Crest Systems · Updated September 14, 2026
Research terms
Cited Roots is a family tree you build yourself, plus a research service that adds sourced ancestors to it. Both are operated by Crest Systems. These terms describe the free tree and the introductory investigation.
The free tree
Signing in with Google gives you a private tree at no charge. You can add and edit people, link relatives and export the tree as a GEDCOM file. There's no subscription and no trial period. You're responsible for the information you enter, including details about living relatives. We may retire or change the free tree with reasonable notice, and you can export your data at any time.
The $149 investigation
The introductory price is $149 USD, paid once for research into one agreed family branch. We review your starting information first. Before payment, your private case page shows the proposed scope and delivery estimate. Payment accepts that scope. There's no subscription or automatic renewal. While payments aren't open, an approved request waits and nothing is charged.
What you receive
The people and relationships the research supports are added to your tree, each citing the record it came from, together with a written report covering the investigation and any open questions. You can download the report and export your tree in GEDCOM format. If the research establishes no new connections, the report explains what was searched and what remains unresolved.
What research can establish
Record availability varies by place, period and family. We don't guarantee a particular ancestor, generation count or outcome. We use research tools and AI assistance to find and assess leads, then check that each cited document supports the claim before a person reviews it. Uncertain leads are kept apart from supported family connections.
Scope and additional costs
The price covers the investigation agreed on your case page using accessible sources. Paid archive requests, record purchases, subscriptions, travel and broader follow-up projects aren't included. We won't incur those costs or expand the paid scope without your agreement. We don't request your subscription passwords.
Timing and updates
We provide a delivery estimate after reviewing your starting information, before you pay. Research progress and any changes are recorded on your private case page. Save that link and return to it for updates. Automatic email notifications aren't currently provided.
Cancellations and refunds
Submitting a request is free. If we don't accept it, there's no payment. You can request cancellation before research begins for a full refund. Once research begins, the fee pays for the agreed work, including searches that don't establish new ancestors. If we can't undertake the agreed investigation, we refund the payment. A refund never removes your tree. Contact us if you believe the delivered work doesn't address the agreed scope so we can resolve it.
Sharing information and using the results
Provide information you're entitled to share, and tell us when a name, date or relationship is uncertain. Don't submit sensitive documents about living relatives through the request form. The research is for family-history use. It isn't a legal opinion or proof of eligibility for citizenship, inheritance or another legal right.
Privacy and access
Your tree requires your Google account. The case link is private and should be kept to yourself. See the privacy notice for details about stored information. Source records may have their own access and reuse restrictions.
Contact
For scope questions, corrections or cancellation, email [email protected] from the address on your case. Cited Roots isn't affiliated with Ancestry.com.