Terms and Conditions
Effective date: 01/05/2026
These Terms and Conditions (“Terms” or “T&Cs”) govern the services (“Services”) provided by ReFrench My Memory (“Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) to you (“you,” “your,” or “Client”). They form the agreement between you and ReFrench My Memory, along with our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.
These Terms are available on our Website before you place an order. They are part of the information we provide to help you understand how our Services work.
By purchasing or using our Services through our website (https://refrenchmymemory.com) or otherwise, you agree to abide by these Terms.
These Terms are governed by French law.
1. Description of the Services
ReFrench My Memory provides professional genealogical research services dedicated to French ancestry, based on original research conducted in French archives and delivered in English.
Each service is defined by:
- a specific research objective,
- a fixed research time allocation,
- a clearly delimited scope,
- explicit deliverables.
Unless expressly stated otherwise, anything not described in the scope or deliverables of a service is excluded.
1.1 Family Tree Services
1.1.1 One Surname
Service overview
This service reconstructs one surname line of a chosen starting person (male or female) of French origin, or who lived, married, or died in France.
This service includes 8 hours of archival research.
Research scope
The research covers:
- Tracing one direct male line (the starting person’s father, that father’s father, and so on) as far back as records and the research time allow.
- Identifying and recording the spouse of each direct male ancestor without researching her own line.
Key principles
The key principles applicable to this Service are the following:
- In the event of a break in the direct male line (for example, orphans or illegitimacy), we follow the next available line. For example, if a person has only a mother, we follow the father of that mother.
- Research is conducted in French archival sources and delivered in English.
- Research may exceptionally extend to Belgium and Luxembourg.
Research depth
The research depth depends on record availability :
- For a starting person born after late 1800s, the Family Tree research may reach the mid to late 1700s,
- If the starting ancestor is born before 1800s, the Family Tree research may extend into the early 1700s or, in some cases, the late 1600s.
No specific generation count is guaranteed. Depending on the region, some lines go further than others, and some reach their limit earlier.
Deliverables
Deliverables include:
- One 70-to-100-page printed book presenting the reconstructed lineage and containing English transcriptions of the records found.
- One pedigree chart
- One 70-to-150-page booklet containing the original record images (typical number of records found: 15 to 25 (subject to record availability). Please note: This booklet is not included in the service price and is offered on a complimentary basis due to potential copyright and reuse restrictions imposed by archives.
Page counts and the number of records found are good‑faith estimates based on typical outcomes; actual figures depend on what the archives contain and may be higher or lower.
Supplementary items
The following supplementary items may be offered for purchase alongside the core Services:
- Additional Printed Book(s): One to three extra copies of the printed book included as a deliverable of the purchased Service.
1.1.2 Two Surnames
Service overview
This service reconstructs two surname lines (the two parents) of a chosen starting person (male or female) of French origin, or who lived, married, or died in France.
This service includes 15 hours of archival research.
Research scope
The research covers:
- Tracing two direct male lines: the starting person’s father’s line and the starting person’s mother’s father’s line, as far back as records and the research time allow.
- Identifying and recording the spouse of each direct male ancestor without researching her own line.
Key principles
The key principles applicable to this Service are the following:
- In the event of a break in the direct male line (for example, orphans or illegitimacy), we follow the next available line. For example, if a person has only a mother, we follow the father of that mother.
- Research is conducted in French archival sources and delivered in English.
- Research may exceptionally extend to Belgium and Luxembourg.
Research depth
The research depth depends on record availability:
- For a starting person born after late 1800s, the Family Tree research may reach the mid to late 1700s,
- If the starting ancestor is born before 1800s, the Family Tree research may extend into the early 1700s or, in some cases, the late 1600s.
No specific generation count is guaranteed. Depending on the region, some lines go further than others, and some reach their limit earlier.
Deliverables
Deliverables include:
- One 100-to-150 page printed book covering both reconstructed lines and containing English transcriptions of the records found
- One 100-to-200 page booklet containing the original record images (typical number of records found: 30 to 50, subject to record availability) Please note: This booklet is not included in the service price and is offered on a complimentary basis due to potential copyright and reuse restrictions imposed by archives.
- Two pedigree charts, one per reconstructed line
Page counts and the number of records found are good‑faith estimates based on typical outcomes; actual figures depend on what the archives contain and may be higher or lower.
