Getting Started with Research

What do I need to start researching my family tree?

To begin the research, we need basic information about the oldest known ancestor – first and last name, as well as the most accurate possible date and place of birth. Information about marriage, death, place of residence, spouse, parents and other family members is also helpful.

Based on this information, we determine the starting point of the research and continue the search in archives, civil and church registers, and other historical sources.

How can I start researching my family tree if I have very little information?

Even if you know very little about your ancestors, it is still possible to begin the research. A first and last name, together with an approximate place and time of birth, can already provide an important starting point.

Every additional piece of information can help identify the correct person. It is therefore useful to collect old family documents, photographs, obituaries, marriage certificates, entries in family records and any other information kept by relatives.

Can you research ancestors if I do not know their exact place of birth?

Yes. Research can also begin with incomplete information. If the place of birth is unknown, it may in some cases be possible to determine it or narrow down the search area based on other information, such as place of residence, marriage, the birth of children or information about relatives.

The success of the research depends on the amount of available information and the preservation of historical sources.

How does family tree research work?

The research usually takes place in several steps:

We collect basic information about the family and the oldest known ancestors.

We determine the starting point and direction of the research.

We search for information in archives, civil and church registers, and other historical sources.

We verify and connect individual persons and family branches.

We organize the results into a detailed genealogical research report or family chronicle.

If desired, we also prepare a graphically designed family tree.

Ancestral Research

How far back can I research my ancestors in Slovenia?

In Slovenia, it is generally possible to trace a family line back to the second half of the 18th century, and in some areas even to the beginning of the 17th century. This corresponds to approximately 8 to 10 generations of ancestors.

How far back the research can go depends primarily on the preservation and accessibility of church registers and other historical sources of the respective parish.

Where is information for a family tree found?

Information is primarily researched in archives, church and other civil registers, as well as in various historical sources.

Depending on the individual case, the research may include information about births, marriages and deaths, as well as residence, military service, occupation, property, migration and other important life events.

How do you verify that you have found the correct ancestor?

In genealogical research, it is important not to connect individuals solely on the basis of having the same first and last name.

When verifying family relationships, we consider as many available details as possible, such as place and date of birth, parents’ names, spouse, children, place of residence and other information contained in historical sources. This reduces the risk of connecting the wrong individuals.

Is the information in the family tree verified?

Yes. The aim of genealogical research is to ensure that identified family relationships are supported by historical sources.

The final report contains evidence and references to the archival and other sources used to establish individual family connections.

Reproduced historical documents provided as evidence can also be used in court proceedings, for example in inheritance matters, as courts recognize them as evidence. This also demonstrates the authenticity and credibility of these documents.

Do you also conduct research for law firms and participate in legal proceedings?

Yes. I work both in legal proceedings and in obtaining all documentation required for the successful handling of court and inheritance matters.

I also assist with obtaining documentation in property and land-related disputes.

Do you also research ancestors who lived outside Slovenia?

Yes, provided that research is possible based on the available sources. Family branches often extend beyond today’s national borders, so research may also include ancestors who lived in areas that are now part of Austria, Italy, Croatia, Hungary, Germany, Serbia and other countries.

The scope of the research depends on the accessibility and preservation of historical sources in the respective location or country.

Can you find ancestors who emigrated abroad?

Yes. If individual family members emigrated, the research can also focus on their subsequent life journey, provided that suitable historical sources are available.

This may include researching information about emigration, the place of settlement, family connections and other important life events.

Do you also research female ancestors and maiden names?

Yes. Female ancestors are an important part of any comprehensive genealogical research. When conducting research, we take into account their maiden names, marriages, parents, children and other family connections.

The research is therefore not limited solely to the male or paternal surname line.

Can you research the origin of a family?

Yes. Genealogical research can show which places or regions individual family branches originated from and how ancestors moved and settled over the course of generations.

We distinguish between historically documented information and family stories or traditions that can be verified through research.

Do you also research the history or origin of a surname?

The research may also include information about the occurrence and distribution of a particular surname and its historical forms and records.

However, caution is required when determining the origin of a surname, as the surname alone is usually not sufficient to reliably establish the origin of a particular family. Researching historical records concerning individuals and family relationships is therefore more important.

Types of Family Trees and Genealogical Research

What is the difference between the paternal and maternal line?

The paternal line follows the direct ancestors on the father’s side, while the maternal line follows the direct ancestors on the mother’s side.

