Virtual Genealogy Consultations

Before You Schedule an Appointment
Our priority with Online Consultations is to provide support for your genealogy research. We can help with evidence analysis, translation of key words, or to identify a good next step. The goal is to empower you in your research journey. Please know about the following sessions:

'''Currently, online consultations are only available for a limited number of countries. If you wish for help in a country that is not listed on the consultation form, ask for assistance on the FamilySearch Communities.'''
 * These are free, 20-minute consultations.
 * Please have your ancestor’s information and any digital copies of relevant documents available for reference at your consultation.
 * Please provide as much information as possible about the research problem on the bookings form. This will help the research specialist be prepared to give you the best suggestions possible.
 * There are a limited number of consultations available. Please allow as many people as possible to receive help by not booking more than 1 consultation in any given week.
 * Some research problems, like providing document extractions, may be better met using our online community pages. Click the Ask the Community button below to access a community page for a specific region or country.
 * We reserve the right to refuse service at any time. Appointments may be canceled or rescheduled in case of sickness or other emergencies.

Prepare for the Consultation
After you make a booking, you will receive a confirmation email. The email will contain a link to an online meeting on Microsoft Teams. Microsoft Teams is an application you can download for the desktop of your computer. You can also access the online version of Microsoft Teams using either Google Chrome or Edge browsers.


 * At the time of your appointment, open the Join Teams Meeting link to the online meeting provided in your confirmation email.
 * If you have Microsoft Teams, the meeting will start immediately.
 * If not, your internet browser will open to a landing page for Microsoft Teams. You will be given the option to download the app or join the meeting on the web. Click Join on the web instead.
 * A new meeting will open. You do not need to enable the video camera, but please be sure the microphone option is turned on. If your device does not have a microphone built in, click Phone audio to listen through your phone.
 * You may see a pop-up window asking you to allow Microsoft Teams to access your microphone and camera. Click allow.
 * You will be admitted into the meeting. If you enter before the research specialist who has been assigned to help you, wait patiently and they will start the meeting shortly.

For Immediate Help
FamilySearch also supports a host of free, online research communities! The community consists of people who wish to collaborate and help one another find answers. You can post specific genealogical questions or translation requests regarding a country or region in the world. Many users receive responses to their questions within 24 hrs.

Microsoft Teams Walk-through
To learn how to share your screen in Microsoft Teams, watch How to Show your Screen During a Microsoft Teams Meeting.