Privacy Policy
TERMS & CONDITIONS
HomeRidge Studio — Genealogy & Lineage Storytelling Services
Last updated: April 2026
1. Agreement to Services
By booking a service, purchasing a package, or submitting information to HomeRidge Studio, you agree to these Terms & Conditions. These terms outline how services are delivered, what clients can expect, and the responsibilities of both parties.
2. Scope of Work
All services are described on the HomeRidge Studio website or in your custom proposal. Work begins only after:
- A clear research question is defined
- The client provides necessary documents, DNA access, or background information
- Payment terms are agreed upon
Any additional research outside the agreed scope may require a new proposal or added fees.
3. Payment Terms
- Payments are due upfront unless otherwise stated.
- Research begins only after payment is received.
- Payments are non‑refundable once research has started, due to the time‑based nature of genealogical work.
- If a payment plan is offered, all installments must be completed before final deliverables are released.
4. Refund Policy
Because genealogical outcomes cannot be guaranteed, refunds are not provided for:
- Lack of available records
- Unexpected or difficult DNA results
- Inconclusive findings
- Results that differ from client expectations
You are paying for time, expertise, and analysis, not guaranteed discoveries.
5. Research Limitations
Genealogy is dependent on:
- Historical record availability
- DNA match participation
- Accuracy of past documentation
- Legal access to certain archives
HomeRidge Studio cannot guarantee:
- That all ancestors will be identified
- That all mysteries can be solved
- That all records will be accessible
However, all reasonable efforts will be made to pursue every viable lead.
6. DNA Data Handling
If you grant access to your DNA results:
- Access is used solely for your project
- No data is shared with third parties
- Access can be revoked at any time
- You are responsible for ensuring you have legal rights to share the DNA account
HomeRidge Studio does not upload, download, or manipulate raw DNA files.
7. Confidentiality
All client information — including documents, DNA data, family stories, and personal details — is kept strictly confidential.
No information is shared publicly without written permission.
8. Intellectual Property
All research reports, charts, narratives, and visual materials created by HomeRidge Studio are protected intellectual property.
Clients receive:
- Personal use rights
- Permission to share with family
Clients may not:
- Resell
- Publish commercially
- Claim authorship
- Use materials for AI training or datasets
without written permission.
9. Client Responsibilities
Clients agree to:
- Provide accurate information
- Respond to communication in a timely manner
- Supply access to DNA accounts (if applicable)
- Understand that research outcomes vary
Failure to provide necessary information may delay or limit results.
10. Communication
All communication occurs via:
- Scheduled calls
- Client portal (if applicable)
HomeRidge Studio responds within reasonable business hours.
11. Right to Decline Work
HomeRidge Studio reserves the right to decline or discontinue a project if:
- The research question is outside scope
- The client is uncooperative
- Ethical concerns arise
- The project becomes unsafe or inappropriate
Any unused portion of prepaid time will be refunded if work has not begun.
12. Website Use
By using this website, you agree not to:
- Copy or redistribute content
- Misuse forms or contact features
- Attempt to access restricted areas
- Use the site for unlawful purposes
13. Changes to Terms
These Terms & Conditions may be updated periodically. Continued use of the website or services indicates acceptance of the updated terms.
WEBSITE POLICIES
General Policies for HomeRidgeStudio.com
Content Accuracy
All content is provided for informational purposes. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, historical research is inherently interpretive.
No Professional Legal or Medical Advice
This website does not provide:
- Legal advice
- Medical advice
- Psychological counseling
All content is for educational and storytelling purposes only.
External Links
This website may contain links to third‑party sites. HomeRidge Studio is not responsible for their content or privacy practices.
Copyright
All text, images, graphics, and research materials on this site are owned by HomeRidge Studio unless otherwise noted.
PRIVACY POLICY
Required for Google AdSense
Last updated: April 2026
1. Information Collected
This website may collect:
- Name and email (if you submit a form)
- Basic analytics data (browser type, pages visited, time on site)
- Cookies used by Google AdSense or analytics tools
No DNA data is collected through the website.
2. How Information Is Used
Information is used to:
- Respond to inquiries
- Improve website performance
- Display personalized or non‑personalized ads (if AdSense is active)
3. Cookies & Tracking
This site may use:
- Google Analytics
- Google AdSense cookies
- Standard browser cookies
Users can disable cookies in their browser settings.
4. Third‑Party Disclosure
Your information is not sold, traded, or shared with third parties except:
- Google (for analytics or ads)
- Website hosting providers (for site functionality)
5. Data Security
Reasonable measures are taken to protect your information.
However, no online transmission is 100% secure.
6. Your Rights
You may request:
- Access to your stored information
- Correction of inaccurate information
- Deletion of your information
7. Children’s Privacy
This website is not intended for children under 13.
8. Updates to This Policy
This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically.
Continued use of the site indicates acceptance of the updated policy.