Frequently Asked Questions
A: Due to factors outside of my control (missing or destroyed records, adoptions, births with no fathers listed etc.) I can never guarantee what my research will uncover. Some ancestors will require a targeted package to try to locate their records and uncover their story.
In some instances the journey to rediscover your ancestors will lead to areas outside of my expertise. If this is the case, I will inform you and advise you on where you may find more appropriate help. This would include situations such as some adoptions or ancestors who lived in countries where I do not have adequate experience researching.
A: I specialise in re-discovering your ancestors of the last 150-200 years.
A: No. I can start with one of your parents as the focus person, effectively researching your great-grandparents and great great-grandparents on either your maternal or paternal side.
A: I can do a half-package. Just state this when you contact me.
A: Yes. I will use the English Introductory package, but the cost would be reduced to account for the lack of fees to obtain civil records on your Jamaican side.
A: A deposit of 50% is required before I commence research, with the remainder payable prior to me sending you report. For my English Packages this 50% assumes the purchase of certificates.
A: The research and report writing for a Standard Introductory package will take approximately 2 weeks for Jamaican research and approximately 4 weeks for English research (additional time is needed to receive certificates). For Deluxe Introductory packages it is best to allow 3 weeks for Jamaican research and 6 weeks for English research.
Timescales for Targeted packages will be determined by the scale of the project and will be discussed with you during the consultation.
My workload will determine when I can start on your project, but this will be discussed and a start date agreed upon prior to you paying your deposit.
A: I hold a PhD from the University of Edinburgh, which I obtained through my studies in Veterinary Parasitology. I also hold BSc and MSc qualifications from the University of Aberystwyth and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. This has supplied me with excellent research skills and the ability to critically assess any potential records. I have also published scientific papers, spoken at conferences and lectured, which has provided me with skills in organising and presenting my research. I have been assisting people in rediscovering their ancestors for 4 years and have found my passion and an outlet for my research skills.
A: I maintain full subscriptions to Ancestry, Find MyPast (including the British Newspaper Archive) and the Jamaican Gleaner Archives. I also make use of the General Register Offices for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, Family Search, Jamaican Family Search and various parish archives (UK and Jamaican) as well as probate records (UK).
A: I am currently working on a ‘Getting started with DNA’ package.
A: The General Register Office (GRO) has birth, marriage and death records available for England and Wales. The cost varies depending on the age of the record and the format desired. I have summarised in a table below, but do be aware that the GRO does periodically adjust its pricing structure:
