About us
Genealogical research
In 1955, Jacqueline Bataille began researching the family history of her husband Jacques Willemot.
Family passion
This interest was passed on to her children and gradually evolved into specialised family genealogy.
Through the generations
The family has since written several articles and books on the subject.
Estates
Since 2008, the family has continued this tradition professionally, specialising in the tracing and identification of heirs in estates.
Geritance
Early 2024, the decision was made to incorporate this passion into a company called ‘Geritance’. This marked a commitment to a clear structure, professional development and strengthening our position within the probate genealogy sector in Belgium.
Genealogical research since 1955
The genealogical expertise of Geritance has its roots in a family passion in Mariakerke, Ghent.
In 1955, Jacqueline Bataille began researching the family of her husband Jacques Willemot. What started as a personal interest quickly grew into an in-depth knowledge of archives, family history and methodical genealogical research.
This passion led to the writing of a book with her son: “Histoire et Album de la famille Willemot de Gand de 1725 à 2003”.
Through the generations
This interest was passed on to her children and gradually evolved into specialised family genealogy.
The family has since written several articles and books on the subject, including (see here).
Estates
Since 2008, the family has continued this tradition professionally, specialising in the tracing and identification of heirs in estates across Belgium. This makes our family one of the oldest Belgian genealogical firms without French influence.
Over the years, this work has evolved from an individual expertise into a structured and recognised professional activity.
- « De familie Delva (tak Wervik) » (La famille Delva (branche Wervicq), O.G. Willemot, dans : Verslagen en Medelingen van de Stedelijke Oudheidkundige Commissie Wervik, Jaarboek/Annuaire 1983, p. 47-69.
- Jan-Baptiste Van Overbeke, burgemeester van Hansbeke (1847-1860) en zijn nakomelingen. (“Jean-Baptiste Van Overbeke, maire de Hansbeke (1847-1860) et ses descendants », M.T. Van Hecke & O.G. Willemot, Het Land van Nevele, juni 1985, p. 87-101, september-december 1985, p. 169-186, juni 1986, p. 130-146.
- Familia Van Overbeke ex Hansbeke 1784-1987, Famille Van Overbeke, O.G. Willemot, Gand, 1987, 166 p.
- Enkele bijkomende gegevens over de familie van dokter Jacobus Joannes de Schepper, Quelques renseignements complémentaires sur la famille du docteur Jacques Jean De Schepper, O.G. Willemot, Vlaamse Stam, 1989, n°7-8, p. 393-394.
- Schets van de familie Storme te Desselgem, Wakken en Waregem, Croquis de la famille Storme de Desselgem, Wakken et Waregem, O.G. Willemot, Waregemse Geschied- en Heemkundige Kring De Gaverstreke, Jaarboek 1993, p. 291-326
- Boulez, oud Waregems geslacht, met afstamming in de families Damman, Amelot, Brasseur, Storme, Boulez, ancienne lignée familiale avec descendance dans les familles Damman, Amelot, Brasseur, Storme, O.G. Willemot, Waregemse Geschied- en Heemkundige Kring De Gaverstreke, Jaarboek/Annuaire1995, p. 441-652.
- Histoire et Album de la famille Willemot de Gand de 1725 à 2003, avec en addendum: Album et descendance de Léon Ingeveld et Marie-Thérèse
- Haseleer d’Audenaerde, J. Willemot & O.G. Willemot, Gand, 2003.
Geritance
Early 2024, we decided to incorporate this profession into a company called ‘Geritance’. This marked a commitment to a clearer structure, professional development and the strengthening of our position within the probate genealogy sector.
We are the third generation dedicated to genealogical research. What began as a passion with my grandparents, tracing families in Flanders, grew into a professional commitment across Belgium, which our team now pursues internationally.
Eddy, from genealogist to cherished colleague
Eddy has been working with us on genealogical files since 2011. Thanks to his many years of experience, his thorough knowledge of archives and his meticulous working method, he makes a valuable contribution to our research. His dedication and expertise ensure the smooth and timely completion of cases.
Our research team continues to grow
Since September 2025, we have been working together with Guillaume.
As a genealogist, Guillaume conducts archival research,
draws up genealogical reports and maintains contact with heirs and municipalities.
The services he offers are fully in line with our vision and working methodology.
