Our Services
Genealogy research done well isn't just about names and dates; it's about building a documented, defensible record of who your family was and proving the connections that link you to them. Whether you're chasing a specific brick wall, building out a full family history, or exploring whether your ancestry could open the door to citizenship abroad, I bring the same rigor: sourced records, careful documentation, and a clear account of what the evidence actually shows.
Jessica L. Benjamin, J.D. — Member, APG & NGS. Research donated to the Miksa Róth Memorial House and Collection.
Genealogy research done well isn't just about names and dates; it's about building a documented, defensible record of who your family was and proving the connections that link you to them. Whether you're chasing a specific brick wall, building out a full family history, or exploring whether your ancestry could open the door to citizenship abroad, I bring the same rigor: sourced records, careful documentation, and a clear account of what the evidence actually shows.
Jessica L. Benjamin, J.D., is a member of APG & NGS. Research donated to the Miksa Róth Memorial House and Collection.
How We Can Work Together
The Family Roots Starter
A meaningful gift for someone who wants to know where they come from.
A beautifully documented three-generation family tree, paired with one written story that brings an ancestor to life. Delivered as a printable, giftable PDF — perfect for a milestone birthday, holiday gift, or anyone just beginning to explore their family history.
What's included:
Documented family tree spanning three generations (grandparents, parents, and the recipient's generation)
One researched ancestor story — a short narrative piece built from primary sources, told with the same care as our full case studies
Delivered as a printable PDF, ready to frame, gift-wrap, or share at a family gathering
Source list documenting where each fact came from
Turnaround: Approximately 2 months from project start
Ordering for a specific occasion? Please allow at least 2 months and reach out to confirm timing.
Ideal for: Gift-givers, curious beginners, or anyone who wants a taste of what deeper research could uncover.
$650
Citizenship Documentation
Trace and document the ancestral line connecting you to a citizenship-eligible ancestor.
Full generation-by-generation documentation built from vital records, immigration and naturalization documents, and civil or church registries. You'll receive a clear, organized record of what's proven, plus a roadmap of any additional documents needed for your application.
Scope and pricing depend on the complexity of your line — from straightforward single-line cases to more complex cases involving shifting borders, name changes (including Magyarization or other historical name-standardization patterns), foreign-language record translation, or multiple branches researched simultaneously.
Pricing: $1,500–$4,000+, depending on complexity (or $100/hour for cases that don't fit a flat scope). After an initial conversation about your specific line, you'll receive a scoped estimate.
Jessica Benjamin holds a J.D. but does not practice law and is not a licensed attorney. The research, reports, and guidance provided by The Untold Branch are genealogical in nature and do not constitute legal advice. For legal matters related to citizenship, immigration, or inheritance, please consult a licensed attorney in the relevant jurisdiction.
Family Tree Research & Building
Have your family tree researched and built out on the platform of your choice.
Jessica builds your family tree using your preferred platform (e.g., Ancestry.com), based on your research goals. You have two options:
You maintain the account: You hold an active subscription to the platform, and Jessica builds and populates the tree within your account.
Jessica maintains the account: The tree is built and kept on Jessica's own account, giving you access to view and share it without needing your own subscription.
Pricing: $100/hour, or scoped as a flat project fee depending on tree size and complexity.
See the Work Itself
Numbers and credentials only tell you so much. The best way to understand what a research package actually delivers is to see one. Below is a real case study, the documented family line of Josefin Emma Walla Róth, showing the kind of source work, documentation, and narrative you can expect from a full research package.
The Mysterious Adoption of Josefin Emma (Schmidt) Walla and Her Marriage into the Róth Family
Select Testimonials
Citizenship by Descent
After contacting Jessica, she was quick to help me with a few genealogical questions and was able to put me in contact with someone who was ultimately able to direct me to relatives of a good friend and classmate that my grandmother went to boarding school with in Austria during WWII! She was exceptionally kind and helpful, and I truly appreciated her efforts!
Kelly G.