Frequently Asked Questions

What does Malta Ancestry specialize in?

Malta Ancestry focuses on genealogical research involving families from Malta and Gozo, including ancestral lines, civil and parish records, family reconstruction, record interpretation, and family-history research.

How much does genealogy research cost?

The cost depends on the research question, the records involved, and the amount of time required. After reviewing the information you provide, I can suggest an appropriate research approach and scope before work begins.

How far back can you trace my family?

This varies from family to family. The availability and quality of records depend on the locality, time period, and surviving sources. Some Maltese family lines can be traced back several centuries, while others may reach a point where reliable evidence becomes limited.

Do you research both Malta and Gozo?

Yes. Malta Ancestry researches families connected to both Malta and Gozo.

What records do you use?

Depending on the project, research may involve civil registration, parish records, baptismal records, marriage records, death records, archival collections, historical publications, family documents, and other relevant genealogical sources.

What information should I provide?

Anything you already know can be helpful, including names, approximate dates, places, family relationships, photographs, certificates, old documents, and family stories.

You do not need to have a complete family tree before contacting Malta Ancestry.

Can you guarantee that you will find my ancestor?

No specific genealogical result can be guaranteed. Records may be missing, unavailable, damaged, incomplete, or unable to provide a definitive answer.

What can be provided is careful research based on the available evidence and a clear explanation of what was found.

Can you help if I only know a small amount about my ancestor?

Yes. Many projects begin with limited information, such as a name, approximate year of birth, or family story.

The first step is to determine what is known and identify the best starting point for further research.

Can you help with a genealogical brick wall?

Yes. Brick-wall research can involve examining conflicting information, similar names, uncertain relationships, missing records, migration, remarriages, or other difficult research problems.

Some brick walls can be resolved, while others may require additional research or remain uncertain.

Can you interpret old Maltese records?

Malta Ancestry can assist with the genealogical interpretation of historical records, including identifying names, relationships, dates, locations, occupations, and other important details contained within a document.

Historical Maltese records may appear in Latin, Italian, Maltese, or other forms depending on the period and source.

Can you research an entire family tree?

Yes, although larger family-tree projects are usually divided into smaller research stages.

Beginning with one family line or a specific research objective makes it easier to evaluate the evidence carefully before expanding into additional generations and branches.

What will I receive when the research is complete?

Deliverables depend on the project but may include a written summary of findings, identified family relationships, source references, record information, family-tree details, and recommendations for further research.

The scope and expected deliverables will be discussed before research begins.

Do you provide copies of records?

Where permitted and available, copies or images of relevant records may be included or referenced.

Availability depends on the archive, database, repository, copyright restrictions, and access conditions of the original source.

How long does research take?

The time required depends on the complexity of the research question, availability of records, and size of the project.

A focused record search may be relatively straightforward, while reconstructing several generations or investigating a difficult family mystery may require considerably more research.

Can I continue the research after the first project?

Yes. Many genealogy projects naturally lead to new questions.

Research can continue into earlier generations, additional family branches, particular ancestors, or new records as your family history develops.

Do you research living people?

The primary focus of Malta Ancestry is historical genealogy. Information involving living individuals is treated carefully and with respect for privacy.

Is my family information kept private?

Yes. Information provided for research is handled carefully and is not sold or publicly shared without appropriate permission.

For more information, please review the Malta Ancestry Privacy Policy.

How do I get started?

Visit the Contact page and provide a brief description of the ancestor or family you would like researched, what you already know, and what you hope to discover.

Once the information is reviewed, the next research steps can be discussed.

Have Another Question?

If your question is not answered here, please get in touch.