Supplementary items
The following supplementary items may be offered for purchase alongside the core Services:
- Additional Printed Book(s): One to three extra copies of the printed book included as a deliverable of the purchased Service.
1.1.3 Four Surnames
Service overview
This service traces four surname lines of all four grandparents of a chosen starting person (male or female) of French origin, or who lived, married, or died in France.
This service includes 26 hours of archivall research.
Research scope
The research covers:
- Tracing four direct male lines: those of each grandparent (paternal grandfather’s line, paternal grandmother’s father’s line, maternal grandfather’s line, maternal grandmother’s father’s line), as far back as records and the research time allow.
- Identifying and recording the spouse of each direct male ancestor without researching her own line.
Key principles
The keys principles applicable to this Service are the following:
- In the event of a break in the direct male line (for example, orphans or illegitimacy), we follow the next available line. For example, if a person has only a mother, we follow the father of that mother.
- Research is conducted in French archival sources and delivered in English.
- Research may exceptionally extend to Belgium and Luxembourg.
Research depth
The research depth depends on record availability :
- For a starting person born after late 1800s, the Family Tree research may reach the mid to late 1700s,
- If the starting ancestor is born before 1800s, the Family Tree research may extend into the early 1700s or, in some cases, the late 1600s.
No specific generation count is guaranteed. Depending on the region, some lines go further than others, and some reach their limit earlier.
Deliverables
Deliverables include:
- One 120-to-200 page printed book covering all four reconstructed lines and containing English transcriptions of the records found
- One 150-to-200 page booklet containing the original record images. Typical number of records found: 50 to 80 (subject to record availability). Please note: This booklet is not included in the service price and is offered on a complimentary basis due to potential copyright and reuse restrictions imposed by archives.
- Four pedigree charts, one per reconstructed line
Page counts and the number of records found are good‑faith estimates based on typical outcomes; actual figures depend on what the archives contain and may be higher or lower.
Supplementary items
The following supplementary items may be offered for purchase alongside the core Services:
- Additional Printed Book(s): One to three extra copies of the printed book included as a deliverable of the purchased Service.
1.2 Brick Wall Breaker Service
Service overview
The Brick Wall Breaker service is a targeted genealogical investigation designed to resolve a single research impasse and to confirm the identity of a chosen starting person (male or female) of French origin, or who lived, married, or died in France.
This service includes 5 hours of archival research, subject to record availability.
Research scope
The research covers:
- The chosen person
- Identifying their parents
- Additional close relatives may be identified solely for cross-referencing purposes.
Key principles
The key principles applicable to this Service are:
- Research proceeds within the allocated research time.
- Research is conducted in French archival sources and delivered in English.
- Research may exceptionally extend to Belgium and Luxembourg.
Deliverables
Deliverables include:
- A 20-to-50-page digital report (PDF) presenting::
- The known elements about the starting person
- The cross-referenced arguments to justify the findings about the starting person
- The starting person’s documented life events, organised chronologically
- Identified limitations and unresolved issues
- Recommendations for further research
- English transcriptions of the records found.
- A separate digital annex (PDF) containing a Pedigree chart
- A separate digital annex (PDF) containing the original record images. Typical number of records found: 1 to 5 (subject to record availability). Please note: This annex is not included in the service price and is provided on a complimentary basis to comply with potential copyright, licensing, and reuse restrictions imposed by public archives.
Page counts and the number of records found are good‑faith estimates based on typical outcomes; actual figures depend on what the archives contain and may be higher or lower.
The report is delivered electronically (PDF).
1.3 Ancestor Biography Service
Service overview
The Ancestor Biography service creates a detailed account of a single ancestor’s life, assembling known events, family relationships, and historical context of a chosen starting person (male or female) of French origin, or who lived, married, or died in France.
This service includes 6 hours of archival research, subject to record availability.
Research scope
The research covers:
- The starting person’s documented life events
- Their parents
- Their four grandparents
- Their siblings
Key principles
The key principles applicable to this Service are:
- Research proceeds within the allocated research time.
- Research is conducted in French archival sources and delivered in English.
- Research may exceptionally extend to Belgium and Luxembourg.
Deliverables
The deliverables include:
- A 40-to-100 page printed book, containing:
- The starting person’s documented life events, organised chronologically
- English transcriptions of the records found.
