FAQs

Q: Did my ancestor leave a Will?

Most of us know that Wills have been written for many hundreds of years, but originally only those in privileged society, who had sufficient wealth and possessions to pass on, could afford to have one created. Our less wealthy ancestors, however, may also have written a Will. Wills after 1858 can be purchased for £1.50 via the Probate Service . Some earlier Wills have now been indexed on subscription websites such as Ancestry and FindMyPast. Read more here: https://leavesfamilyhistory.co.uk/blog/will/

Q: Can newspapers help my research?

Newspapers can be very useful, as anyone could appear in them. Just remember that not all historical newspapers are online. Check the lcoal archives to see if they have other copies. This blog may help you: https://leavesfamilyhistory.co.uk/blog/newspapers/

Q: How do I access closed Records?

As strange as it may seem tracing recent generations can be harder than tracing older ones. One of the main reasons for this is Data Protection here in the UK and within the EU. Apart from a few exceptions (namely GRO indexes, public electoral registers and telephone books) many records are closed to the public for 100 years. In general one of three things can be done. For full details read my blog here: https://leavesfamilyhistory.co.uk/research/closed-records/

Q: What are your Terms and Conditions?

You can read my T & C's here: https://leavesfamilyhistory.co.uk/terms_conditions/

Q: What is the difference between private and professional research?

Perhaps one of the hardest concepts I have had to explain to amateur researchers is the difference between private and professional research. With many records now being available online and indexed for us, some clients do not fully appreciate how long trawling through non indexed records can actually take. Added to that, professional researchers have a set timescale and a duty to try to prove relationships rather than rely on assumptions and best guesses. For these reasons this blog will look at three areas that I have commonly found that clients may not fully appreciate – research time, report writing and the records available. Read more here: https://leavesfamilyhistory.co.uk/professional/professional-research/

Q: How do you write a research report?

All professional researchers write some kind of report for clients. Unless you work for an organisation the format is up to you. Read my tips here: https://leavesfamilyhistory.co.uk/professional/report-writing/

Q: Do professional researchers update their skills?

One thing that is common across most professions and occupations is the need to keep your skills and knowledge up to date. Lawyers need to know about new legislations, medics about new treatments and mechanics about new technology etc., but what about genealogists? Do we need to update our own skills and knowledge? After all the past never changes – does it? Of course we do. Read more here: https://leavesfamilyhistory.co.uk/blog/keeping-up-to-date/

Q: How did my ancester vote?

Not everyone could vote. Read my blog here to learn more: https://leavesfamilyhistory.co.uk/blog/vote/

Q: If I have already started my family tree and have got to a sticking point can I hand it over to you to try and solve the problem?

Definitely! I will double check your information though just to make sure you are on the right track. Everyone likes to think they will never make a mistake, but it is so easy in family history research. Once the basics have been confirmed I start where you have finished. Another way is just to give me the details of the last generation or two you have managed to research, however in these cases I cannot be held responsible if the prior information is incorrect.

Q: How will your findings be put together?

For PAYG research you will receive an easy to read report that is fully referenced, as soon as the agreed period of time has been completed. If you then decide you want further research based on that report, you will receive another report looking at the new research points. For more information I can supply a redacted copy of a client report. Click here to read how a professional report should be written

Did my ancestor leave a Will?

Anne Sherman2019-12-10T15:04:04+00:00December 10th, 2019|0 Comments

Can newspapers help my research?

Anne Sherman2019-12-10T14:56:57+00:00December 10th, 2019|0 Comments

How do I access closed Records?

Anne Sherman2019-12-10T14:52:24+00:00December 10th, 2019|0 Comments

What are your Terms and Conditions?

Anne Sherman2019-12-10T14:46:12+00:00December 10th, 2019|0 Comments

What is the difference between private and professional research?

Anne Sherman2019-12-10T14:44:02+00:00December 10th, 2019|0 Comments

How do you write a research report?

Anne Sherman2019-12-10T14:33:49+00:00December 10th, 2019|0 Comments

Do professional researchers update their skills?

Anne Sherman2019-12-10T14:28:50+00:00December 10th, 2019|0 Comments

How did my ancester vote?

Anne Sherman2019-12-10T14:23:05+00:00December 10th, 2019|0 Comments

How can I become a Professional Genealogist?

Anne Sherman2019-12-10T14:40:09+00:00March 8th, 2019|0 Comments

If I have already started my family tree and have got to a sticking point can I hand it over to you to try and solve the problem?

Anne Sherman2019-03-08T18:51:48+00:00March 8th, 2019|0 Comments

How will your findings be put together?

Anne Sherman2024-11-11T17:45:39+00:00March 8th, 2019|0 Comments

Will I receive regular updates?

Anne Sherman2019-03-08T18:27:19+00:00March 8th, 2019|0 Comments

How long will it take to complete?

Anne Sherman2019-03-08T18:23:55+00:00March 8th, 2019|0 Comments

Do you ever get stuck and cannot go any further?

Anne Sherman2019-03-08T18:19:22+00:00March 8th, 2019|0 Comments

Can you research my complete family tree?

Anne Sherman2019-03-08T18:15:23+00:00March 8th, 2019|0 Comments

How much does it cost to research my family history?

Anne Sherman2019-03-08T18:12:24+00:00March 8th, 2019|0 Comments

What information would you need from me to get started?

Anne Sherman2019-03-08T18:52:37+00:00March 8th, 2019|0 Comments

What is a GEDCOM file?

Anne Sherman2019-03-08T18:48:06+00:00March 8th, 2019|0 Comments

Why are married names on the 1939 Register when they married after that date?

Anne Sherman2019-03-08T18:44:27+00:00March 8th, 2019|0 Comments

When were census return taken?

Anne Sherman2019-03-08T18:46:50+00:00March 8th, 2019|0 Comments

When were births first recorded?

Anne Sherman2019-03-08T18:47:26+00:00March 7th, 2019|0 Comments

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