These Terms govern your use of the website bearrootsgenealogy.com and any inquiry you submit through it. By using this website you agree to them. The specific services we perform for you as a client are governed by a separate written agreement, proposal, or quote, which controls if it conflicts with anything here.

Who we are

Bear Roots, LLC (“Bear Roots,” “we,” “us”) is a family‑heritage research and services company based in the Quad Cities. Contact: info@bearrootsgenealogy.com · (563) 723‑7372.

Our services

Bear Roots offers genealogical research, DNA result interpretation, photo restoration and digitization, cemetery locating and grave care, keepsakes and printed products, and concierge heritage services. Descriptions and prices on this website are for general information and may change. A project begins only when we and you agree on scope and terms in writing, and any required deposit is paid.

No guaranteed results

Family‑history and DNA research depend on records and data that are incomplete, inconsistent, or unavailable, and on third‑party databases we do not control. We apply professional care and recognized genealogical standards, but we cannot and do not guarantee that any particular ancestor, relative, record, or match will be found, or that any specific outcome will result. Our fees pay for our time, expertise, and effort — not for a guaranteed discovery. We do not provide legal, medical, or health advice, and DNA interpretation is genealogical only.

Your photos, documents, and originals

When you ask us to restore, digitize, reproduce, or otherwise work with images or documents, you confirm that you own them or are authorized to have them reproduced, and you authorize us to do the work. Some studio or professional photographs carry a photographer’s copyright; you are responsible for having the right to reproduce them. You agree that Bear Roots is not responsible for claims arising from materials you did not have the right to provide. We handle your physical originals locally, by hand, and never mail them away.

DNA services and authorization

We do not collect DNA files or genetic data through this website. DNA work is performed personally and only under a separate, written authorization that scopes exactly what you permit. You grant any required account access on your own testing platform; those actions occur on that platform under its terms. We do not delete your original test results, we remove our access when the work is complete, we do not retain your raw files afterward, and we honor deletion requests. We do not provide medical or health interpretations and do not guarantee relationships or results.

Payments, deposits, and refunds

Fees, deposits, and payment schedules are set out in your project agreement or quote. High‑ticket and custom work typically requires a deposit paid and cleared before work begins, with the balance due on delivery. Because our work is time‑ and labor‑based and often begins immediately, deposits and fees for work already performed are generally non‑refundable except as expressly stated in your agreement or required by law. Refund and return terms for physical products sold through our store are described on our store’s refund policy.

Intellectual property

The content, design, logo, and branding of this website are owned by Bear Roots, LLC and may not be copied or reused without permission. Research reports, restored images, and other deliverables we create for you are provided for your personal family use; the underlying public records remain in the public domain.

Acceptable use

You agree not to use this website unlawfully, to submit false information, to upload malicious content, or to interfere with the site’s operation or security. We may decline or discontinue service at our discretion.

Limitation of liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Bear Roots, LLC is not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from your use of this website or our services, and our total liability for any claim is limited to the amount you paid us for the specific service giving rise to the claim. Nothing in these Terms limits liability that cannot be limited under applicable law.

Governing law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Iowa, without regard to conflict‑of‑law principles. Any dispute will be handled in the state or federal courts located in Iowa.

Changes

We may update these Terms from time to time. The “Last updated” date above reflects the current version, and your continued use of the website means you accept the updated Terms.

Questions about these Terms? info@bearrootsgenealogy.com · (563) 723‑7372 · Bear Roots, LLC, Quad Cities, Iowa.