How to Show Divorce on Ancestry
When researching your family history, it’s important to accurately represent the various aspects of your ancestors’ lives, including their relationships and marital status. Divorce is a significant event that can greatly impact your family tree. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to show divorce on Ancestry, along with some frequently asked questions to help you navigate this process.
1. Research and gather evidence: Begin by gathering all relevant divorce documents, such as divorce decrees, court records, or newspaper articles. These will serve as evidence to support your claim of divorce.
2. Create an individual profile: Go to your ancestor’s profile on Ancestry and create an individual profile if one doesn’t already exist. This will allow you to document their divorce separately from their marriage.
3. Add divorce event: On the individual profile page, click on “Add” and select “Event.” Choose “Divorce” from the drop-down menu and enter the date, place, and any additional details you have about the divorce.
4. Upload supporting documents: To provide evidence of the divorce, you can upload scanned copies or digital images of the relevant documents. Click on “Add” and select “Media” to attach the files to the divorce event.
5. Connect family members: If your ancestor had children from the marriage, make sure to link them to both parents. This will accurately represent their familial relationships.
6. Update marital status: On the individual profile page, update your ancestor’s marital status to reflect their divorce. Change it from “Married” to “Divorced” and enter the divorce date.
7. Include divorce in narratives: Ancestry allows you to create narratives for your ancestors. Mention the divorce in their life story, highlighting the impact it had on their family dynamics.
8. Share with family: Once you have updated the divorce information, share the updated family tree with your relatives. This ensures that everyone has access to the most accurate and complete version of your family history.
9. Privacy considerations: If the divorce is a sensitive topic, you may want to consider adjusting the privacy settings for the individuals involved. This will restrict the visibility of certain details to only those you choose to share it with.
FAQs about Showing Divorce on Ancestry:
1. Can I show multiple divorces for an individual?
Yes, you can add multiple divorce events for an individual if they were divorced more than once. Simply repeat the steps outlined above for each divorce.
2. Can I add a divorce event for a couple who separated but never legally divorced?
Ancestry primarily focuses on legal divorces. However, you can create a custom event or note to document a separation if it significantly impacted the family.
3. What if I don’t have any divorce documents?
While having official divorce documents is ideal, you can still add a divorce event based on oral family history or other sources. Clearly mention the lack of official documentation in your notes.
4. Can I add a divorce event for historical ancestors?
Yes, you can add divorce events for historical ancestors as long as you have credible evidence to support it. This could include legal records, newspaper articles, or family documents.
5. Should I include divorce events for living individuals?
It’s generally best to respect the privacy of living individuals and not include divorce events without their consent. Remember to always prioritize privacy and sensitivity.
6. Can I undo or delete a divorce event?
Yes, you can edit or delete a divorce event if you made a mistake or no longer wish to include it. Simply go to the individual’s profile, click on the divorce event, and select the appropriate option.
7. Will divorce events affect DNA matches?
Divorce events themselves do not directly affect DNA matches. However, updating marital statuses may help refine relationship estimates with DNA matches.
8. Can I search specifically for divorced individuals on Ancestry?
Ancestry does not have a specific search filter for divorced individuals. However, you can use keywords or advanced search options to look for divorce-related records or mentions.
9. How can I ensure my divorce events are accurate?
Always strive to gather the most reliable and verifiable evidence when adding divorce events. Cross-referencing multiple sources can help ensure accuracy in your family tree.
By following these steps and understanding the nuances of documenting divorce on Ancestry, you can ensure that your family tree accurately reflects the complexities of your ancestors’ lives. Remember to keep privacy and sensitivity in mind while sharing this information with family members.