Frequently Asked Questions

How far back in time will you search?

We are confident that we will be able to trace your roots back to the 1800’s and very possibly the 1700’s. This usually means that your tree will cover between 6 and 9 generations, but this depends on your current age. For example, a person in their thirties could reasonably expect to find their great, great, great, great, great grandparents who, typically, would have lived during the 1700’s.

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How many ancestors can you find?

Tracing your roots back 6 generations means that we start with you as the first generation (or any family member you may choose), your parents are the second, grandparents the third, great grandparents the fourth, great great grandparents the fifth and your great great great grandparents are the sixth generation. This means we will uncover up to 60 ancestors – not counting yourself or your parents. Tracing 7 generations can uncover up to 124 ancestors, 8 generations up to 252 ancestors and 9 generations up to 508 ancestors!

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How do you identify my ancestors?  

Firstly we establish a direct line from you to your parents and then to your grandparents from the information you give to us during the initial consultation. Then we search our records database to locate the birth records for each of these individuals. These provide us with certain information which helps us in our search for the next generation down the line. Once a name is identified our researcher scours the database for any further records which will support the information found. If this search uncovers other records which verify the information, we add the name to your tree and, depending on your service package, retain a digital copy of the relevant record to present to you at the end of the process.

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Can another family member be the subject of the search instead of me?

Yes, any member of your family can be the subject of the search. If you select one of your parents as the subject, the family line traced will include only half of your ancestors (the other half come from your other parent). If you select your child as the subject, the family line traced will include the ancestors of your child’s other parent. Selecting another family member as the subject of the search will produce the perfect personalised gift!

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How can I be sure the information you give me is accurate?

The only way to be absolutely certain beyond any doubt that one person is directly related to another is through DNA testing. Unfortunately this identification method is not open to Ancestry Search, but we do have the skill and experience of our researchers who take on the role of ‘detective’. Only when they are as sure as they can be that they have correctly identified your ancestors do they add  individuals to your tree. For more information about our search and identification process visit our About page.

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How long does the process take?

The more information you want to find out, the longer the process will take. Typically, the research involved in identifying as many ancestors as possible takes about 2-3 weeks, so this is the minimum amount of time you’ll have to wait. Obviously, the more ancestors we are able to identify, the longer the process takes – but the better the results! The maximum amount of time you could expect to wait before finding out everything there is to know about your ancestors is approximately 3 months.

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Can you trace my Irish ancestors?

In 1922 a huge fire devastated the Public Record Office in Dublin, destroying most of the records stored there – some dating back to the 13th Century. Unfortunately this means we have only limited access to Irish records. However, it doesn’t mean we can’t trace Irish ancestry at all, it just means it’s a little more difficult!

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My ancestors came from overseas - will you still be able to trace them?

Yes, our database of records covers countries all over the world. Although it is easier to trace individuals within the UK, we can uncover roots you may have in Europe, USA, Australia, Canada and other former British colonies.

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What if I want to find out more information than I’ve paid for?

Don’t worry, your service package can be upgraded during the initial stages of the search process, just email your researcher to discuss your options. You also have the opportunity to purchase any of our optional extras to enhance your service package, just email your researcher when you have decided what you want and they will arrange for them to be produced. Any optional extras you have ordered will be presented to you at the end of the process.

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Can I buy an optional extra without buying a service package?

No. The extensive research involved in producing the optional extras is included in the price of the service packages but is not included in the optional extra prices. You must purchase a service package before ordering an optional extra.

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When and how do I pay?

Payment for the Bronze Service is payable at the consultation before the search process begins. Our Silver Service clients are charged 50% of the service price at the consultation and 50% on presentation of the information. Payment for optional extras is due at the time of ordering. All payments can be made via Paypal or bank transfer. Further details will be given about the payment method when your order is received.

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What if I’m not happy with the service?

The number of identifiable ancestors can vary greatly from family to family, depending on the amount and quality of records kept in the relevant countries, counties and parishes. Using the information obtained during the consultation, our researcher will give you information about how far back we are likely to be able to trace your family and approximately how many ancestors we are likely to identify. We are confident that you will be 100% satisfied with our service,  but in the unlikely event that you are disappointed we will be happy to discuss the issues with you and any reasonable cause for complaint will result in an appropriate refund.