There is a lot of mystery and intrigue surrounding hiring a professional genealogist and especially a genetic genealogist. If you are considering working with me on your case, here is the information and hopefully answers to the questions you have:
I am NOT a certified genealogist. Please don't let that scare you away! A certified genealogist is one who has gone through the process of testing and accreditation by the Board for Certified Genealogists. I have considered going through this process, but my specialty is DNA and using it in conjunction with genealogy. This field is called genetic genealogy and is just getting started. There isn't an accreditation program yet for this nationwide.
I have gone through lots of training and found that DNA makes sense to me. I have focused my training on genealogy and the intersection with DNA.
I will not guarantee success. Anyone who straight out of the gate says they can solve your problem for you, 100%, is lying to you. Not everything is solvable in the time period you would like to have it resolved.
After you contact me, we will schedule some ti
me to talk about your request, what you have done so far, and what your goals are with the project.
DNA tests are required. I work with DNA matches to you or your family member, and use them in conjunction with genealogy practices. If there isn't a DNA test to use and you don't want to take a test, there is nothing to work with and I will pass on taking your case. Depending on the case, you may be asked to test with various companies that have different databases.
In order for me to gauge your case and whether I think it is solvable, I will book 5 hours with you as an evaluation step. At the end of the 5 hours, I will report back to you any findings, and let you decide if you would like to move forward.
On-going projects are booked in increments of 10-20 hours at a time, depending on the complexity of your case.
Complex cases include adoption, endogamy and lack of DNA matches.
After each block of time is consumed, you will receive either a mini-report via email, or a meeting to discuss the findings. After every meeting, you will be asked if you want me to continue or not. I may suggest pausing until certain things happen, like an important DNA test gets done. Alternatively, you can be set up on a maintenance plan of 20-40 hours a month and when I find something interesting, I will let you know.
I don't have to be in the location or state that you are in because of the internet. I will consider all cases and then let you know if the location is going to be an issue or not. The most important factor for success is your DNA test matches and whether you have the right ones to build the tree.
Finally, please contact me even if you don't think your case is solvable. I enjoy talking to people about their mystery relatives and even if I don't think I can solve it, will always give you suggestions on where to turn next.
Book a meeting with me either via email; julie@asfaund.com or click the link below!
Julie
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