Frequently Asked Questions

What services does Find My Family Genealogy offer?

We provide professional genealogical research services, including family tree research, DNA analysis, lineage society applications (DAR, SAR, Mayflower, and others), house history research, heir search, research on unknown parentage, coaching for experienced hobbyists, and comprehensive research reports. All work is conducted according to the Genealogical Proof Standard by an ICAPGen Accredited Genealogist.

What geographic areas do you cover?

Our core specializations are the United States (all 50 states), the British Isles (England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland), and Scandinavia (Sweden and Denmark). For countries outside these areas, we can often handle the research directly or work with qualified specialists. Contact us for a consultation about your specific project.

What are your qualifications?

Andre is an Accredited Genealogist (AG®) through ICAPGen with a specialization in Swedish genealogy, a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, and has completed multiple formal training programs including SLIG and IGHR. This is a full-time professional practice — not a hobby or side project.

How much does it cost?

Pricing depends on your project's scope and complexity. Packages start at $59.99 for a preliminary consultation and scale up based on research hours needed. We offer smaller entry points than many larger firms — but Andre will always be honest about whether a smaller package is realistic for your specific question. Some problems genuinely require a larger commitment to produce meaningful results.

Read more about pricing and packages →

How does the process work?

We start with a consultation to understand your goals, recommend an appropriate package, and then begin research once a service agreement and deposit are in place. You receive a professional research report with complete documentation upon project completion.

How long does a project take?

Timelines vary by scope — a small consultation may take a week or two (depending on availability), while larger projects are typically scheduled quarterly (90 standard completion window). Andre provides a realistic estimate during your consultation. We can accommodate rush orders on a case-by-case basis. Depending on the circumstances, they may incur higher rates and/or fees to compensate for the administrative and logistical challenges.

How can you help with records in another state or country if you're based in Utah?

Professional genealogy has always been a remote profession. The vast majority of research is conducted through online databases, correspondence with repositories, and collaboration with local researchers — not in-person archive visits. Being near the FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City actually gives us access to resources many genealogists can't easily reach.

Can you help me understand my DNA results?

Yes — DNA analysis is one of our specializations. We don't sell or administer DNA tests, but if you've tested through Ancestry, 23andMe, MyHeritage, or another platform, Andre can help you interpret your results and use them to answer family history questions.

Can you help me find a biological family member or birth parent?

We can help with many aspects of biological family research, but there's an important distinction between wanting to learn about your family's history and wanting to make contact with a living person. Andre would need to discuss your specific situation to give an honest assessment of the best path forward.

Can you help me join the DAR, SAR, or another lineage society?

Yes — but most people significantly underestimate what's involved. Every generation in your line must be documented with original, contemporaneous records that meet the society's specific evidentiary standards. Having a family tree is a starting point, not a shortcut — most trees are built from derivative sources that don't meet those standards on their own. The further back your qualifying ancestor sits, the harder it gets, and record survival varies enormously by region based on factors outside anyone's control. My own SAR application, on a clean line, still took over twenty hours. A consultation is the right first step.

Can you create a family history book?

Yes — the research and manuscript preparation phase. We refer book design, production, and printing to specialists. There are two separate budgets for a book project: what you pay me for research and manuscript work, and what you pay the production side for everything after. My minimum for research and manuscript is $2,500, not a ceiling. Production costs depend on variables I'm not positioned to quote — paper, binding, print run — that belong in a conversation with the production side.

What is heritage travel research, and when does it make sense?

If you're planning a trip to ancestral homelands in the US, British Isles, or Scandinavia, I can prepare a research itinerary so you arrive knowing exactly what repositories, archives, churches, and cemeteries are relevant to your family and how to access them. Timing matters significantly — 90+ days out is standard, inside 90 days, rush rates apply, and inside 30 days, the first question is whether it's even feasible.

Do you scan or digitize photos and documents?

Photo and document digitization requires specialized equipment we don't have in-house. We can refer you to reputable services. Once your materials are digitized, we can help organize them, identify people, and research family connections.

I don't have any records or information to start with. Can you still help?

Yes — many clients start with very little. Visit our Getting Started page and download the Family Tree Research Packet under Step 2. Fill in whatever you can — even just names and approximate dates — and we'll work from there.

Do you charge for the free 30-minute consultation? What if I end up hiring you?

No. The initial consultation is free, and that time is never billed, even if you hire us. No charges apply until a formal research project agreement is reached. We ask that you respect the purpose of the consultation — it's to understand your goals and assess your project, not a research session.

I've worked with a genealogist before and wasn't satisfied. How do I know you'll be different?

I'm sorry that happened to you. I'd want to understand your previous experience before making promises — the terms, the hours authorized, the objectives, and who you worked with all matter. I bring formal training, ICAPGen accreditation, and complete documentation on every project. The best next step is a conversation so I can give you an honest assessment.

What's the difference between hiring a professional and doing it myself?

It depends on where you are in your research and what you need. The outcome of any genealogy project depends on three variables — the client's circumstances, the researcher's skills, and the nature of the problem itself — and the researcher is only one of those three. Andre can help you assess all three during a consultation and recommend the best path forward, including coaching if you prefer to do the work yourself with professional guidance.

Can you guarantee specific results?

No, and any genealogist who does is either inexperienced or not being straight with you. What we guarantee is professional, thorough research conducted to the Genealogical Proof Standard, with complete documentation of everything searched, found, and not found.

Are there any hidden fees?

No. If additional costs come up during a project, Andre will discuss them with you before proceeding. You will never be charged for anything you haven't agreed to.

Do I need to be local?

No. We work with clients nationwide and internationally. All services are provided remotely.

I already have a tree on Ancestry or FamilySearch. Can you work with that?

Absolutely. Andre can review what you have and build on it. Even incomplete research is a helpful starting point.

Someone else did research on my family, but I'm not sure it's accurate.

Andre can review existing research for accuracy and verify whether conclusions are supported by proper evidence. Many online trees contain errors. A consultation is the right starting point.

What are your business hours?

Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Mountain Time. Closed weekends and holidays on which Utah public schools are off or out. For the most up-to-date sense of when Iam available to take a call, please see the consultation scheduler below.

How do I get started?

Call or text (385) 355-1013 or visit www.myfamilygen.com and fill out one of the contact forms (like the one on this page). The best first step is always a consultation with Andre. Or book an appointment.

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