Terms and Conditions

By commissioning research from Past Time Genealogy you agree to the following terms and conditions:

1. Terms of Engagement

  • Past Time Genealogy will confirm with the client our understanding of the project to be undertaken. A contract signed by the client outlining the client’s research objectives is to be received by Past Time Genealogy prior to commencement of work.
  • It is the responsibility of the client to ensure that details of previous family research and copies of the relevant documents (e.g. birth, marriage, death, baptism certificates, census records etc) have been conveyed to Past Time Genealogy prior to commencement of research to ensure that no research is inadvertently duplicated.
  • No guarantee is made that any research assignment will lead to positive results. Results vary depending on time period, place and availability of records. Where research is not successful, Past Time Genealogy will provide information showing which avenues have been researched.
  • In the course of researching your family history, it may be possible that some sensitive information may be discovered (e.g. illegitimacy, bigamy, disabilities, mental health issues, criminal activities). This information will be included in your final report.

2. Payment Terms

  • Paid time includes research, analysis, creating written report and time spent communicating with the client via email and telephone.
  • Hourly rate of $50. Minimum of 4 hours research.
  • For commissions of $200 and under, I will require full payment in advance of any research.
  • For commissions over $200, a down payment of 50% is required in advance, the remainder is required to be paid upon completion of the work, before the report and any supporting documentation is issued to the client.
  • The family tree packages will result in a professionally written and bound report with a list of sources searched, copies of supporting documents and a pedigree chart.
  • Hourly rate project – Expenses such as cost of certificates are charged independent of the hourly rate. Past Time Genealogy will not exceed expenses without prior consent. If extra documents and certificates (eg. birth and death certificates) are required they will only be purchased with written consent from the client and will be charged at cost price.
  • Payment options include direct deposit and PayPal.

3. Likelihood of Success

  • If while researching it becomes evident that the required documentation is not obtainable, the cost of the research is still payable for the period of the research already completed.
  • Any negative results (i.e. birth certificate unavailable etc.) will also be provided including information about sources researched. However, information is considered positive if a document is ruled out.

4. General Information

  • Past Time Genealogy reserves the right to decline cases where the likelihood of success is low e.g. Peter Jones, Sydney, early 1900s.