Services
Family History in London and the Home Counties
OUR SERVICES
Our aim is always to provide a comprehensive and efficient service to you.
To do this
We need to know all that you know about your ancestors so we can research efficiently and avoid duplication of your valuable research efforts. Even insignificant details often provide a vital clue.
You should review all you know about your ancestor, forward us the details and advise us clearly of your research objective.
We will review these details and provide you with a formal fees estimate and indicate any additional information or clarification required.
You should confirm acceptance, send us copies of the documents together with the fees/expenses as shown in our estimate.
WE WILL
DEVELOP A RESEARCH PLAN
CONDUCT THE RESEARCH
ANALYSE OUR FINDINGS
PREPARE A REPORT
SUGGEST THE NEXT STEPS IN RESEARCH
THE RESEARCH RESULTS
It is unusual not to be able to find evidence of a family at least to the early 1700s. We cannot guarantee results because sometimes records just do not exist or survive, some may have "gaps" and some may be deemed too fragile to search. In such situations we will use our expertise to endeavour to use alternative sources providing similar information.
The logistics of research depends upon its extent and complexity, availability of records and locations to be visited. Thorough research does take time but we are always happy to respond to a request for an update on progress.
REPORTING TO YOU
On completion of the research we will provide a comprehensive written report containing:
BASIS OF OUR RESEARCH STRATEGY
DETAILS OF ALL RECORDS SEARCHED
COPY DOCUMENTATION
( where practical and if possible, as this depends upon any copyright or other reproduction restrictions)
ILLUSTRATED PEDIGREE - if relevant and agreed at the time of instructions
SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH
OUR RESEARCH CODE
In every aspect of our research, Link Line Ancestral Research employs a code of practice in which evidence only becomes proof through a reasoned and logical analysis and argument, where possible employing more than one genealogical source.
WE WILL:
Avoid unnecessary duplication of your efforts and research although it may be necessary to revisit some elements of that research for clarification purposes.
Seek to use original and primary sources and records (or filmed / digitised images of the originals) to gather key information. Secondary sources may be used in the absence of primary sources in which case information about the source and any shortcomings will be given in our report. Family History research is often a challenging and time consuming process. As we go further back in time there may be less proof and more time and effort will be needed.
Consider where the document originates, when it was produced, how close its origin is to the date of the relevant event, who produced it and what its original intended use was. Although we will endeavour to exhaust all possibilities in our search for your ancestors it must be recognised that historical documents may be inadequate, lost or destroyed and this may affect the degree of proof possible.
Cite the source information of documents used in the research process
Make our reports as clear and as definite as the facts allow and offer candid advice, clearly explaining the processes employed to arrive at the conclusion.
On some occassions find it necessary to use the services of other accredited researchers where they are "on the spot" and where their areas of expertise will only enhance the quality of our service. Link Line Ancestral Research will ALWAYS be your main contact for you.
