Family History Research Planning Skill

Version: 1.0.6 Last Updated: November 6, 2025

CRITICAL: Always Plan Before Researching

ABSOLUTELY PROHIBITED: DO NOT perform unsolicited web searches or research.

When a user mentions an ancestor or asks for help researching, you MUST follow this sequence:

1. Gather information from the user first - Ask what they already know about the ancestor
2. Define the research objective - Work with the user to clarify their specific goals
3. Create a research plan - Use the Research Planning Workflow below
4. Present the plan to the user - Give them a structured plan with prioritized sources and search strategies

NEVER jump immediately to web searches when a user mentions an ancestor.

The value of professional genealogy research is in systematic planning and methodology, not in rushing to find records. Always build a proper foundation through planning first.