After contacting several genealogists, decide which one will best meet your needs. Does the genealogist have familiarity with and access to the records that are most likely to solve your research problem. Remember, the proximity to the records of interest is not always a good reason to hire someone. Many qualified researchers exist distant from the actual set of records and as long as they have a network of subcontractors to access those records, the client should not hesitate using them. Before the genealogist begins working on your project, be sure to make a verbal or written agreement.
Verbal agreements are possible, especially when the project is small.
A written agreement can be as simple as a letter stating your expectations and authorizing the genealogist to proceed, or it can be a formal written contract. Either you or the genealogist can prepare the agreement. In lieu of a formal contract, some genealogists have a list of their research methods and policies that is modified for each project and signed by the client. Frequency of reports and bills. Content of the reports.