Define the connection
Distinguish household, adoptive, step, biological and chosen-family relationships where relevant. Use language people choose for themselves. Do not force every meaningful relationship into one kind of line.
Add a source note
Explain whether a connection comes from a conversation, document or unverified suggestion. Use a dotted line for a hypothesis. Keep sensitive information about living people in a private version.
Review together
Let relatives correct their details and choose what can be shared. Keep earlier notes rather than silently rewriting the record. The aim is a usable map of context, not a public inventory of everyone connected to the family.
Further reading
For source material and collection context, visit US National Archives: family research. Check the collection’s own scope and access instructions before relying on it.