Services & Pricing

At Genera Genealogical Services, I specialize in Western and Eastern European ancestry as well as American lineages. My focus is on thorough, well-documented research reports backed by verified records and historical context.

I also offer advanced research capabilities thanks to fluency in Russian and reading proficiency in French, German, Ukrainian, and additional languages, allowing me to access and interpret original records across multiple regions.

Pricing

🔹 Rate: $25/hour
🔹 Retainer: Research is conducted in 5-hour blocks ($125 per retainer)

Retainers are paid upfront via PayPal. This ensures I can dedicate time fully to your project without delays. If additional research is needed, I'll always check with you first. No surprise fees, ever.

📩 Ready to discover your family's story?
Email me (click here) to get started.

How It Works

Phase 1 – Research ($125)
I spend 5 hours gathering records, building your tree, and exploring your ancestry. You'll receive updates within 5-7 business days (I work approximately one hour per day on each project). After completion, we discuss whether additional research is needed.

Phase 2 – Written Report ($125)
If you'd like a comprehensive written summary of findings, I prepare a detailed report. This typically takes another 5 hours and includes all sources and documentation.

Bonus: I create a free private tree on Ancestry.com that you can view without a subscription. I'm not affiliated with Ancestry and am not here to sell you memberships.

Example Research Process

Step 1 – Initial Research
Client requested confirmation of ancestry for a specific individual. I conducted searches in genealogical databases, censuses, and archives, collecting detailed information. An initial report with findings and recommended next steps was provided to the client.

Step 2 – Extended Research
Client requested research one generation further back to the subject's parents. I continued searching through available genealogical resources and located all relevant documents. Results were submitted to the client for review before proceeding to the narrative report phase.

Step 3 – Final Report
Using the allotted five-hour retainer, I crafted the narrative report, which includes photos, detailed information about the research subject, full source citations, and a link to the free Ancestry.com family tree.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What if I don't know much about my family history?
A: That's perfectly fine! Many clients start with just a few names or even less. I'll work with whatever information you have and use professional research techniques to build from there.

Q: How far back can you typically trace?
A: It varies by family and available records. American lines often trace to colonial times (1600s-1700s), while European lines can sometimes reach medieval nobility. The availability of records is the main limiting factor.

Q: What records do you have access to?
A: I have access to major genealogical databases including Ancestry.com, FamilySearch, MyHeritage, and regional archives. My language skills (Russian, French, German, Ukrainian) also allow me to access original European documents many researchers cannot read.

Q: Do I need an Ancestry.com subscription?
A: No! I provide you with a free private tree that you can view without any subscription.

Q: What's included in the $125 retainer?
A: The initial $125 covers 5 hours of research: locating records, building your tree, and gathering information. If you'd like a written narrative report after research is complete, that's an additional 5-hour retainer ($125) for the writing phase.

Q: How long does a typical project take?
A: I work approximately one hour per day on each client's project, so the initial 5-hour research phase typically takes 5-7 business days. I'll provide updates when I have completed the report.

Q: Can you work with DNA results?
A: Yes! I analyze DNA results alongside traditional records to confirm relationships and discover new family branches.