is usually essential. Paper records alone rarely tell the full story, especially when names were changed, sealed, or omitted. By using your DNA results from AncestryDNA, MyHeritageDNA, or 23andMe, I can begin identifying biological relatives, shared matches, and potential ancestral lines.

From there, I combine DNA evidence with traditional document research — including birth indexes, census data, newspaper archives, and local court or adoption records (where accessible) to help reconstruct your origins as accurately and sensitively as possible.

This work requires patience and care, but the discoveries are often profound. Every client’s journey is unique, and I approach each with empathy, discretion, and respect for privacy.

🕊️ Do you work with African American ancestry?

Yes. African American genealogy carries distinct challenges and an extraordinary depth of history. I’ve spent years working with 19th- and early 20th-century records, including those from the Freedmen’s Bureau, U.S. Colored Troops, plantation inventories, church registers, and local county archives that are not always digitized.

I also make use of:

Census records (pre- and post-emancipation)
Manumission and emancipation documents
Freedmen’s Savings Bank files
Military pension and bounty land records
DNA cluster analysis, which can connect families separated by time and circumstance
For these searches, context is everything. Understanding geography, migration patterns, and naming conventions helps reveal connections that raw data might obscure.

My goal is not just to trace names, but to restore the stories and dignity of ancestors whose lives were fragmented by history.