The relationship type shows the kind of relationship that exists between two people. For example, a parent and child could be related biologically, through adoption, or as a stepfamily, and two people with a child can be spouses, partners, friends, or more.
When you link a child to a parent, we label it as a biological relationship unless you change it. When you connect two people with a child, we label their relationship as spouses unless you change it.
Changing relationship types
- Go to your tree, find, and click on someone with a relationship you want to change.
- In the opened card, click Profile.
- In the top-right corner of their profile page, click Edit and then choose Edit Relationships.
- Next to the other person, click the current relationship and choose the correct type of relationship.
Current relationship types between parents and children:
- Biological
- Adopted
- Step
- Foster
- Related
- Guardian
- Private
- Unknown
Current relationship types between two people with a child:
- Spouse
- Partner
- Friend
- Single
- Other
- Unknown
Frequently asked questions
How do I label half-siblings and stepsiblings?
Half-siblings and stepsiblings are labeled by how you add them to the family tree. For help adding them, see Siblings, Half-Siblings, and Stepsiblings in Family Trees.
How do I fix people who are connected incorrectly?
You can fix relationship mistakes in your tree by disconnecting them from the wrong relationships and linking them correctly. This won’t delete them. For help, see Fixing Relationships in Trees.
