These terms shall apply to all advice given and work undertaken by Gerald Duke (“me”) unless otherwise agreed in writing when accepting instructions from my client (“you”).

My Services to You. Due skill, care and diligence will be exercised in carrying out work in accordance with your wishes. I will keep you informed of progress and deal promptly with any queries you may have.

Fee Structure. I charge on a "time basis". My charge is calculated by reference to all time I spend on your research work. This may include meeting you and others where appropriate, researching on your behalf making and receiving telephone calls, correspondence with you and others obtaining access to private records, and travelling.

Any indication of fees is an estimate only. I will seek to ensure that estimates are as accurate as possible and will inform you if they require significant revision. Any estimate will only apply to the work covered by your initial instructions and I reserve the right to vary the fees if the scope or nature of your instructions changes.

Expenses. I charge separately for certain expenses incurred in connection with my work, including photocopying, fax travel expenses and postage and packing. At the outset of your research I will advise you of the likely expenses that may be incurred and their likely timescale.

You may set an upper limit on my costs, which may be reached without further authority. Costs in excess of that limit may only be incurred with your specific further authority.

VAT. I am presently not VAT (Value Added Tax) registered. No VAT is charged on my fees and expenses are charge inclusive of any VAT incurred.

My invoices are payable on delivery. I may request a payment on account of my fees, expenses and disbursements. If a payment is requested, I reserve the right not to undertake any work for you until payment has been made.

Method of Payment. Payment of my charges may be made by cheque, money transfer or bankers draft.

Liability. I will only be liable to you. I shall have no liability to third parties. My liability for any loss or damage arising from any research shall be limited to the amount of my fee charged to you. I shall not be liable to you for any loss suffered by you or any third party as a result of any alteration by you or any third party of any document prepared by me or any third party.

Termination. You may end your instructions by writing to me at any time. I am entitled to end the retainer if I consider it inappropriate for any reason to continue working and will give you reasonable notice of my intention. No more than 28 days notice will be given. I shall have no liability to undertake any work on your behalf after the notice period has ended. I will only release papers relating to your research once all outstanding fees have been paid.

The Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations 2000. Under these regulations, you may have the right to withdraw from our agreement to provide undertake family research for you if it is concluded before meeting you. This right to cancel without charge is for seven days after the agreement is concluded. If I start work with your consent during that period, you lose your right to withdraw. Notice of cancellation should be sent to me by e-mail to me.

Governing Law. This agreement is governed by English Law and by accepting these terms you submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts.