Process
A thoughtful, evidence-based approach to complex genealogy problems
Before I accept a research project, I take time to understand your research question, review the available evidence, and determine whether the problem can be meaningfully addressed using documentary research, DNA analysis, or both.
Genealogy—especially long-standing or complex problems—rarely lends itself to quick answers. My intake process is designed to clarify the research question, define a realistic scope, and ensure that any work undertaken is worth your time and investment.
Step 1: Initial inquiry
You begin by contacting me through the inquiry form and briefly describing what you’re trying to learn, along with what you’ve already tried.
You do not need to frame the question perfectly. Many clients come to me after years of research and simply know where they are stuck. That is enough to begin the conversation.
Step 2: Clarification and context
I may ask follow-up questions or request access to relevant materials, such as family trees, documents, or DNA results.
This step helps ensure that I understand:
- The specific research question
- The historical and geographic context
- What evidence already exists
- What assumptions may need to be evaluated
This back-and-forth is normal and expected, particularly for complex problems.
Step 3: Preliminary Assessment
With access to relevant materials, I conduct a defined preliminary assessment to review the available evidence, clarify feasibility, and determine the most effective research strategy. This assessment establishes whether a full research engagement is appropriate and forms the basis for the proposal that follows.
Step 4: Proposal and scope
If the preliminary assessment indicates that the project is a good fit, I provide a written proposal that outlines:
- The research question
- The proposed scope of work
- Expected deliverables
- An estimated number of hours
The proposal will outline the research plan and expectations so that you can make an informed decision about moving forward.
For complex problems, I often recommend staged work with planned check-ins. This allows us to evaluate progress partway through the project and decide together whether it makes sense to continue, adjust scope, or stop.
This approach protects both the integrity of the research and your investment.
Step 5: Acceptance—or an honest “no”
If I believe a project cannot be meaningfully addressed with the available evidence, I will say so honestly and explain why.
Sometimes this means recommending additional DNA testing, broader data collection, or waiting for new information to become available. In other cases, it means acknowledging that the limits of the evidence make further work unlikely to be productive.
An honest assessment is always preferable to false certainty.
A note on scope and ethics
I do not guarantee specific outcomes.
I do not accept projects intended for legal proceedings, citizenship or heirship claims, or financial or support claims.
I am also careful about work involving living individuals and expect DNA analysis and reports to be used privately and responsibly.
My goal is to provide careful, ethical, evidence-based research—and clear explanations of what the evidence does and does not support.
What you can expect
Clients who work well with my process value:
- Accuracy over speed
- Documentation over speculation
- Clarity over simple answers
Sometimes the result is a solved problem. Sometimes it is significant progress, clearer conclusions, or confirmation that a long-held assumption is unsound. All of these are valid outcomes.