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The Fine Print About Genealogy Research

Genealogy Surprises

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In the end, the results of genealogy testing/research do not change who you are as a person. But it may provide interesting or potentially painful information about your family tree and result in a powerful emotional experience. Be prepared with a plan and a support system.

What?

Your Privacy

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We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer to outside parties your personally identifiable information unless we provide users with advance notice. This does not include website hosting partners and other parties who assist us in operating our website, conducting our business, or serving our users, so long as those parties agree to keep this information confidential. We may also release information when it’s release is appropriate to comply with the law, enforce our site policies, or protect ours or others’ rights, property, or safety.

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However, non-personally identifiable visitor information may be provided to other parties for marketing, advertising, or other uses.

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It is our goal to respect the privacy of living individuals, and never share information about living persons, the information that someone has provided or share any of the information in the research reports that are generated unless there is expressed written permission to do so, or unless required to do so by law enforcement. We intend to use the personal information that is provided only for the purpose of performing the research services authorized.

Locks on a Bridge

Genealogy Ethics

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One of the principal objectives of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) is to encourage high standards of ethical conduct and professional practice in dealings with clients and other members of the general public. To further that objective, all members of APG agree to adhere to a Code of Ethics and Professional Practices.

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Purpose: The APG Code of Ethics and Professional Practices serves to promote: (1) a truthful approach to genealogy, family history, and local history; (2) the trust and security of genealogical consumers; and (3) careful and respectful treatment of records, repositories and their staffs, other professionals, and genealogical organizations and associations.

Consistent with these purposes, I agree to:

  • Present research results and opinions in a clear, well-organized manner;

  • Refrain from withholding, suppressing, or knowingly misquoting or misinterpreting sources or data;

  • Report appropriately qualified genealogical conclusions in writing based on the weight of the evidence with fully and accurately cited sources;

  • Represent my abilities, services, and credentials honestly, avoiding the use of misleading or exaggerated statements;

  • Engage in sufficient continuing education to maintain competence and comply with applicable requirements;

  • Prepare and abide by written agreements regarding applicable project scope, fees, charges, payment structures, and deliverables without concealment or misrepresentation;

  • Disclose potential conflicts of interest;

  • Maintain confidentiality of client communications and research, except as permitted in writing by the client or required by court or professional disciplinary proceedings;

  • Treat information concerning living people with appropriate discretion;

  • Refrain from violating or encouraging others to violate laws or regulations concerning copyright, rights to privacy, business practices, or other pertinent subjects;

  • Refrain from mutilating, rearranging, or removing from their proper custodians printed, original, microfilmed, or electronic records;

  • Give proper credit to the work of others and refrain from plagiarism;

  • Refrain from soliciting established clients of another researcher through denigration, violation of laws or regulations, or other improper means;

  • Refrain from behaviors or statements that malign or are maliciously calculated to injure the profession; individual genealogists; genealogical associations, programs, or educational organizations; or the Association of Professional Genealogists.

Important Terms & Conditions

1. There are no Guarantees for Services. In purchasing our Services, you are engaging our professional genealogists to perform research on your behalf. Who I Come From Genealogy conducts research in accordance with the highest professional standards and the Code of Ethics published by the Association of Professional Genealogists as seen above. Because of variables that can limit success (time allotted, common surnames, time period and place, records availability) during research, there is no guarantee that any specific or positive results will be obtained. We promise to do our best work, and that is all that we can offer.

2. You must be 18 years or older to request or order our Services.

3. If you are engaging us to help with DNA testing, you certify that you are 18 years of age or older and that any sample you submit is either your DNA or DNA data you have permission to share, and that the DNA data pertains to someone 18 years of age or older. You also certify that you are not hiring us to conduct research on a donor-conceived child. You also consent to the following: (1) testing your DNA through a third party, (2) distribution of the DNA testing results to those you authorize to receive them, (3) potential storage of the DNA for genetic testing and archival purposes.

4. We must receive a signed research contract from you containing the specific goal(s) you hope to have accomplished, the agreed upon number of hours to research, and the agreed upon delivery time frame with the requested deposit as a retainer before we begin any work. Your bank card statement will show your payment to "Celtic Texans LLC."

5. The initial retainer deposit specified in the contract is non-refundable. If additional research payments are made refunds can be issued after deductions for any research already accomplished, after notification by email that services are no longer desired. The refund will be issued back via the payment card used less any bank processing fees.

6. To the fullest extent permitted by law, you agree that it is impractical and extremely difficult to fix the actual damages, if any, which may proximately result from failure on our part to perform any of our obligations, and that if we should be found liable for loss, damage, or injury due to our services in any respect, our liability shall be limited to the amount you pay for our services, regardless of whether such loss, damage or injury results directly or indirectly from our negligence or active, passive, intentional or other act. If you desire us to assume a greater liability, please notify us and we will attach a rider to these Terms and Conditions of Use setting forth the amount of additional liability and additional amount payable by you for an assumption by us of such greater liability.

7. You agree that you have read and understand all of the above sections on this page regarding unexpected results, privacy, and ethics.

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