I specialize in retrieving vital records, naturalization documents, and historical records from Los Angeles County, California state archives, and Ohio repositories to support dual citizenship applications. Whether you’re an immigration attorney preparing a case, a citizenship consultant assisting clients, or an individual documenting your family’s lineage, I provide accurate, fully-cited document retrieval with clear turnaround times.
What I Retrieve
I research and retrieve the following document types from Los Angeles County, California state archives, and repositories:
Vital Records
- Birth certificates (county and state-level)
- Death certificates
- Marriage certificates and licenses
- Divorce records
Naturalization & Immigration Records
- Declaration of Intention papers
- Petition for Naturalization
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Passenger arrival lists and ship manifests
- Border crossing records
Census & Historical Records
- Federal and state census records (1790–1950)
- City directories
- Historical newspapers and obituaries
- Voter registration records
Church & Parish Records
- Catholic baptismal, marriage, and burial records
- Lutheran, Methodist, and other denominational records
- Cemetery and burial records
Legal & Property Records
- Probate records and wills
- Land deeds and property records
- Court records
- Military service and pension records
Citizenship Application Packages
I offer bundled document retrieval packages designed specifically for dual citizenship applications. Each package includes the vital records, naturalization documents, and supporting materials most commonly required by consulates and citizenship offices.
Italian Citizenship (Jure Sanguinis)
The Italian citizenship process requires a complete unbroken chain of vital records from your Italian ancestor to you. I retrieve birth, marriage, and death certificates for each generation in the lineage, along with naturalization records to confirm your ancestor’s citizenship status at the time of their child’s birth.
Typical package includes: 4–8 documents depending on generational depth
Irish Citizenship by Descent
Irish citizenship applications require proof of your Irish-born ancestor’s birth in Ireland and your lineage to them. I retrieve birth and marriage certificates for each generation, along with supporting documentation such as baptismal records and naturalization papers.
Typical package includes: 3–6 documents depending on relationship to Irish ancestor
Canadian Citizenship by Descent (NEW: Bill C-3 Changes)
In December 2025, Canada passed Bill C-3, dramatically expanding citizenship by descent beyond the previous first-generation limit. Individuals born outside Canada to a Canadian parent (even if that parent was also born abroad) may now qualify for Canadian citizenship. For those born before December 15, 2025, citizenship may be automatic with no residency requirement. For those born after, the Canadian parent must demonstrate 1,095 days (3 years) of physical presence in Canada.
This change affects an estimated 350,000–500,000 people worldwide. Document requirements include proof of the Canadian parent’s citizenship (birth certificate if born in Canada, or citizenship certificate if naturalized), vital records establishing the family lineage, and evidence of the parent’s physical presence in Canada when required.
Typical package includes: 3–7 documents depending on generation and whether substantial connection test applies
German Citizenship by Descent
German citizenship by descent requires proof that German citizenship was not lost through naturalization before your parent or grandparent was born. I retrieve vital records and naturalization documents to establish this unbroken chain.
Typical package includes: 4–7 documents depending on case complexity
Polish Citizenship by Descent
Polish citizenship applications require proof of Polish citizenship held by your ancestor and maintained through subsequent generations. I retrieve birth, marriage, and naturalization records to document this continuous citizenship.
Typical package includes: 4–6 documents depending on generational depth
Rates & Packages
| Service | Rate | Notes |
| Standard Document Retrieval | $75 / document | Up to 2 hrs research |
| Complex / Hard-to-Find Document | $150 / document | Older records, obscure archives |
| Rush Service | +$65 surcharge | 48–72 hr turnaround |
| Basic Citizenship Package (4 docs) | $300 | Most common package |
| Standard Citizenship Package (6 docs) | $450 | |
| Complex Citizenship Package (8+ docs) | $600+ | Multi-generational research |
| Hourly Research Rate | $65 / hour | Billed in 30-min increments |
Referral partner rates are available for attorneys and consultants with ongoing volume. A 50% deposit is required prior to commencing research. Research fees apply regardless of retrieval outcome — I charge for time and expertise, not just successful finds.
How We Work Together
1. Initial Consultation
We discuss your case, what documents you need, and where they’re likely located. I provide a cost estimate and turnaround timeline.
2. Written Agreement & Deposit
I send a simple one-page agreement outlining the scope of work, costs, and deliverables. A 50% deposit is required before research begins.
3. Research & Retrieval
I search the relevant archives and repositories. I keep you updated throughout the process and let you know immediately if a document cannot be located.
4. Delivery with Full Citations
You receive digital copies of all retrieved documents along with complete source citations noting the archive, collection, and record details. If a document cannot be found, I provide a detailed report of what was searched.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What happens if you can’t find a document?
I charge for research time and expertise, not just successful retrieval. If a document cannot be located, I provide a detailed report of exactly what archives were searched and why the record may not exist. This information is valuable for your case — knowing definitively that a record doesn’t exist is better than uncertainty.
How long does document retrieval typically take?
Standard turnaround is 1–2 weeks for most vital records. Complex or older documents may take 2–3 weeks. Rush service (48–72 hours) is available for an additional $65 surcharge.
Do you provide apostille services?
No.
What geographic areas do you cover?
I specialize in Los Angeles County, California state archives and repositories. I have deep knowledge of these systems and know exactly where to look for specific record types. For documents outside these areas, I can assess feasibility on a case-by-case basis.
Do you work with individuals or only attorneys?
I work with both immigration attorneys and citizenship consultants, as well as individuals researching dual citizenship eligibility. My process is the same regardless of who hires me — professional, reliable document retrieval with full citations.
Ready to discuss your case?
I typically respond within one business day.
Genealogy By Aryn 