Avalon Family History Charges
I charge a flat rate of £15 per hour. I will create a log of how all my time is used on your behalf.
It is always best to be able to confirm relationships by reference to Birth, Marriage and Death certificates.
This can only be done by purchasing them. In 2008 they still cost £7 each. I will not purchase any certificates
without agreement from you first, and all certificates will be billed to you at cost.
Research earlier than around 1837, the date when birth, marriage and death registration was introduced,
usually requires access to original parish registers. These are generally only accessible by visiting
the local archive centre. I am willing to travel to centres in the vicinity. Researching parish registers can be
time consuming as generally there are no indexes and it is necessary to browse every page. Often the exact
church is not known and many church registers have to be consulted before the correct information is found.
I will not carry out such research without consulting you first. Any expenses incurred would be chargeable,
i.e. cost of petrol, parking, entry or access charges and photocopy charges would be billed at cost.
Generally I am happy to visit archive centres in Shropshire, Staffordshire, Cheshire, Dudley and Smethwick.
Travelling further is certainly possible, but may not be cost effective.
Payment
I accept payment by cheque in UK Sterling drawn on a UK bank, or by Bankers Draft, Money Order or
Postal Order, all in Sterling. Of course you may visit to check on progress and make a payment in cash.
We will discuss your needs and budget before any work starts. You will then need to make a payment up front. Any
remaining funds at the end of the project will be returned promptly, along with your family history folder.
You will receive regular progress reports by email and be advised if funds are running out so that you can decide
to end the research or top up your account and continue with the work.
