General Conditions of Sale
The mission of the genealogist
The goal of family genealogy research is to conduct a historical investigation in order to find elements such as birth, marriage and death certificates, with a view to establishing a link of filiation between the client and his or her ancestors.
In the context of this research, the genealogist is not legally bound by an obligation of results, but by an obligation of means. In the event of an inability to obtain documents or information enabling individuals to be traced or found, the genealogist is required to explain the research carried out and to detail the resources consulted.
The Quote
Any research commitment is based on a contract including a detailed quote (valid for 1 month from its issue date) and the general conditions, accepted and signed by the client with the words "good for agreement". This contract is governed by the Civil Code and the Consumer Code (articles L121-16 to L121-20-16).
Before the research begins, a deposit is required, calculated according to the nature and extent of the work. The client must provide proof of their relationship with the ancestor or person designated as the starting point for the research in order to access recent civil status documents.
The results, including a detailed summary report with copies of the documents found, are only transmitted after receipt of full payment. Payment remains due even if the research is unsuccessful, the genealogist being bound by an obligation of means and not of results.
For flat-rate searches of less than €250, full payment must be made before the work begins. The client is regularly informed of the progress of the searches.
Confidentiality
The genealogist is subject to professional secrecy, which means that the data entrusted to him cannot under any circumstances be transmitted to third parties.
In accordance with the provisions of Article 9 and following of the Civil Code, as well as Article 378 of the Penal Code, which relate to respect for private life, and in accordance with Law No. 78-17 of January 6, 1978 relating to information technology, files and freedoms, the genealogist cannot provide a client with information dating back less than one hundred years concerning family members, whatever their degree of kinship.
This is why civil status data will only be disclosed to a client if they provide proof of parentage and sign a search mandate (or proof of ownership in the case of a search on real estate).
Intellectual property
In accordance with the Intellectual Property Code, the client is required to attribute paternity of the genealogical research to the author in any subsequent publication.