Research can focus on one selected family branch or include ancestors from all family lines.

What is the difference between researching one line and all family lines?

When researching one line, we focus on a selected family branch or surname and trace it through the generations.

When researching all lines, we investigate ancestors on both the paternal and maternal sides. This type of research is more extensive and includes several different surnames, places and family branches.

What is an ancestry chart?

An ancestry chart is a genealogical representation showing the direct ancestors on both the paternal and maternal sides.

With each generation, the number of direct ancestors increases, meaning that an ancestry chart clearly illustrates the breadth of our family origins.

At the same time, it should be noted that an ancestry chart cannot provide a comprehensive picture of family histories, as it focuses only on individual persons.

Can you research several different surnames?

Yes. If you would like a more comprehensive insight into your family history, the research can include several different surnames and family branches.

The scope of such research depends on the number of generations, family lines and the availability of historical sources.

Where did you acquire all this knowledge about genealogical research?

I hold a PhD in History and acquired in-depth knowledge through my studies in history.

What is the difference between a historian and a genealogist?

Historian is a professional title obtained by successfully completing a degree in history.

Genealogist, on the other hand, is not an academic title but a term describing a person who is interested in family and ancestral relationships.

Anyone can therefore call themselves a genealogist, whereas the title of historian requires the corresponding completed academic education.

Final Product

What does genealogical research include?

Genealogical research includes searching for, verifying and connecting information about ancestors, as well as documenting established family relationships.

The client receives a detailed genealogical research report in the form of a family chronicle, including evidence and references to the archival and other historical sources used.

In what form will I receive the final product?

The final product is a detailed genealogical research report in the form of a family chronicle, presenting the results of the research and important family relationships.

If desired, we can also prepare a graphically designed family tree suitable for framing and displaying in your home.

Can I include family stories and photographs in the family chronicle?

Yes. If you wish, the final product can be enriched with family stories, photographs and other important memories in addition to the genealogical information.

This creates a more comprehensive family chronicle that not only presents names and dates but also tells the story of the family across generations.

Can I order only the genealogical research without a graphic family tree?

Yes. Genealogical research and the graphic design of the family tree can be separate parts of the project.

If you are primarily interested in researching your ancestors and documenting your family history, you can receive the genealogical research report without a graphic family tree.

Can I order only a graphic family tree if I have already completed the research?

If you have already collected and organized your family information, it is also possible to create a graphically designed family tree based on the available data.

Before preparing the design, it is important to check whether the information is sufficiently organized and suitable for creating the final presentation.

Time, Cost and Ordering

How long does it take to create a family tree?

The duration depends on the scope of the research, the number of family lines being investigated, and the preservation and accessibility of historical sources.

Researching a single family line usually takes several months. If graphic preparation, design and printing are also included, the entire project may take up to approximately three months.

How much does it cost to create a family tree?

The price depends on the scope of the genealogical research, the number of family lines being investigated, the complexity of the research and the format of the final product.

Since every family is different, the final price is determined individually based on the specific project. To prepare a quotation, we need basic information about the family and the desired scope of the research.

Why is there no fixed price for creating a family tree?

The price of family tree research is influenced by several factors:

Time period – how far back into the past the research is to go: 50, 100, 200 or 300 years.

Geographical area – where the ancestors lived, for example in Slovenia, Austria or Croatia.

How can I order a family tree?

To begin, you provide me with the basic information you have about your family and ancestors. Based on this information, we determine the starting point and estimated scope of the research and prepare a quotation.

If you do not have much information, this is not an obstacle to taking the first step. I can help you determine which information is most important for beginning the research.

Is a family tree a suitable gift for a 50th birthday or anniversary?

Yes. Genealogical research and a family tree are unique and personal gifts with long-term value.

They are suitable for a 50th birthday, milestone birthday, wedding, wedding anniversary or family gathering. The gift can include ancestral research, a family chronicle and, if desired, a graphically designed family tree.

How can I find out whether family tree research is suitable for my family?

Every family has an interesting history. Therefore, it is best to discuss the available information, places of origin and your wishes before beginning the research.

Based on this information, I can assess the research possibilities and recommend the most suitable scope for your genealogical project.

What does Dr. Lampreht do?

• family history research
• genealogy and ancestry research
• creation of family trees
• historical document research
• transcription of old manuscripts
• translation of old documents
• heir search
• house and building research
• DNA/genealogy
• historical research