- A pedigree chart
- An accompanying booklet containing the original record images. Typical number of records found: 15 to 25 (subject to record availability). Please note: This booklet is not included in the service price and is offered on a complimentary basis due to potential copyright and reuse restrictions imposed by archives.
Page counts and the number of records found are good‑faith estimates based on typical outcomes; actual figures depend on what the archives contain and may be higher or lower.
2. Service Execution
2.1 Optional Consultation
A free 30-minute consultation may be scheduled prior to ordering to:
- discuss research objectives,
- determine service suitability, and
- assess feasibility.
This consultation does not create any contractual obligation.
2.2 Order, Payment and Contract Formation
To order a Service, you place an order through our Website. At checkout, you may be offered the option to pay in full or to pay a 50% deposit (with the balance due before delivery of the final deliverables (see Section 3 for payment terms).
A binding contract between you and ReFrench My Memory is formed when all of the following have occurred:
- you place your order,
- we send you a written order confirmation by email, and
- we receive your full payment or 50% deposit.
2.3 Intake Form and Timeline Start
After your order is confirmed, we provide you with an intake form. This form collects the information we need to begin your research (known names, dates, places, and any relevant documents and familly photographs).
Your project is activated and the estimated research timeline begins once we have received:
- your payment or deposit, and
- your completed intake form.
If the intake form is not returned within 30 days of our request, or if the information you provide is incomplete or inaccurate, we may suspend the project. The timeline will be extended accordingly, and we are not responsible for delays resulting from such circumstances.
2.4 Research Phase
Research is performed within the research time included in your selected Service.
You may contact us during the research phase by email or contact form. One optional scheduled consultation (typically up to 30 minutes) is included. Any additional consultations may be subject to an extra fee, to be agreed in advance.
Our sources
The French departmental online archives form the backbone of genealogical research in France. They cover an exceptional range of documents, including birth, marriage and death records, census returns and military registers.
We also use a French aggregator that indexes records from across the country, as well as newspapers, official gazettes and historical directories.
Additional sources include the national archives, diplomatic archives and public hospital records.
Beyond these, the range of French public historical records available online is remarkably extensive.
2.5 Delivery
Deliverables are provided as follows:
- Brick Wall Breaker: your report is delivered electronically (PDF) to the email address you provided when ordering.
- Ancestor Biography and Family Tree services: the printed book, booklet, and chart(s) are delivered to the postal address you provided when ordering. You may choose to have them sent to a different postal address (for example, as a gift); this must be specified during the ordering process or communicated to us before dispatch.
Detailed delivery terms (shipping, risk, timeframes) are set out in Section 4.
3. Payment and Billing
3.1 Value Added Tax and Other Taxes or Duties
Value Added Tax (VAT)
ReFrench My Memory operates under the French micro-entreprise VAT exemption scheme. In accordance with Article 293 B of the French General Tax Code (CGI), no French VAT is charged on services provided to private (B2C) clients, regardless of their country of residence. All prices displayed are therefore VAT-exempt.
Other Taxes or Duties
Any bank fees, currency conversion charges, or other costs imposed by the Client’s payment provider or local jurisdiction are also the Client’s responsibility and are outside the Company’s control.
3.2 Currency and Price Display
All prices are set and contractually defined in euros (EUR) and the website displays the prices either in Euro, Pound Sterling, US Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Australian Dollar based on geolocation.
The final amount charged is determined by the prevailing exchange rate and any conversion rules applied by the Client’s card issuer.
ReFrench My Memory has no control over exchange rates or currency conversion fees.
3.3 Payment Methods, Options and Terms
Payment Methods
Payments are securely processed via Stripe. ReFrench My Memory:
- does not store credit or debit card details,
- has access to information strictly necessary for order processing and invoicing.
Accepted payment methods include the major credit and debit cards displayed at checkout.
Payment Options
The Client may choose between:
- full payment, or
- a 50% deposit, with the remaining balance due before delivery (as detailed below).
No research work begins before payment or deposit has been received.
Supplementary services (such as Additional Research Time or Additional Printed Books) must be selected and paid for at the time of purchasing the main Service.
Payment Terms
- For services delivered exclusively in digital format (Brick Wall Breaker): the remaining balance must be paid before delivery of the final report.
