A genealogist researches family history by tracing people, relationships, and events through historical records, archives, and—where appropriate—DNA evidence. Genealogy research may include identifying and verifying family connections, locating records across different countries and time periods, and interpreting what those records actually mean.

Beyond gathering names and dates, a genealogist helps make sense of the information—placing individuals within their social, cultural, and historical context so that a family tree becomes a coherent, accurate, and evidence-based story.

A genealogist can help you build a family tree from the beginning, extend an existing tree, or focus on a specific question or individual. This might involve tracing earlier generations, identifying unknown ancestors, or clarifying how different branches connect.
Just as importantly, a genealogist ensures that each step is supported by reliable evidence, so that your family tree is not only larger, but more accurate and meaningful.

Many people begin their family history research themselves, often using online platforms. Over time, they may reach a point where records become harder to find, information becomes unclear, or different sources appear to conflict.
A professional genealogist brings experience in navigating complex records, interpreting incomplete information, and working across multiple sources. This can save time, avoid costly mistakes, and provide confidence that your family history is grounded in evidence rather than assumption.

Online platforms such as Ancestry provide access to large collections of historical records and online family trees, which can be a valuable starting point for family history research. However, these platforms do not verify the accuracy of the information they contain.

A professional genealogist goes beyond what is readily available online—searching specialised archives, interpreting original documents, and assessing the reliability of each source. They also critically evaluate online family trees, which may contain errors or unproven connections, and ensure that any conclusions about your family history are supported by evidence.

For many people, researching their own family history is part of the enjoyment. A genealogist doesn’t replace that—it complements it.
Professional research can be particularly valuable when you are short on time, facing a “brick wall,” or want to be confident in the accuracy of your tree. It can also help you move from collecting information to understanding your family’s story more deeply.

Online family trees vary widely in accuracy. Some are carefully researched and well-sourced; others are based on assumptions, guesswork, or copied information.
It is always important to treat online trees as clues rather than facts, and to verify any information against reliable records before adding it to your own family history.

You don’t need a large amount of information to begin. Even a few details—such as names, approximate dates, or places—can be enough to start building a picture.
Family stories, photographs, certificates, and documents can all provide useful clues. From there, research can gradually expand and be tested against historical records.

es, DNA testing can be a useful tool in genealogy, particularly for confirming relationships or exploring unknown ancestry.

Choosing to take a DNA test is also a very personal decision. Results can sometimes reveal unexpected information about biological relationships, and not everyone feels comfortable with that possibility.

When used thoughtfully, DNA results can add valuable insight—but they need to be interpreted carefully and in combination with documentary evidence. A genealogist can help integrate DNA findings with historical records to build a clearer and more reliable picture of your family history.

I take my work — and your family’s story — seriously. I’m a member of AAGRA and follow their standards for ethical, accurate research. You’ll always receive sourced work, regular updates, and honest guidance about what the records can — and cannot — reveal.

If you choose one of my fixed-price Research Packages, the cost of your project is agreed upfront.
If you’d like to extend the research, or prefer a Bespoke Project, my rate is $60 per hour. Costs such as official certificates, archive access fees, postage, and other incidentals are charged separately at cost. I’ll always check with you before purchasing any additional records.

Timeframes vary depending on record availability, location, and how complex your family history is. As a guide, tracing both maternal and paternal lines back 3–4 generations typically takes around 4–6 weeks. If delays are likely — for example, with archives, certificates, or overseas repositories — I’ll keep you updated.

Absolutely. Research you’ve already completed is very helpful in shaping the strategy for your project and ensuring we avoid duplicating work. If you’d like to continue exploring your family history after I’ve completed my part, I’m happy to offer guidance and suggestions.

At the end of your project, you’ll receive a written report (including family tree charts) in Word and/or PDF. I can also provide a GEDCOM file if you’d like to upload the results into a genealogy program. If you prefer, I can build your tree directly in Ancestry.com for you.

You can find Little Things Genealogy Terms & Conditions here.