Ten Effective Steps to Hiring an AG Professional

Before you are Ready to Hire

Identify the research problem that the Accredited Genealogist® professional will be asked to resolve.
Determine how much you want to pay for genealogical research. Not everything can be found in one research session. Most genealogists will break a project into smaller components to minimize budget constraints.

Use Find a Professional to identify several AG professionals specializing in the area where the ancestor lived.
Write to each genealogist, explaining briefly the genealogical problem and what the AG professional will be requested to do, e.g., research a family, perform specific record searches, or act as a consultant to advise you in your research.
Determine the fee to be charged by the professional and ask for an estimate of how long the research might take before you receive an initial report.

After you have selected the researcher you want to perform the research for you, provide your specific research requirements and objectives in writing so that there will be no misunderstanding.
Provide the researcher with copies of documents from any previously related research in order to avoid or minimize duplication.
After the researcher has had an opportunity to review the data that you provided, he or she might require some additional information, e.g., what format is required, electronic, paper, or both? Should the information be entered on a genealogy computer program? If foreign research is required, would it be necessary to provide translations?

Be sure you both understand and agree upon the costs involved, how often the researcher will send reports, and who will hold publication rights to the final materials. Negotiate and sign a written contract.
Realistic expectations are important. If you have any questions or concerns about your research, be sure to communicate with the researcher.