research Services

Your research project can be customised to suit your specific needs and budget - large or small. If you lack time, knowledge, tools, expertise or access to records, you will benefit from engaging the services of our professional family historians.

Ask us how we can help.

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Tricia S. & Alison H.  | Two grateful sisters

Research skills second to none...

What an amazing piece of detective work you did in Ireland.
Your research skills are second to none, and your knowledge of how and where to search is phenomenal … the result of years of experience that is totally beyond the scope of new recruits to genealogy, like ourselves.
The headstone could not have been erected without your tenacity and tireless researching.

Ancestor Discovery works in partnership with you. We begin by asking you what you know about your family and you provide us with copies of relevant documents and/or access to DNA results. We encourage you to write down any family stories you may have heard as these can often provide clues to further research. 

When you choose Ancestor Discovery to undertake research on your behalf, you are commissioning a professional service offered by an experienced and qualified family historian. However, for a variety of reasons (for example, privacy, record loss, restrictions on access to records) the results you seek may not be achieved. Some research may uncover little, while other projects may reveal unexpected or sensitive information. We can make no guarantee or promise that we will produce specific outcomes or positive results. You are paying for our time and expertise in family history research. 

Our hourly rate is $125 (Australian dollars), but you get greater value if you choose a package. We also offer payment plans to suit your budget and time. 

Note: DNA analysis is included in all research packages except the Focused Question package. If you have taken a DNA test (or have access to results), we can integrate genetic evidence with traditional records to strengthen conclusions and expand findings.

Please carefully review our cancellation and refund policy included in the Letter of Agreement before making a decision.

NOTE: Fees quoted are for individuals.
Fees for businesses and other organisations begin at $165 per hour, for example, when undertaking deceased estate/probate research.

Our process

1. Exploration

Your requirements are discussed either by email, telephone or via Zoom or similar. Once agreement is reached on the research package, a research agreement is signed by both parties and work then commences.


2. Research plan

A research plan is developed which outlines your goals, the search strategies and repositories to be searched.

3. Search & evaluate

All possible records are searched for information which is extracted and analysed. The Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS) is followed to ensure that the research is exhaustive and conclusions are based on the strongest possible evidence.


4. Deliver results

A final report is delivered to you. It may include pedigree charts and images in a fully documented narrative, all in an easy to read format.

Research Packages

Package inclusions and exclusions

[Package prices increased on 1 January 2025.]

NOTE: Please refer to each package for specific information.

Inclusions

  • Digital copies of all documents, family trees and associated materials including the research report - provided via cloud services. GEDCOM files if required are provided, ready for uploading into a subscription site such as Ancestry or into a genealogical software  program
  • A comprehensive research report, in narrative form, which includes all sources searched and examined, abstracts of key documents, for example, births, deaths, marriage records wills, census records. Information is fully supported by citations.
  • The Advanced, Paternal or Maternal Line and Full Ancestral Projects will each include an allocation for the purchase of certificates, wills, military records etc. The amount allocated will be determined once project details are confirmed.

Exclusions

  • Additional printed copies of the report and associated documents/family tree charts are not provided. We can provide these at an additional cost which will be quoted at the time of the request. 
  • African or Asian ancestry is not included in the research packages. However, these areas can be researched with support from our affiliate researchers and are quoted on a case-by-case basis.
  • Postage and packing Is not included.

Focused question package: $1250

This package is for ten (10) hours of research on a specific research question, eg when did Thomas Martin arrive in New South Wales or who were the parents of John Smith, born 1846 in County Tipperary and died 1926 in Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia? This project may take up to three (3) months to complete.


Following the session, you will receive access to a digital research folder which includes the following:

  • A comprehensive research report which is a narrative of the research question's findings.
  • The report includes all citations which will allow you to correlate and analyse the sources if necessary; all documents found during the research and a family tree if relevant to the report. Recommendations for further research are also provided.
  • GEDCOM for use in family tree software programs or Ancestry and similar, if required.

Comprehensive starter package: $2350

This package includes up to 20 hours of research, ideal for more involved projects such as identifying a biological parent, resolving a persistent brick wall, or reconstructing a small family group.
We combine traditional genealogical research with DNA evidence analysis, reviewing your DNA matches, evaluating relationships, and integrating findings from relevant records. This integrated approach increases the chances of confirming connections and making progress where documents alone fall short. Some complex cases may require more time than initially allocated, but we’ll assess this as the research progresses. You’re only ever charged for the hours used, and top-up hours can be added later if needed—without any obligation to commit upfront.

Following the session, you will receive access to a digital research folder which includes the following:

  • A comprehensive research report which is a narrative of the findings and includes all documents.
  • The report also includes all citations, tables and diagrams showing your relationship to DNA matches.  
  • GEDCOM for use in family tree software programs or Ancestry and similar, if required.

Advanced package: $3250

Family history research for one ancestral surname—tracing either a maternal or paternal grandparent’s line back three generations (i.e. grandparent, great-grandparent, and great-great-grandparent).
Where relevant, DNA evidence (your test results or those of relatives) will be incorporated to help confirm relationships, identify unknown ancestors, or support documentary findings. Maximum of 30 hours research which includes the research report. Takes 3-5 months to complete.

Paternal or maternal line project: $8150

If you wish to research one ancestral surname (either maternal or paternal) as far back as possible, then this is the best package. Maximum of 70 hours research time. Takes 5-8 months to complete.

 Full ancestral project: $12500

This package includes research on both your paternal and maternal lines as far back as possible. This research is on the four main surnames, that is, the surnames of your grandparents.  Maximum of 110 hours and can take between 10 and 18 months to complete.

Customised packages 

The custom research package can cover a variety of topics. For example, you may want to find out more about a convict ancestor, someone who served in the military or the history of your house or a property owned by ancestors over many generations. You may require research to be undertaken and then published in book form. Pricing and hours are negotiated, based on the extent of the research and the type of publication. 

Hourly research and lookups

Record lookups are $125 for the first hour and $95 per hour thereafter, either online or in person at a local repository such as the Queensland State Archives, Brisbane City Council Archives or the State Library of Queensland.  Additional research is at the usual hourly fee of $125.

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