Biological, step, adopted, and foster relationships in Family Tree

The relationship type identifies the relationship of a child to a parent. Currently, Family Tree provides 5 relationship types:

• Adopted
• Biological
• Guardianship
• Foster
• Step

When you link a child to a parent, Family Tree assumes the relationship is biological. If it is not, you can change it.

Steps (website)

1. In the top menu, click Family Tree, and then click Tree.
2. Find the child of the relationship you want to edit.
3. Click the child's name. In the details that pop-up, click the child's name again. You will be taken to that person’s page.
4. Click the Details tab.
5. Scroll to the Family Members section.
6. Under Parents and Siblings, find the child's name, and click the Edit icon
   
   1. If a relationship shows, click Edit for a parent. Click the down arrow to see the choices. Click the correct relationship. Explain the reason for your change, and then click Save. You can also click Delete and remove the relationship type.
   2. When you see no relationship type, click Add Relationship Type. Select a relationship type, explain the reason for your change, and click Save.
   3. To see a summary of all relationship details for the child, click Tools, then click See All Changes.

Steps (mobile app)

1. In the Family Tree mobile app, navigate to the Person page of the child with the incorrect relationship type.
2. Tap the Parents tab.
3. Find the child's name, and tap the edit icon.
4. Tap the drop-down arrow for either parent to view the current relationship type. 
   
   • To change the current relationship type, tap Edit.
   • To remove the current relationship type, tap Delete Relationship Type.
   • To enter a relationship type, click Add Relationship Type.
5. Tap the down arrow for Relationship type. Tap the correct relationship.
6. Explain the reason for your change, and tap Save.

Steps (Family Tree Lite)

1. Sign in to Family Tree Lite.
2. Navigate to the Person page of the child with the incorrect parents.
3. Under the individual's name, tap View Family.
4. Under Parents and Siblings, find the child's name, and tap the Edit icon.
   
   • To change the current relationship type, tap it. Tap Edit. Tap the down arrow and then tap the relationship. You can add a date for an event that created the relationship. Explain the reason for your change, and tap Save.
   • If you see not relationship, tap Add Relationship Type. Select a relationship type, explain the reason for your change, and then click Save.

Related articles

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How do I add or change marriage information in Family Tree?
How do I undo an incorrect change in Family Tree?
How do I add step, adopted, and foster parents to a child in Family Tree?