Procedures and Policy
Procedures
Step 1. Preliminary research for the availability of records and archives (for free).
Step 2. An estimate and a research project (plan) will be sent to the client.
Step 3. If the client accepts the estimate, an agreement/authorization (to sign) will be sent. Otherwise a new plan can be discussed again or simply the case will not go through.
Step 4. Once in possession of the signed documents with a copy of a valid ID and the payment in advance performed, the research is formally commissioned and will begin as planned.
Timeline table
| From abt. 1943 to abt. 1900/1872 | Registries without indexes and written on prescribed forms. A single generation will covered in more than 1 hour. |
| Backward, from 1871 to 1815 | Also due to the civil registries, the records are usually indexed, well written and the acts begins with the surname. A single generation will covered in not more than 1 hour and half. |
| Backward, from abt. 1815 to abt. 1720 | the indexes are uncommon , the reading is less easy. We can find often the Latin version and the acts could begin with name , instead of the surname. A single generation will covered in around 2 hours. |
| Backward, from abt. 1720 to abt. 1600 | The indexes are extremely rare. Latin version still often present and handwriting begins to be read with difficulty. The parish priests leaves out many info, the wives lose their surname and the acts almost always begin with name , instead of the surname. A single generation will covered from 2 to up 3 hours |
| Backward, from abt. 1600 to abt. 1560 | Often it is worse than the 1600/1720 period but sometimes the handwriting is well readable. A single generation will covered from 2 to up 3 hours. |
| Backward, from abt. 1560 to abt. 1420 (only notary acts) | In the notary acts, the information about the Genealogy are rare. Find some names and/or some dates could ask a long time. |
A generation is considered as the marriage of parents (and their deaths, if easy to find), plus all their children’s births. To try to find the marriages and/or the deaths and/or the descendants of the children, requires a lot of time and is a part of the research that has to be discussed very carefully.
Note: it is extremely difficult to price a genealogical research project. The estimate can be subject to adjustments in case of unforeseen circumstances during the research (according to the amount of research performed, the traveling distance, and the availability of the resources.
Any change (due to unforeseen circumstances during the research) will be discussed before proceeding. If the research is to be suspended or interrupted, only effective trips and hours up until that time, will be paid by the client. If the time or the session are less than planned, the difference will be deducted from a further payment or refunded.
Research will be made in State’s archives and/or Parish archives and/or Town hall archives and/or private archives (where available). The research will be documented by: vital records – duplicates or extracts and/or Family Status Certificates and/or photos of the original acts, with a report based on the kind of research performed, plus a “Gedcom” file.
The results of the research and any kind of related documents will be forwarded to the client (through e-mail, Cloud or snail mail); a copy of such will be retained in my personal Genealogy database.
Personal Policy/Code of Ethics
The profession of Genealogist requires scholarly and personal accuracy and integrity, along with honest research, adhering strictly to the highest standards and methods.
I acknowledge the confidentiality of the information that may be disclosed by the client; all information received will be held in strict confidence (see privacy law), will only be used to do the research, and without the prior consent of the client, the results of the research will not be divulged or published.
I treat records with care and respect; refraining from damaging or removing them from their original places, whether they be paper material, microfilms or digital records.
Photos, documents and any other related information are intended for personal use. I will not be responsible for any improper use carried out by the client.
Client’s Obligations
The respect of the contract (agreement) and the estimate, once accepted.
Complaints
If the client considers that the research is not satisfactory, please contact me first. If there is no improvement, or the matter cannot be resolved, any dispute will be of competence of the Court of the Province of Treviso.