- For services including printed materials (Ancestor Biography, Family Tree): the remaining balance must be paid before production and shipment.
3.4 Billing and Invoicing
Upon successful payment, you will receive:
- an order confirmation by email, and
- a VAT‑exempt invoice, issued in euros (EUR) and, where applicable, in a foreign currency available at checkout (such as Pound Sterling or US Dollar).
Foreign currency invoices will state:
- the total price in the currency selected at checkout,
- the exchange rate used, and
- the corresponding amount in euros (EUR).
For the avoidance of doubt, the euro amount on the invoice is the amount received by the Company and used for accounting and tax purposes. Any reference to another currency is shown for your convenience and does not alter the contractual euro price.
The invoice is delivered digitally to the email address you provided during the ordering process.
4. Delivery and Shipping
4.1 Digital Delivery
Digital deliverables are delivered electronically (PDF) to the email address you provided during the ordering process
4.2 Printed Deliverables and Shipping
Shipping of printed deliverables is included in the Service price.
Printed deliverables (books, booklets, charts) are printed and shipped by a professional printing partner using a tracked delivery service.
If a package is returned to us because the address you provided was incorrect or incomplete, we will contact you to arrange redelivery.
Any additional shipping costs caused by an address error will be your responsibility and will be communicated to you before we resend the items.
4.3 Import Duties and Local Charges
If your country applies import duties, customs charges, or local taxes on printed materials, these remain your responsibility.
4.4 Transfer of Risk and Delivery Issues
In accordance with Articles L.216-2 and following of the French Consumer Code, the risk of loss of or damage to the printed deliverables passes to you when you (or a third party you designate, other than the carrier) take physical possession of the goods.
If the shipment is lost or damaged before that point, we will replace the affected items or refund you, at our option, at no extra cost.
4.5 Assistance with delivery issues
We ship all printed deliverables using a tracked delivery method with proof of delivery).
If the carrier’s tracking system indicates that your shipment has been delivered but you believe you have not received it, you must:
- notify us within 14 days of the delivery date shown in the tracking system, and
- provide us with any relevant evidence (such as photographs, correspondence with neighbours, or any other relevant information).
We will open a formal investigation with the carrier on your behalf and use reasonable efforts to resolve the matter with you.
Following the carrier’s investigation, if the available evidence indicates that the shipment was correctly delivered, we may decline to issue a replacement or refund.
5. Withdrawal, Cancellation and Refunds
5.1 Statutory right of withdrawal (EU/EEA/UK)
If you are a consumer residing in the European Union, the European Economic Area or the United Kingdom, you may have a statutory right to withdraw from a distance contract within 14 days, without giving any reason and without incurring any costs other than those expressly provided for by law.
For our Services, the 14‑day withdrawal period starts on the day we send you the written order confirmation by email.
To exercise your right of withdrawal, you must send us a clear written statement (for example by email) informing us of your decision to cancel the contract.
- once the Service has been fully performed, your right of withdrawal will end, and
- if you exercise your right of withdrawal before the Service is fully performed, you will be charged a proportionate amount for the work already completed up to the date you tell us you are withdrawing. This amount will be deducted from any refund due.
No research will start before the 14‑day period ends unless you have made this express request. This does not affect your other statutory rights.
5.1.1 Nature of our services
Our Services combine:
- professional genealogical research and report drafting (a service), and
- the creation and delivery of printed books, booklets and charts that are custom‑made for you and based on your own family history (personalised goods).
Because of this, different rules apply depending on the stage your project has reached when you exercise your right of withdrawal.
5.1.2 Withdrawal before any work has started
If you exercise your right of withdrawal within the 14‑day cooling‑off period before we have started any research or production work on your project, we will refund all amounts you have paid for the Service.
The refund will be made using the same payment method you used for the original transaction, unless we agree otherwise.
5.1.3 Withdrawal after research has started
If you ask us to start work on your project during the 14‑day cooling‑off period, you acknowledge that:
- the Service will begin before the end of the statutory withdrawal period, and
- if you subsequently exercise your right of withdrawal, you will be required to pay an amount proportionate to the work already performed up to the time you notify us of your withdrawal.
the Service will begin before the end of the statutory withdrawal period, and
In that case, we will:
- calculate the value of the research and drafting work already carried out (for example, based on the hours of research completed and any reports or materials already prepared), and
- refund the difference between the total price paid and the value of that work.
