Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

What is The Relative Detective?

The Relative Detective is a beginner-friendly genealogy website focused on simple family history help, practical guides, record clues, family tree organization, and easy online research support.

Who is this site for?

This site is for people who are new to genealogy, feel stuck on a family tree question, need help understanding records, or want simple guidance without being overwhelmed.

Do you offer professional genealogy research?

The Relative Detective focuses on simple, beginner-friendly genealogy help rather than advanced professional research. This may include family tree help, Ancestry.com guidance, record clues, source questions, research organization, and practical next-step suggestions.

Do you use AI?

Yes. The Relative Detective may use AI tools to help organize notes, draft content, create images, explain genealogy topics, brainstorm resources, improve wording, or make information easier to understand. AI is used as a helper, not as a final authority. Important genealogy details should always be checked against records and reliable sources whenever possible.

Do you work with DNA results?

No. The Relative Detective does not offer DNA analysis, forensic genealogy, law enforcement genealogy, adoption searches, medical genealogy, or genetic relationship conclusions.

Genealogy Help

What kind of genealogy help can I ask for?

You can ask about confusing family tree clues, Ancestry.com hints, basic source questions, where to search next, how to organize what you have found, or how to make sense of a record.

Can you guarantee that you will find my ancestor?

No. Genealogy depends on available records, surviving documents, spelling variations, indexes, and the information already known. Some questions have clear answers, while others may stay uncertain.

What information should I include when contacting you?

Helpful details include the person’s name, approximate dates, locations, family members, records you already found, and what question you are trying to answer.

Can you fix my whole family tree?

Not all at once. The Relative Detective is best for smaller questions, simple cleanup help, and clear next steps. Big family tree messes are best handled one branch, one person, or one mystery at a time.

Services and Payments

Do I have to pay before you look at my question?

The goal is to use a review-first process whenever possible. That means your request can be reviewed before payment so we can see whether it is a good fit.

Will you ever do simple help for free?

Sometimes, yes. Simple questions may occasionally be handled for free, especially while The Relative Detective is growing and building helpful resources.

What happens if my question is too complicated?

If a request is outside the scope of The Relative Detective, you may receive a suggestion for a smaller next step, a different type of resource, or a recommendation to seek more advanced genealogy help.

What is your refund policy?

Refunds depend on the type of service or product purchased. Please review the Refund Policy for more details before purchasing.

Resources and Membership

What is the Clue Sheet Library?

The Clue Sheet Library is a collection of simple genealogy worksheets, checklists, and printable-style resources designed to help organize family history research.

What is the Research Toolbox?

The Research Toolbox is a directory of helpful genealogy websites, tools, archives, and resources, with a focus on useful free options whenever possible.

Is there a membership?

A membership area is planned, but it may not be open yet. When it is ready, it may include organized resources, beginner help, clue sheets, lessons, or other genealogy tools.

Can I sign up to hear when the membership opens?

Yes. If a signup form is available on the Join page, you can use it to receive updates about the membership opening.

Website and Contact

How do I contact The Relative Detective?

Use the Contact page to send a message. Include enough detail so your question is clear.

Do you use affiliate links?

Some links may be affiliate links. This means The Relative Detective may earn a small commission if you click a link and make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. Please see the Affiliate Disclosure for more information.

Can I copy your guides or worksheets?

Free resources may be used for your own personal genealogy research. They may not be copied, resold, republished, uploaded elsewhere, or claimed as your own.