Research Support That Meets You Where You Are
Family Ties Research offers flexible support for people who are beginning a family-history project, trying to understand inherited records, expanding an existing family tree, or preparing ancestry information for a citizenship-by-descent matter. Some clients need a focused starting point. Others need continued research across records, locations, and generations.
Services may include family-tree development, historical record searches, document organization, timelines, research summaries, newspaper and archive research, immigration and naturalization research, and citizenship-document preparation. The scope is tailored to the client’s goals and the information already available.
This is collaborative work. Some records can only be requested by the person named, a close relative, an authorized representative, or a qualified legal professional. When that happens, I can help identify the likely record, organize the request information, and explain the next practical step—but I may need the client or another authorized person to complete the request.
Types of Projects
Family History
Build or expand a family tree. Explore migration stories, locate census entries, search newspaper archives, and organize discoveries into a readable summary.
Records & Documents
Find and organize the evidence. Identify likely repositories, locate digital indexes or images, and create clear request instructions.
Citizenship Preparation
Prepare a documented lineage. Organize supporting records, identify gaps, and create a clear file for client or professional review.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is not included in the hourly research rate?
- Government, archive, church, or record-repository fees
- Certified copies, apostilles, translations, notarization, or shipping
- Fees charged by overseas record agents or partner researchers
- DNA tests, paid database subscriptions, or legal representation
No third-party expense will be incurred without client approval. Some vital records are restricted by age, jurisdiction, or family relationship and may require the client or an authorized relative to submit the request directly.
Will you definitely find the record I need?
No researcher can guarantee that a record exists or is accessible. Records may have been lost, destroyed, never created, restricted, unindexed, or held by an office that requires a direct request from the client.
Does the $50 session include original certified documents?
No. It includes intake review, light preliminary research, and a consultation. Certified records, official copies, translations, apostilles, overseas agents, and delivery charges are separate.
Can you tell me whether I legally qualify for citizenship?
I can research and organize the family line and supporting records, but I do not provide legal advice or make final eligibility determinations. Clients should consult official authorities or qualified legal counsel.
What happens after the Discovery Session?
You receive a preliminary assessment of the research path. If continued work would be useful, I will explain the recommended scope and estimated time before you approve additional hourly research.