5.1.4 Personalised printed deliverables
The printed books, booklets and charts you receive as part of the Family Tree and Ancestor Biography Services are personalised goods, produced uniquely for you, based on your specific family information and research results. They cannot be resold or reused for another client.
In line with consumer law on personalised goods, once the production of your printed deliverables has started (for example, once the book design has been sent to print), you no longer have a right of withdrawal in respect of those printed items.
If you exercise your right of withdrawal after the printed items have entered production, we will:
- retain the portion of the price corresponding to the personalised printed deliverables, and
- refund any remaining amount relating to research work not yet carried out, if applicable.
5.1.5 Withdrawal after full performance of the Service
If, at your express request, we fully perform the Service (including the research work and, where applicable, the preparation and dispatch of your personalised printed deliverables) before the end of the 14‑day cooling‑off period, you will lose your statutory right of withdrawal once the Service has been fully performed.
By placing an order and asking us to begin work before the end of the cooling‑off period, you agree that:
- you will not be able to cancel the contract once the Service has been fully delivered.
- we may complete the Service within this period where feasible, and
5.1.6 Practical information on cancellation
To help us process your request quickly, please include in your withdrawal notice:
- your full name,
- your email address used for the order,
- the order number, and
- the name of the Service you purchased.
We will confirm receipt of your withdrawal request by email and inform you of any amounts due or any refund to be made in accordance with this section.
5.2 Supplementary Services
Once purchased, supplementary services (Additional Printed Books) become an integral part of your Service contract. Any extra books will be produced and shipped alongside the primary deliverables.
If you cancel the main Service, refunds for supplementary services will be evaluated together with the main Service payment.
5.3 Infeasibility
If, after work has begun, we determine that the requested research is not feasible, we will notify you and refund you for the portion of the Service not yet performed.
5.4 Exceptional Infeasibility and Interruptions
If, after work has started, unforeseen and objective obstacles make continuation genuinely impossible (for example, destruction of essential records, unresolvable legal restrictions, major technical failures, or force majeure), we will:
- notify you promptly;
- deliver work completed up to that point where appropriate; and
- issue a partial refund or waive any remaining balance, applying the same pro‑rata principle as in Sections 5.1 and 5.2.
5.5 Processing of Approved Refunds
All approved refunds are processed to the original payment method within 14 business days. Any additional delays caused by banks or card issuers are outside our control.
5.6 Our Right to Refuse, Suspend, or Terminate
We may refuse to provide Services, suspend performance, or terminate the contract if you:
- breach these Terms;
- engage in abusive, harmful, or fraudulent conduct; or
- make continued performance impossible or unsafe (including repeated harassment or bad-faith conduct).
Where reasonably possible, we will notify you and, if appropriate, ask you to correct the issue. We may terminate immediately where the situation is serious (for example: threats, harassment, fraud, or attempted misuse of systems).
If we terminate before archival research begins, we will refund amounts paid for Services not performed.
If termination happens after research begins (from day 15 onward), we may:
- provide the work completed up to termination (where appropriate), and
- apply a time-based pro-rata approach to any partial refund for research time not performed, and/or if you paid a deposit, waive the remaining balance (meaning we will not request the second payment), subject to applicable law and the circumstances.
If termination results from abusive, fraudulent, or bad-faith conduct, we may reduce or withhold any refund to reflect:
- research time already performed, and
- non-recoverable costs already incurred (for example, printing or shipping costs already committed).
Nothing in this Section affects your mandatory statutory rights.
6. Responsibilities
6.1. Our Responsibilities
We will:
- perform the Services with reasonable skill, care, and diligence, in accordance with accepted genealogical research standards;
- treat your personal and family information as confidential, in line with our Privacy Policy;
- keep you reasonably informed of significant developments during the research phase, through the communication channels described in Section 2;
- deliver the deliverables described in your chosen Service within the estimated timeline, unless prevented by circumstances beyond our reasonable control (as set out in these Terms);
- clearly explain any limitations, uncertainties, or obstacles we encounter where these affect the results.
6.2 Your Responsibilities
To help your project run smoothly and to protect everyone involved, we ask you to observe the following responsibilities.
Accuracy of the Information You Provide
You agree to provide information that is accurate and complete to the best of your knowledge. If key details are missing or incorrect, the project may take longer, and the results may be limited. If we need clarification to continue, we may contact you during the project.
