Get Research Help

Find a credentialed genealogist who specializes in your research question.

The Genealogy Co-op is a vetted referral network of credentialed practitioners. You describe your research project; we match you with the right specialist based on credentials, experience, and current availability. Most clients are matched within two business days.

Start your project

Verified credentials

Every researcher in the network holds current accreditation — AG® (ICAPGen℠), CG® (BCG), or equivalent international credentials. Pre-credential apprentice researchers are clearly labeled and supervised by an accredited mentor.

Matched to your specialty

Genealogy is broad. Some researchers specialize in Swedish ancestry, others in DNA forensic analysis, others in African American Reconstruction-era research, to name a few. We match you with someone whose actual specialty fits your case.

Transparent pricing

You see what you'll pay before research begins. The $59.99 intake fee is credited to your project. The $99 Match Commitment Fee is credited to your project. The genealogist's hourly rate is discussed during intake and confirmed in your contract before any research starts.

How it works

Step 1: You describe your research question. Submit the intake form (free) or schedule an intake consultation for a $59.99 fee. Tell us what you're trying to find out, what you already know, and what you've already tried.

Step 2: Andre reviews and sets expectations. Within 1-2 business days, Andre Bagley (AG®, founder) reads your submission and may follow up with clarifying questions. He'll tell you honestly whether your research question is reasonable, what it would realistically take to answer it, and roughly what the work might cost. Some projects can be solved in a few hours; others take months. You'll know before you commit.

Step 3: You commit to the match. If you want to proceed, you pay the $99 Match Commitment Fee. This signals to the network that you're a real client, not someone shopping around. The fee is credited to your project. Andre then matches you with the right credentialed specialist from the network — usually within 48 hours.

Step 4: Direct work with your researcher. Your matched researcher contacts you to confirm scope, sign a contract, and begin work. From this point, your relationship is directly with them. They invoice you directly. The Co-op is no longer in the middle except to back the match if something goes wrong.

What makes a Co-op match different

Most paths to hiring a genealogist run through one of three routes: a directory of credentialed researchers you have to sort through yourself, a large firm with multiple researchers but rates priced for their internal overhead, or a personal recommendation that may or may not match your actual research question.

The Co-op is a fourth option. Andre acts as an editorial filter — reviewing every research request, setting realistic expectations, and matching to the credentialed specialist whose actual experience fits your case. You get the rate of a solo practitioner with the curation of a firm.

You also get something neither directories nor firms reliably offer: an honest answer when your research question isn't realistically answerable. Some questions can't be solved with the records that exist; some require resources that would cost more than you'd want to pay. Knowing that before you commit thousands of dollars is itself valuable.

What it costs to get started

Two fees get you from "I have a question" to "I'm working with the right researcher." Both are credited to your project — they're not lost money if you proceed.

$59.99 — Intake consultation

A 30-45 minute conversation with Andre about your research question. You'll come out of it with a clear understanding of whether your question is realistically answerable, what kind of work it would take, and what a reasonable budget might be. The fee covers Andre's time on this consultation. Credited to your project if you proceed.

$99 — Match Commitment Fee

After intake, before Andre routes your case to a specialist. Signals that you're committed to actually engaging a researcher, not shopping for free quotes. Filters out time-wasters before they reach the credentialed practitioners in the network. Credited to your project once you sign with your matched researcher.

Your researcher's hourly rate

Discussed during intake; confirmed in your contract before any work begins. Credentialed researchers in the network typically charge $75-$150 per hour, depending on specialty, demand, and experience. Your matched researcher will tell you their rate before you sign anything.

Total upfront commitment to get matched and start work: $158.99. Both fees are credited to your project. If after intake you decide not to proceed, you've only spent $59.99 — and you've gotten an honest expert assessment of your research question that's valuable on its own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What if I already know who I want to hire?

A: You can hire any credentialed genealogist directly without going through the Co-op. The Co-op is helpful when you don't already know which specialist fits your case, or when you've been overwhelmed sorting through directories. If you have someone specific in mind, contact them directly.

Q: How long does research typically take?

A: It depends heavily on your question and the records involved. A focused single-question project (one ancestor, one location) might take 8-15 hours over 4-6 weeks. A multi-generational research project might take 25-60 hours over 2-4 months. Highly complex cases (DNA forensic work, lost identities, international research across multiple jurisdictions) can take 100+ hours. You'll get a realistic estimate during intake.

Q: What if the researcher I'm matched with isn't the right fit?

A: Tell Andre. You haven't signed a contract with the researcher yet, so there's no obligation. Andre will rematch you with someone else in the network or refund the Match Commitment Fee if no good match exists. Q: Do you accept international clients?

A: Yes. Our network includes researchers with expertise in international records (Swedish, German, Italian, Mexican, Irish, and others). We can also work with clients based outside the US who are researching ancestors who came to the US, or with clients in the US who are researching ancestors elsewhere.

Q: Is this affiliated with Ancestry.com, FamilySearch, or another major service?

A: No. The Genealogy Co-op is an independent network. We use research tools and databases from many sources, but we're not affiliated with or endorsed by any genealogy company.

Q: What credentials should I look for?

A: The two primary credentials in US professional genealogy are AG® (Accredited Genealogist via ICAPGen℠) and CG® (Certified Genealogist via BCG). Both involve rigorous peer-review processes. The Co-op also accepts CGL℠ (Certified Genealogical Lecturer), CGG℠ (Certified Genealogy Group), and equivalent international credentials. We do not accept researchers whose only qualification is years of hobbyist experience.

Ready to start?

Submit the intake form below. There's no fee to submit; the $59.99 only applies once you schedule the intake consultation with Andre.

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