Ever wondered how to handle this situation? Read on. Cher TipWorld - http://www.tipworld.com The Internet's #1 Source for Computer Tips, News, and Gossip Proudly presents: Genealogy RECORDING ILLEGITIMATE OR ADOPTED CHILDREN ON A FAMILY GROUP SHEET Many families have illegitimate or adopted children. Plotting the names of these children on a family group sheet can be a bit of a challenge. Most genealogy programs, including Family Tree Maker, give you the option of choosing additional relationships on a family group sheet. If a woman had a child from a prior relationship (whether married or not), choose Additional Spouse and add another family group sheet that names the father (sometimes left simply as "?") and the child who does not belong in the family "blood" group. You can then designate the relationship as Friends, Married, or Other. If a child is adopted and you consider him or her to be a blood relative or an absolute part of your family, include the child with the other children on the regular family group sheet. Be certain to include a note saying that the child was adopted, and provide as much information as possible so that others can search for more details if they need to. When you print the reports, the illegitimate or adopted children (if listed on a separate group sheet) will appear with the appropriate notes. The case is the same with the Additional Spouse option. --by Diana J. Muir ---------------------------------------------- Born and raised in Iowa, Diana Muir began studying genealogy at the age of 18 and has subsequently taught genealogy and conducted research for 30 years. Specializing in the Midwestern United States, she has also done extensive research in Southern and Eastern States, as well as England and Ireland. Diana operates an online K-12 and post-secondary school on the Internet, Porta School, Inc., and maintains her own Web page--Mother Hubbard's Cupboard--at http://www.rootsweb.com/~genclass/ which offers eight online genealogy courses.