Research and information provided
The degree to which I can research your family tree will be dependent upon the number of records which survive, the quality of their preservation and the accuracy of the information contained within them. There are many reasons why our forefathers sometimes used inaccurate information when completing forms, such as a desire to hide a family secret, lack of knowledge or illiteracy. Sometimes this can be identified via comparison with other documents but at other times it is not possible to know.
Whilst I will make every effort to identify the correct person and their history, I cannot be held liable for inaccuracies which have been made in good faith. One can never be 100% sure of the accuracy of documents created decades or centuries ago but wherever possible I verify details against information already held and if I have significant doubts I will discuss them with you and explain my degree of certainty.
Equally it is not always possible to trace some lines of a family tree as far back as others but where research has been undertaken it will be charged for, even if gaps in information remain or the desired information is not available.
My charges cover research time, analysis of results and preparation of reports detailing the outcome of the research. Where extra expenses are anticipated, for example costs levied by record offices for taking copies or photographs, travel costs, postage or certificates required, these will need to be met by the client but will be discussed and agreed prior to being incurred.
Reports and charts produced by Past Lines Family History remain the copyright of Sarah Osborne and are for the use of the client and their immediate family only. They may not be reproduced or published.
Past Lines Family History shall not be liable for information provided by clients regarding their family history which is used as the basis for research and where that information proves to be inaccurate. Any research undertaken on that basis will still need to be paid for by the client.
I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and adhere to the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). I will hold your contact and family history information only for the purpose of carrying out and administering research you have commissioned me to undertake. I will only hold your data for as long as is required to undertake the research and in order to adhere to the record keeping requirements of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
Payment Terms
Commissions under £100 will require payment in advance. For commissions of £100 or over, a non-refundable deposit of 50% will be required prior to commencement of research, with the balance payable upon completion. Upon payment of the balance the reports and charts will be forwarded to you.
Preferred payment is bank transfer via BACs and bank details can be provided upon request. Alternatively a UK cheque is acceptable.
Where other means of payment are requested, such as Paypal, this must be agreed at the outset and may incur further charges which must be met by the client.
