Terms & Conditions

1. Introduction

These Terms and Conditions govern the provision of genealogical research, family tree construction, and biographical profiling services by O'Connor Family History & Genealogy ("we", "us", or "the service") to our clients ("you").

By commissioning research, purchasing a heritage package, or using any part of our service, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these terms. If you do not agree, please do not proceed with an enquiry or commission.

2. Our Services

We provide professional family history research specialising in records of England and Wales, including archival research at The National Archives, local record offices, parish registers, census returns, and other historical sources. We also construct family trees, prepare biographical ancestor profiles, and produce keepsake documents and books.

All services are offered in good faith and carried out using recognised genealogical methods. The scope of each commission is confirmed in writing before work begins, and any variation must be agreed in advance.

3. Nature and Limits of Genealogical Research

Genealogy is an evidence-based discipline, not an exact science. Conclusions depend on the survival, legibility, and accuracy of historical records, which are beyond our control. While we work to the highest professional standard, no outcome can be guaranteed and we cannot promise to trace every line or locate every ancestor.

Our findings represent the best interpretation of the available evidence at the time of research. Where evidence is ambiguous or contradictory, we will set out the reasoning behind our conclusions and note any alternative interpretations.

4. Client Responsibilities

To carry out research effectively, you agree to provide accurate, complete, and honestly-held information about the family line under investigation, including names, dates, places, and any known family traditions. Deliberately withholding relevant facts or supplying incorrect details may affect the quality and reliability of our results.

You confirm that you are the person commissioning the research or are authorised to do so, and that you understand the emotional and sensitive nature of family history discoveries, which can occasionally reveal unexpected or distressing information.

5. Fees and Payment

Fees are quoted in pounds sterling (£) and are confirmed before work begins. Unless otherwise stated, a deposit or full payment may be required to secure a commission. Research begins only after the agreed payment has been received.

Any additional costs — such as certificate purchases, record-office fees, travel, or reproduction charges — are not included in the research fee unless explicitly stated, and will be agreed with you in advance before they are incurred.

6. Confidentiality and Privacy

All information you share with us, and all research results we produce, are treated as confidential. We will not disclose your personal data or family findings to any third party without your consent, except where required by law.

Our use of personal data is governed by our Privacy Policy and by the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. You may request details of the data we hold about you at any time.

7. Data Retention

Research files and associated correspondence are retained securely to allow us to resume or build upon a commission and to maintain professional records. If you wish us to delete your research files after a commission is complete, please notify us in writing and we will arrange this in accordance with our retention policy.

Any documents you provide to us (such as certificates, photographs, or family papers) will be handled with care and returned to you at the end of the commission, unless you instruct us otherwise.

8. Intellectual Property

All research reports, family trees, biographical profiles, and keepsake documents we produce remain our intellectual property until full payment has been received, at which point a single copy is licensed to you for personal, non-commercial use.

You may not reproduce, publish, sell, or commercially exploit our work, in whole or in part, without our prior written consent. Where third-party archival material is reproduced (for example, census images or register entries), the relevant archive's own reproduction terms continue to apply.

9. Cancellation and Refunds

Because research is bespoke and begins as soon as records are consulted, fees for work already undertaken are non-refundable. If you cancel before research has begun, any deposit will be returned less reasonable administrative costs.

If we are unable to proceed with a commission for reasons within our control, we will offer a pro-rata refund for work not completed. We are not liable for delays or non-completion caused by factors outside our control, including archive closures or record availability.

10. Limitation of Liability

Our liability for any commission is limited to the fees paid for that commission. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we accept no liability for indirect or consequential loss, or for any loss arising from reliance on research that is later revised in the light of new evidence.

Nothing in these terms excludes or limits liability that cannot be excluded under applicable law, including liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence.

11. Governing Law

These terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any dispute arising in connection with them or with our services shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

12. Contact

If you have any questions about these Terms and Conditions, please contact us at info@oconnorfamilyhistoryandgenealogy.com.