Michael L. Strauss uses a tiered fee structure based on the specific research, archival, and legal work needed for each case. Work is scheduled, budgeted, and billed in pre-arranged blocks of time or corporate retainers agreed upon in advance. All work is billed hourly, against an agreed retainer.

Private Clients — Lineage and Family History

Lineage research, family history, and lineage society applications such as the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and Sons of the American Revolution (SAR). An initial consultation includes an estimate based on the records and repositories involved.

Legal and Probate Clients — Forensic Kinship and Expert Testimony

For law firms, trust administrators, and estate representatives. Services include:

• Heirship and kinship research
• Missing-heir due diligence
• Affidavits of Due Diligence
• Paternal and maternal moiety charts
• Exhibit preparation and certified exhibit lists
• Historical document provenance research
• Court-qualified expert witness testimony

Legal work is billed under a separate professional fee schedule, with rates for research, testimony preparation, and court and deposition appearances. Please contact me for the current fee schedule and retention agreement.

Completion time depends on the scope of the work, record availability, and the depth of analysis required.

Project Expenses

Direct expenses are billed separately from professional fees:

• Travel: mileage at the current IRS business rate, tolls, lodging, and meals when required.
• Repository access: admission and use fees for archives, libraries, and research facilities.
• Document acquisition: certified copies of vital records and official documents are billed at cost.
• Reproduction and certification: imaging, certifications, apostilles, and specialized database access.
• Regional researchers: local researchers in other parts of the United States or abroad, engaged only with prior client approval.