Research proposal [reference] — [client name]

Researcher: [business name, contact and required business details]

Client: [name and contact]

Question: [one specific relationship, identity, date or place to investigate]

Starting information: [known names, approximate dates, locations and sources already supplied]

Work included: [records and repositories to search, analysis to perform and reporting format]

Research budget: [hours] at [rate and currency], or [fixed price for the defined block]. This includes [preparation, searches, analysis and report-writing].

Expenses: [included allowance or separate cap]. I will ask for written approval before spending above [amount] or ordering [restricted categories].

You receive: [research log, source references, permitted record copies and written conclusions, including unresolved questions].

Not included: [DNA analysis, travel, translation, printed book, additional family branches or other excluded work].

Timing: [expected start and delivery window after payment and receipt of the agreed starting material]. Archive closures or unavailable records will be reported; a revised scope or timing requires agreement.

Research limit: When the agreed hours or expense cap is reached, I stop and report the work completed. Any further block needs a new written agreement.

Uncertain or negative findings: Payment covers the agreed investigation and report. A missing record or an unresolved relationship is a possible result. I will distinguish evidence, interpretation and unanswered questions.

Price and payment: [total, currency, applicable tax treatment, payment schedule and verified payment link]. [State the agreed treatment of unused time, cancellations and refunds, consistent with applicable rules.]

Information handling: [secure submission route, permitted use, access and retention approach]. Please do not send DNA data or living relatives' sensitive documents unless we have specifically agreed a suitable process.

Acceptance: Please confirm proposal [reference], the research question, price, expense limit and timing by [date]. Work begins under the agreed payment and intake conditions.

Do not treat a checkout receipt as evidence that a client accepted additional terms they never saw. Put the proposal where they can review and retain it before paying.

Subject: Research proposal [reference]

Hello [name],
Please review the question, time budget, expense limit, delivery and payment terms in proposal [reference]. If these match your request, confirm acceptance and use [verified payment link] under the agreed payment schedule. I will confirm when the intake and payment conditions are complete.
[Researcher]