Code of Ethics

Code of Ethics and Professional Practices

As a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists I agree that professionalism in genealogy requires ethical conduct in all relationships with the present or potential genealogical community. I therefore agree to:

1. Present research results and opinions in a clear, well-organized manner;
2. Refrain from withholding, suppressing, or knowingly misquoting or misinterpreting sources or data;
3. Report appropriately qualified genealogical conclusions in writing based on the weight of the evidence with fully and accurately cited sources;
4. Represent my abilities, services, and credentials honestly, avoiding the use of misleading or exaggerated statements;
5. Engage in sufficient continuing education to maintain competence and comply with applicable requirements;

6. Prepare and abide by written agreements regarding applicable project scope, fees, charges, payment structures, and deliverables without concealment or misrepresentation;
7. Disclose potential conflicts of interest;
8. Maintain confidentiality of client communications and research, except as permitted in writing by the client or required by court or professional disciplinary proceedings;
9. Treat information concerning living people with appropriate discretion;
10. Refrain from violating or encouraging others to violate laws or regulations concerning copyright, rights to privacy, business practices, or other pertinent subjects;
11. Refrain from mutilating, rearranging, or removing from their proper custodians printed, original, microfilmed, or electronic records;
12. Give proper credit to the work of others and refrain from plagiarism;
13. Refrain from soliciting established clients of another researcher through denigration, violation of laws or regulations, or other improper means;
14. Refrain from behaviors or statements that malign or are maliciously calculated to injure the profession; individual genealogists; genealogical associations, programs, or educational organizations; or the Association of Professional Genealogists.

See the APG website for more information.