I would like to add my two cents worth on this discussion about researchers. I would like to help those on either side of this discussion, having been on each side before. Just a little background... I have been a serious genealogist for over 15 years. I have been excepting clients for almost 10 years. I have been to many conferences, the most recent was the FGS conference in Dallas, TX. I have heard many lectures from very well known genealogists, such as Elizabeth Shown Mills, and many others. I am not a certified genealogist, however I have worked many years side by side a certified genealogist. I have successfully completed a course from the National Genealogical Society on American Genealogy. I have worked for companies specializing in probate court and locating missing heirs. As well as, tracing land records for clear titles, taxes, and many other areas. My opinion on this subject... Most all feel at one time or another that they were taken advantage of. Hiring a researcher is not like going to Walmart. Proceedures I have noticed when working with others... Some request pre payment, some do not, some prefer to have a check prior to the research and not cashed until complete. Time... Let's keep in mind that unless you are hiring a large group of genealogists that work together, that problems arise. When depending on one researcher, you don't know if something may have happened for them not to complete the work on time. There are many reasons that a researcher may be slower than you feel they should. Some of these could include: waiting on a reply from a society, courthouse or archives, illness or other personal problem, on vacation and don't have anyone to answer mail when they are gone, they are swamped with work, there are many reasons. All I feel are good reasons that should not reflect on a person's ability. I know myself at times I am so swamped with work, I could keep three people busy full time. Trust... This is something that requires time. The researcher has to feel that you are as helpful to them as they are to you. To assist researchers, send them a copy of all the research you have done. Don't surprise them. If you find someone who is not certified, send them only the amount of money you feel comfortable with. Perhaps for 1-2 hours at a time until you feel more comfortable. This does not always mean you won't ever feel taken advantage of. Many times the researcher has done the best they can and just have not provided you with a detailed list of research that was performed. I know myself if I am really having a problem in locating a family, I will spend extra time to try to find something that could help them. You never know when a copy of a list of information can come in handy down the road. On the other hand, you should at least know where not to look. One of the major problems I have found is that others feel that you should be able to locate parents,etc with the 1-2 hours they have paid for. With this amount of time the researcher can usually trace census records enough to get a good feel for your ancestors and those around them, but many times it will require more time to provide proof. This problem usually arises with families during the years from the Colonial Period to 1850. Perhaps you have a common surname as well. Patience is a key to success. How to protect yourself... I have never found a researcher I have never used before to perform the work for me and then ask for money. I would be hesitant of their abilities if this was the case. First, contact them to see if they are available to help you. Send them some information and a question about research ideas. If they do not include it, ask for information about their research abilities or ask when you first write. Follow up on references or ask for references. Ask if they know an approximate time frame. If you are still uncomfortable, hire a certified genealogist. Using a certified genealogist, you can complain to the Board of Certified Genealogists. Keep in touch with them and don't depend on email! In my experience it gets lost as easily as in the snail mail. You can even send a certified letter where they have to sign for it and you receive a card with their signiture. If all fails, call them. I am sorry if I have offended anyone, I hope that this will help. Respectfully, Jeannette Prouse