Terms & Conditions ​

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Introduction

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These Terms & Conditions apply to all genealogical research services provided by Tracing Time. By commissioning research, you agree to these terms.

If you have any questions before proceeding, please get in touch and I will be happy to discuss them with you.

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Research Services

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Tracing Time provides professional genealogical research services, including family history research, DNA match analysis, family tree construction, report writing, family history books, and other related research projects.

Each project is unique and will be undertaken according to the objectives agreed with the client before research begins.

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Research Standards

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All research is conducted using recognised genealogical methods and standards. Conclusions are based upon the evidence available at the time of the research and are supported by appropriate citations and analysis where applicable.

Genealogical research is inherently dependent upon the survival, availability, accuracy, and accessibility of historical records. As a result, specific outcomes cannot be guaranteed.

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Research Fees

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Research is charged at the rates stated on this website or as otherwise agreed in writing.

Research projects are normally undertaken in pre-agreed time blocks. A quotation or estimate will be provided before work commences.

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Any anticipated additional costs, such as civil registration certificates, archive fees, copying charges, or specialist database access, will be discussed with you in advance. No additional purchases will be made without your approval.

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Payment Terms

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A deposit or advance payment may be required before research begins.

Invoices are payable within 14 days of the invoice date unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Final reports, charts, family history books, and other deliverables may be withheld until outstanding balances have been paid in full.

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Research Outcomes

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While every effort will be made to answer the agreed research question, genealogy is an evidence-based discipline and results cannot be guaranteed.

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Research may:

• Confirm a theory

• Disprove a theory

• Produce inconclusive results

• Identify additional avenues for future investigation

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The absence of evidence can itself be a significant research finding and time spent investigating unsuccessful lines of enquiry remains chargeable.

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DNA Research

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DNA Match Analysis and Genetic Genealogy involve the interpretation of DNA test results alongside documentary research.

DNA testing can sometimes reveal unexpected information, including previously unknown family relationships, adoption, donor conception, misattributed parentage, or other sensitive family circumstances.

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Clients commissioning DNA research acknowledge these possibilities and understand that unexpected findings may arise during the course of the research.

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Any findings will be communicated sensitively and in accordance with accepted ethical standards.

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Where contact with living relatives may be beneficial, this will always be discussed with the client in advance. No contact will be made on behalf of a client without their knowledge and agreement.

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Client Responsibilities

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Clients are responsible for providing accurate information to the best of their knowledge and for informing Tracing Time of any relevant information that may affect the research.

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Where DNA analysis is requested, clients must ensure they have lawful access to the DNA test results provided for analysis.

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Reports and Deliverables

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Research findings may be supplied in a variety of formats, including:

• Written reports

• Family tree charts

• Family history books

• Timelines

• Maps

• Presentations

• Digital files

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The format and scope of deliverables will be agreed before research begins.

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Copyright

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Copyright in all original reports, family history books, charts, transcriptions, and written material produced by Tracing Time remains the property of Tracing Time unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Clients are granted a licence for personal use of the materials supplied.

Materials may not be reproduced, published, sold, or distributed commercially without prior written permission.

Copyright restrictions imposed by archives, libraries, record offices, or other third parties remain the responsibility of the copyright holder.

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Confidentiality and Data Protection

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Client information is treated as confidential and will not be disclosed to third parties except where required by law or where necessary to fulfil the agreed research services.

Personal data is processed in accordance with the Privacy Policy and applicable UK data protection legislation.

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Cancellation

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Clients may cancel a project at any time by providing written notice.

Work already completed, together with any approved expenses incurred, will remain payable.

Tracing Time reserves the right to terminate a project where circumstances make it impossible or inappropriate to continue. In such cases, the client will only be charged for work completed up to the date of termination.

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Limitation of Liability

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Every reasonable effort is made to ensure the accuracy of research findings. However, genealogical conclusions are based upon the evidence available at the time and may require revision if new evidence becomes available.

Liability for any claim arising from the provision of services shall be limited to the amount paid by the client for the specific project concerned.

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Complaints

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If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of the service provided, please contact me in the first instance so that I can attempt to resolve the matter promptly and fairly.

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Contact

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If you have any questions regarding these Terms & Conditions, please contact:

Kat Feek - Tracing Time 
Email: contact@tracing-time.com
Website: www.tracing-time.com