Fixing a name linked incorrectly in historical records' relationships

Sometimes a name can get added to the wrong record in the transcription. To correct this error, go to the record where the relationship belongs and edit the transcription.

During that process, you remove existing relationships for the name in question. When you remove the existing relationships, the system moves the name to the right record.

If you make a mistake as you create or edit a relationship, go to the Change History for the name and undo your work.

Before you start

Editing options vary among the record collections on FamilySearch. Determine whether the record you want to edit allows full editing.

  1. Start from a record details page (the page showing the indexed data), in Explore Historical Images, open the image index:
    • If you are viewing a list of search results, click the icon that looks like a sheet of lined paper.
    • From an image on Explore Historical Images, click the Image Index heading.
    • From a record image (not on Explore Historical Images), below the image, find the image index. Find the name in the index. To the left of the entry, click the icon that looks like a sheet of lined paper.
  2. At the top of the record details page, click Edit.
    • If you cannot edit the record, Edit is grayed out.
    • You could see a pop-up box with buttons for edits. If you see the pop-up box, editing is limited. Use How do I correct transcription errors in historical records?
    • Website or mobile app on a device such as a tablet: You see a new screen with the image of the record on the left and a transcription panel on the right. The record is fully editable. Continue with the steps.
    • Mobile app on a smart-phone: You see a new screen with the image of the record and a transcription panel below the image. The record is fully editable. Continue with the steps.

Steps (website or mobile)

  1. In the transcription panel to the right or below the image, click the pencil icon next to Relationships.
  2. To create a relationship, click Add or Remove Fields.
  3. In the pop-up box, click the relationship type you would like to create, and click Save fields.
  4. In the relationship field you added, click the drop-down arrow, and click the name you want to add.
  5. Read the message that appears about removing existing relationships, and click Remove Relationships. The system removes the name that is connected another record and connects it with the record you are viewing.
  6. Click Save.

New Records Page: How do I edit data that has been incorrectly transcribed or indexed?
How do I correct relationships in the transcription of a historical record?
What is the difference between a record and an image?
How do I edit a linked surname in historical records?
How do I correct or add a relationship name when the name appears on a different image of the record?
What is a principal name in a historical record?

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