What information can you find?

The information I find depends on what sources and records are available. Most south Hampton Roads court records survive from the colonial period to the present. These include probate records, land records, and vital records.

What do you need to begin work?

Client must:

• state a specific research objective and what ****specifically you want me to do;
• define the scope of the research. What are the limits within which you want me to work? This could be in terms of: how much you are willing to spend; how much time you want me to use; geographic areas; historical periods; specific people or families; etc.;
• choose a research format. I usually present research results in a fixed format narrative report. However, you may want a GEDCOM file, pedigree reports, family groups sheets, etc., in addition to or in place of a report;
• provide copies of previous research. I need to evaluate any previous research that you have done, or that anyone has done for you, to avoid duplicating that work and charging you for it;
• make arrangements for payment.

How do you conduct the research?

Based on information you provide and your stated research objective(s), I will:

• locate relevant sources and records;
• conduct research where the records are located;
• assess their relevance to your research objective(s);
• analyze them for information that suggests further research;
• present the results in a format we agree on.

How long will it take to complete the research?

I am currently able to research only on a part-time basis. Therefore, it will take me longer than a full-time researcher to complete a request. Aside from that, there are too many research variables involved to give an accurate time estimate. However, blocks of time are a convenient way of working. If the research reaches a dead-end or is not going in the right direction, then neither of us is obligated beyond the current block of time.

What will I get when you are finished?