Amethyst Tree Ancestry, LLC – Privacy Policy
Effective Date: January 2026
At Amethyst Tree Ancestry, LLC, your privacy matters deeply. Because genealogy often involves personal stories, family details, and sensitive historical information, I take great care to protect everything you share. This Privacy Policy explains how I collect, use, store, and safeguard your information when you visit the website, schedule a consultation, or engage in genealogy research services. In addition, it outlines your rights and how you may contact me with questions or concerns.
1. Information Collected
I collect information that helps me provide accurate, meaningful, and personalized genealogy services. This may include:
Personal Information
Your name, email address, phone number, and billing details. I collect this information when you complete forms, schedule a consultation, or communicate with me.
Family & Genealogical Information
I may collect names, dates, locations, documents, stories, and other details about your relatives—both living and deceased. For example, you may choose to share family photos, historical records, or DNA test references to support your research goals.
Website & Communication Information
I collect information submitted through contact forms, intake forms, and email. In addition, the website may use tools such as Google Analytics to understand general site usage and improve user experience.
2. How Your Information Is Used
I use the information you provide to deliver high-quality genealogy services. This includes:
- Providing consultations and research services
- Communicating with you about your project
- Creating research reports, charts, and family history materials
- Processing payments and issuing invoices
- Improving services and website functionality
I do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information.
3. Legal Basis for Processing
I collect information with your consent when you book services, submit forms, or share documents. I process this information only as needed to fulfill the services you request.
4. Information Sharing
I may share information with trusted third-party providers who support business operations—for example, scheduling platforms, payment processors, or secure document-delivery tools. However, these providers must maintain appropriate confidentiality and security standards. I also share information when required by law.
5. Data Storage and Security
I store information using secure, password-protected systems and reputable third-party platforms. Although I take reasonable steps to protect your data, no method of electronic storage is completely secure. Therefore, I encourage clients to use secure methods when sending sensitive documents.
6. Data Retention
I retain client files, research notes, correspondence, and the private family trees created during your project on Ancestry.com until further notice. Retaining this information allows me to maintain research continuity and support any future updates or follow‑up work you may request.
Client family trees created for research purposes are kept in “Private but Searchable” mode on Ancestry. This means the tree itself is not visible to other users, but deceased individuals within the tree may appear as hints or matches in another user’s search results. No one can view or access the tree without my explicit permission, and information about living individuals is never visible.
YAll materials are stored securely using reputable, password‑protected platforms. You may request deletion of your files or research materials at any time. Upon receiving a written request, all associated materials— including private Ancestry trees—will be permanently deleted within 30 days, unless limited retention is required for legal or recordkeeping purposes.
If you prefer that your Ancestry family tree be completely unsearchable, I am happy to accommodate this upon request.
7. Client Rights
You may request access to your personal information, ask for corrections, or request deletion when feasible. In addition, you may contact me at any time with questions about how your information is used or stored.
8. Use of Research Materials
I create research findings and family history materials for your personal use. I do not publish or share your research without your explicit written permission.
9. Cookies and Website Analytics
The website may use cookies and analytics tools, such as Google Analytics, to improve functionality and understand visitor behavior. You may disable cookies through your browser settings if you prefer.
10. Minors and Parental Involvement
Genealogy often includes information about children and younger family members. I work with adults and may include information about minors as part of family history research. However, if a minor participates directly or provides information, a parent or legal guardian must be present and actively involved throughout the process. I never collect information directly from minors without verified parental or guardian consent.
11. Updates to This Policy
I may update this Privacy Policy as business practices or legal requirements change. Updated versions will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.
12. Contact Information
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, please contact:
Contact@AmethystTreeAncestry.com