Is it possible to know the full cost before starting work on the project?
The exact cost of the research can only be determined after a thorough genealogical assessment.
The total cost may vary significantly depending on:
- your goals (researching a single ancestor, one family line, or the entire lineage);
- the regions where your ancestors lived;
- the volume of preserved records in the relevant locations;
- the level of accessibility of archival materials.
For this reason, we recommend taking advantage of a free consultation and a preliminary cost estimate, tailored to your specific situation.
What information is required to begin the research?
To start the research, a minimal amount of information is required: the surname and first name, as well as the approximate time and place of birth of the earliest known ancestor whose lineage you wish to explore.
Why is professional research more effective than independent searching?
Genealogical research requires specialized knowledge and experience working with archives, the ability to read historical manuscripts, and a profound understanding of the historical context and document structures from various periods. It also demands significant time to review large volumes of archival materials, which may consist of thousands of pages. Without these skills and resources, independent research can take years and may still fail to produce complete results.
What documents are used in the research?
During genealogical research, we utilize a diverse range of archival and historical sources. The foundation consists of classical genealogical records, including church registers and confessional lists.
In addition, depending on the period, region, and life path of your ancestors, the research may also involve additional genealogical and historical property sources, including:
- Josephine and Franciscan cadastral records (particularly for Eastern Galicia and territories of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire);
- Revision lists (population census records of the 18th–19th centuries from regions that were part of the Russian Empire);
- church registers of Orthodox, Catholic, Jewish, and other denominations;
- tax, conscription, and military registration records;
- land and property documents;
- nobility genealogical books and armorials;
- personal files of repressed individuals;
- student records from higher educational institutions;
- personnel files of employees of educational institutions and other organizations;
- award citations and registers;
- house registers;
- personal files of officers;
- medical records and registration files;
- party membership files;
- military service books;
- clerical records (for members of the clergy);
- municipal resident registers (for urban residents).
The specific set of documents is determined individually and depends on the historical period, region, social status, and preservation of archival materials, allowing us to reconstruct your family history as accurately as possible.
To what period can a family lineage be traced?
In most cases in Ukraine, a family lineage can be traced back to the mid-18th century, when systematic population records began to appear. For certain families, depending on the region, social status, and preservation of sources, research may extend to the 16th century or earlier; however, such in-depth investigation requires working with rare manuscript documents and specialized professional expertise.
What does the success of the research depend on?
The success of genealogical research depends on the level of professional expertise of the researcher, their experience working with archival sources, and the degree of preservation of documents in the relevant archives. The region of research, the historical period, and the completeness of available materials also play significant roles.
How long does the research take?
The duration of the research may range from one month to several years, depending on the scope, complexity, and scale of the work.
How can the authenticity of the research results be confirmed?
To confirm the accuracy and authenticity of the research results and to enrich your family archive, you may request photocopies of the original archival documents identified during the research.
If required, we can also provide officially certified copies of the documents , ensuring their legal validity and suitability for further use.