Genealogical Research Service

Frequently Asked Questions


What information do you need from me?

First, decide which of your ancestors you want to start with. You might even want to start with yourself. Otherwise, go for the ancestor who most recently was born, married or died. We will need a date for the event you choose. If you know the precise date, ideal. However, do not worry if you can only give us the year or an approximate year. Lastly, we need to know where the event happened - again precision helps, but don't worry if you only know the approximate location, unless it is a very common name we have a good chance of finding your ancestor. Check out our Tips for Beginners page.


What information will you provide to me?

That depends on the type of service you commission. For the Basic tree, we will provide basic information on all the ancestors we find in the statutory records, back to your great grandparents. This will include event dates, addresses, ages, witnesses, informants and Record references. We'll provide that information on every direct ancestor we find, which if the starting point was yourself, could cover up to 14 individuals (2 parents, four grandparents and 8 great grandparents). In addition, we'll provide you with a chart showing the family relationships and key dates.


How will you get that information?

From a variety of sources. The primary source will be the statutory records kept for births, marriages and deaths. In addition, we have access to more data depending on which state information is required.


How reliable is the information you will send me?

The most reliable source of information is the statutory records kept. Generally, the information found there is accurate. However, anomalies do occur, for example the further back you go the more likely it is that informants were illiterate and therefore may not have known how to spell the person's name. It was then left to the Registrar to spell the name as he thought best. In my own family tree, I have one line where there are six variations of a particular surname. Ages too, particularly on death certificates can be reported inaccurately. We do our best to validate the information found. For an added fee, Certificates can be purchased if requested.


How far back can you trace?

We can probably trace your family back for at least 200 hundred years and possibly further. Depends on where they orginally came from and how they came to Australia.


What happens if you can't find my relatives?

We will let you know that we have been unsuccessful, and it will not have cost you anything.


How will you present the information to me?

We can send the information to you by e-mail, or post on usb, or produce quality presentations on parchment paper (with various layouts and backdrops), either framed or unframed. Presentation is dependant on your requests.


How long will it take you to do the search?

It depends on the service you select and on aspects like whether your ancestor's name is a common one and the availability of the records. We would aim to deliver within 4-5 weeks + depending on requirements. If you stipulated specific requirements other than the standard, we will provide an estimated time when you order. If, as the search progresses, we believe we will require longer, we will advise you of this.


What other services do you offer?

Should we find details of burials in a 200km radius from Melbourne, Photographs of any headstones found could be arranged for a small printing fee? We also have a wide product range of heraldry items, such as Armorials, Family Name Histories and Coats of Arms.  

How do I pay for Research to be done?

Payment can be made from our website or by other options listed below.

Is it safe to pay online ?

Yes. PayPal uses SSL technology to keep your information safe. In addition, when you send a payment using PayPal, the recipient won't receive sensitive financial information like your credit card or bank account number. This way, you don't have to worry about paying people you don't know.  

Are there payment options?

There are several payment options. You can pay with credit card online using PayPal. And, you can send a cheque or money order made payable to Anita Payne.
If you send a cheque, we will wait until the cheque clears before starting any research.  

How can I get in touch with you?

Send us an Email to  

Remember you can ask us to provide anything with an Australian or UK basis but we specialize in Victorian history. If we cannot satisfy your request, we may be able to offer an alternative.