Permissions, Privacy, and Third Parties
You confirm that you have the right to share the materials you send us (for example, scans, photos, letters, and family documents). Genealogical research can involve information about living or recently deceased people. You agree to use the Deliverables responsibly and in line with privacy laws and the rights of others. Your personal data is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Personal and Family Use
Our Services and Deliverables are intended for your personal and family use. You agree not to use them for unlawful purposes or to infringe anyone’s rights (including intellectual property rights, privacy rights, and defamation laws).
Good-Faith Communication
We aim to provide a respectful and supportive experience. You agree to communicate in good faith and not to engage in abusive, hostile, threatening, or fraudulent behaviour toward us or anyone working with us.
Emotional Preparedness
Genealogical research can sometimes uncover sensitive or unexpected information (for example, family secrets, adoption, illegitimacy, or difficult historical events). By purchasing a Service, you acknowledge that discoveries may be emotionally impactful and that outcomes cannot be fully predicted.
When Posting Content
If you post content, you agree that:
– your content must comply with these Terms;
– your content must not be illegal, defamatory, abusive, or misleading;
– your content must not infringe anyone’s rights (including intellectual property, privacy, or personality rights); and
– you are responsible for what you post.
We may review, remove, edit, or refuse content where we believe it is inappropriate, unlawful, or in breach of these Terms.
Views expressed by users do not necessarily reflect our views.
7. Limitation of Liability
We take our work seriously and apply due care and professional diligence. At the same time, genealogical research depends on historical records and third parties, which means some limits are unavoidable.
7.1 Obligation of Means
The Services we provide are subject to an obligation of means. We commit to using all reasonable skill, care and professional diligence expected of an experienced professional genealogist to pursue the agreed research objectives.
Because genealogical research depends on historical records that may be incomplete, lost, or inaccessible, we cannot promise that:
- a research impasse will be resolved;
- a specific ancestor will be identified;
- a lineage will be proven to your expectations; or
- results will be complete or conclusive.
While we apply professional diligence, interpreting centuries‑old handwritten records is inherently complex and may occasionally result in errors or omissions despite the care exercised. If we discover a material error, we will correct it at no charge and inform you promptly.
Partial, inconclusive, or negative results are an inherent possibility and do not, in themselves, constitute a breach of contract, provided we have performed the Services with the required care and diligence.
7.2 Historical Opinions
Genealogical conclusions are based on the evidence reasonably available at the time the research is carried out. Future discoveries, newly indexed records, DNA evidence, or newly accessible archives may lead to different conclusions. Unless expressly agreed otherwise, we are under no obligation to revisit, update or revise previously delivered reports in light of later discoveries.
7.2 Liability Cap
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, our total liability for any claim arising out of or relating to the relevant Service is limited to the amount you actually paid for that Service.
This limitation does not apply to:
- liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence;
- wilful misconduct or gross negligence; or
- any liability that cannot be excluded or limited under mandatory consumer law.
7.3 External Record Limitations
Our conclusions depend on records held by third‑party institutions. Results may be limited by factors beyond our control, including:
- missing, destroyed, damaged, or illegible records;
- restricted access;
- indexing or cataloguing errors;
- delays imposed by archives or authorities.
7.4 Reliability of Historical Sources
Historical records may contain errors or inconsistencies. Where information is unclear or contradictory and cannot be resolved, we will explain these limits in the Deliverables.
7.5 Third-Party Services
We are not responsible for delays or failures caused by archives, public authorities, or other third parties outside our reasonable control.
Where printing or shipping is carried out by a professional service provider engaged by us, we remain your contractual point of contact and will use reasonable efforts to resolve any printing or delivery issue on your behalf.
7.6 Indirect and Moral Damages
To the extent permitted by applicable law, we shall not be liable for indirect, special, or consequential losses arising from the Services, including loss of opportunity or non‑material damage, unless caused by our wilful misconduct or gross negligence. Nothing in this clause excludes or limits any liability that cannot be excluded under mandatory consumer law.
7.7 Force Majeure
We are not liable for delays or failure to perform caused by force majeure events beyond our reasonable control. If such an event makes performance impossible for a sustained period, either party may terminate the contract. Refunds or balance waivers, where applicable, follow the time‑based pro‑rata principles set out in Section 5.
