Genealogical Research:  Genealogical Research does not guarantee that a family line will be positively identified.  The researcher will conduct quality research at a rate of $35.00 per hour and provide a type-written report with the research results.  Digital copies of documents will be included, providing evidence of the proposed family line. A minimum retainer of $350.00 is required to begin research. The client will provide payment prior to research or hours worked.  Funds will be held in escrow until research has been completed.  In addition to the hourly rate, the client will pay for additional costs and supplies including but not limited to photocopies, laser copies, postage, computer discs, and Xerox copies.  Client will also pay all approved travel costs for research done outside of the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. A receipt will be provided for each payment. The remaining funds will be returned to the client within two weeks of ending the contract by written notice. 

      Family Histories:  Written Family Histories will be researched and written on an hourly basis with a minimum of 40 hours per history at a rate of $35.00 per hour.  Number of chapters and number of hours per chapter may be determined by the client. Client may choose if original research will be included in the Family History, or if only family information and resources are to be used. Family Histories are most accurate when historical context is included, giving the family a backdrop for their lives. The client will provide payment prior to research or hours worked. Funds will be held in escrow until the Family History has been completed.  In addition to the hourly rate, the client will pay for additional costs and supplies including but not limited to binding costs, photocopies, laser copies, postage, computer discs, and Xerox copies.  Client will also pay all approved travel costs for research done outside of the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. A receipt will be provided for each payment. For clients who need help writing their own Family Histories, please see 'Consultation' services below. The remaining funds will be returned to the client within two weeks of ending the contract by written notice. 

      Consultation:  Consultation services may include assistance with research, writing family histories, planning research trips, or lessons in paleography. Consultation will be conducted on an hourly basis at $35.00 per hour.  A minimum retainer of $200.00 is required prior to consultation. The client will provide payment prior to consultation. Funds will be held in escrow until consultation has been completed.  In addition to the hourly rate, the client will pay for additional costs and supplies including but not limited to photocopies, laser copies, postage, computer discs, and Xerox copies.  A receipt will be provided for each payment. The remaining funds will be returned to the client within two weeks of ending the contract by written notice. 

      Translation/Paleography:  The researcher will conduct paleography at a rate of $35.00 per hour and provide a type-written report with the transcribed or translated document(s).  A minimum retainer of $200.00 is required to begin paleography services. The client will provide payment prior to research or hours worked. Funds will be held in escrow until the work has been completed.  In addition to the hourly rate, the client will pay for additional costs and supplies including but not limited to photocopies, laser copies, postage, computer discs, and Xerox copies.  Client will also pay all approved travel costs for research done outside of the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. A receipt will be provided for each payment. The remaining funds will be returned to the client within two weeks of ending the contract by written notice. 

      Document Retrieval:  The researcher will gather images at a rate of $35.00 per hour and e-mail the document(s) to clients within 72 hours of the receipt of retainer and request.  The client will provide a microfilm number or call number, and page number or item number if available. If extended research is required to obtain images, please refer to our 'Genealogical Research' services. A minimum retainer of $200.00 is required to begin document retrieval services. The client will provide payment prior to time worked. Funds will be held in escrow until work has been completed.  In addition to the hourly rate, the client will pay for additional costs and supplies including but not limited to photocopies, laser copies, postage, computer discs, and Xerox copies.  If the client wants paper copies of images, these may be obtained by using the duplication services provided by the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, or by paying the present paper copy fee of the Family History Library and these will be mailed by FINDFAM within 72 hours of a reasonable request. Searches made for which no results were located will still be charged at $35.00 per hour. Client will also pay all approved travel costs for research done outside of the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. A receipt will be provided for each payment. The remaining funds will be returned to the client within two weeks of ending the contract by written notice. 

      Mutual Expectations: The researcher will provide efficient and honest work based upon our terms of agreement.  The researcher agrees to contact the client before expending any excessive or unnecessary cost.  The client agrees to prompt payment of services and a considerate working relationship. If there is any mental, verbal or emotional abuse involved in the working relationship, or if the terms of the work contract are not met on either part, the working relationship may be terminated by either party with the return of presently researched material on the researcher’s part and the payment of research work up to the point of termination on the client’s part.Before beginning research, a written contract will be signed by both the client and the researcher including the above terms. To begin your research request, please click here, or e-mail us directly at mysearch@findfam.com.