Family history researcher for hire

Individuals and families who want to know where they come from, adoptees, people applying for heritage programs, and relatives planning reunions or gifts.

Hourly rate or fixed price per research project, plus extras like a written family history book, charts, or a records trip to a local archive.

• Patient, detail-focused research
• Clear report writing with source citations
• Reading old records and handwriting
• Respectful handling of family stories

• Check whether your city or county requires a business license, and whether home business rules or HOA restrictions apply
• Consider professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance, and ask an insurer what fits
• Never promise results, since some records are lost or missing; put the scope and hours in a written contract
• DNA and living-person information is sensitive; get consent and follow privacy rules
• Database subscriptions and copy fees can add up, so decide who pays for them

Typically around $300 to $1,500, depending on the database subscriptions, copy fees and any other tools you choose. Decide in advance who pays for subscriptions and record copy fees with your clients, since they can add up.

Monthly revenue is typically around $400 to $2,000, depending on how many clients you take and the hours you put in. The estimate assumes at least about 6 hours a week. Put the scope and hours in a written contract, and never promise results.

Check whether your city or county requires a business license and whether home business or HOA rules apply. Consider professional liability insurance, and get consent and follow privacy rules when handling DNA and living-person information.