8. Resolving Concerns
8.1 Governing Law
These Terms are governed by French law. If you are a consumer residing in the European Union, United Kingdom, or another jurisdiction with mandatory consumer protections, those protections apply in addition to French law where they provide you with greater rights.
8.2 First Step: Contact Us
If an issue arises, please contact us first so we can try to resolve it amicably:
We will make a good-faith effort to address your concerns promptly.
8.3 Consumer Mediation
In accordance with Article L. 612-1 of the French Consumer Code (*Code de la consommation*), and subject to Article L. 612-2 of the same Code, you have the right to submit a dispute for amicable resolution through a mediation process within one year from the date of your written complaint to us.
We have designated SAS Médiation Solution as its consumer mediation entity, under membership registration number 18765/VM/2605.
To contact the mediator and initiate the process, you must submit your request:
- By post: SAS Médiation Solution, 222 chemin de la bergerie, 01800 Saint Jean de Niost, France
- By email:
- Online: By filling out the “Saisir le médiateur” (Contact the mediator) form on the official website: https://www.sasmediationsolution-conso.fr
Regardless of the method used, your request must imperatively contain:
- Your postal, telephone, and email contact details;
- The name, address, and registration number of the professional concerned ( Isabelle Nichele EI, 1 rue Marguerin, 75014 Paris, France – Registration No. 18765/VM/2605);
- A brief statement of the facts;
- A copy of the prior written complaint sent to us;
- Any supporting documents to help investigate the claim (such as your order confirmation, invoice, or proof of payment).
8.4 Where Claims Can Be Brought (Jurisdiction)
EU Consumers
If you are an EU consumer, you may bring a claim in the courts of the EU Member State where you reside, and you keep any mandatory rights and remedies under your local consumer protection laws. You may also use the European Commission’s Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) platform: https://ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr/
Non‐EU Consumers
Except where prohibited by law, disputes are subject to the jurisdiction of the competent courts of France.
9. Intellectual Property
9.1 Company Ownership
All intellectual property rights in the Deliverables — including the written narrative, pedigree charts, translations, layout, and any original analysis or commentary — are and remain the exclusive property of ReFrench My Memory. This includes copyright and all related rights.
All content on our Website (text, images, design, logos, and other materials) is also our intellectual property or used under licence. You may not copy, reproduce, modify, publish, or distribute Website content without our prior written permission, except where the law allows.
9.2 Your Licence to Use
Upon full payment, we grant you a non‑exclusive, perpetual, worldwide, royalty‑free licence to use, reproduce, and share the Deliverables for your personal and family purposes. You may:
- keep digital and printed copies for your own records,
- share copies with family members,
- use the information in your own personal family history projects.
You may not:
- sell, license, or commercially exploit the Deliverables (or any part of them) without our prior written consent,
- remove or alter any attribution or copyright notice we include.
9.3 Raw Archival Records
Original archival records (for example, scans of civil registers) are public historical documents and are not subject to our copyright. Their inclusion in the Deliverables does not change their public status. Our original work (the research, analysis, selection, translation, and presentation) remains protected as described above.
9.5 Third-Party Content and Licences
Some content on our Website may come from third parties, including:
- Creative Commons licensed images/videos, and/or
- public domain materials, and/or
- content created using AI tools.
Where applicable, we respect third-party licence terms (including attribution requirements).
If you believe any content on our Website infringes your intellectual property rights, please contact us at with enough information for us to investigate.
10. Changes to These Terms
We may update these Terms from time to time, for example to reflect changes in our Services, legal requirements, or business practices.
When we make changes, we will:
- post the updated version on our Website, and
- update the “Effective date” at the top of the Terms
If you have an ongoing project, the version of the Terms in effect at the time your contract was formed will continue to apply to that project, unless we agree otherwise or the change is required by law.
We encourage you to check the Terms periodically if you plan to order a new Service.
11. Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by a competent court, that provision will be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid and enforceable, while preserving its original intent as closely as possible. If modification is not possible, the provision will be severed. The validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions will not be affected.
12. Entire Agreement
These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and ReFrench My Memory regarding the Services and replace any prior oral or written communications, understandings, or agreements.
No statement, representation, or promise made outside these documents forms part of the contract unless it is confirmed in writing by us.
