Start with what a record actually says

A family tree can show uncertainty by separating a record’s statement from a researcher’s conclusion. Two people with similar names may be different individuals, especially when names have several spellings across Punjabi scripts and English records. A census, certificate or family story should be connected to the person only after comparing dates, places and relationships. FamilySearch recommends checking how well a source matches the details already known. A match on one name alone is a clue, not proof. Keep alternative spellings and the original wording so a later reader can understand how the identification was made.[1]

Show conflicting evidence

Suppose a relative remembers a birth around 1930 but a later record gives 1932. Record both claims with their sources and note who supplied the information and when. Ancestry’s guidance recommends keeping citations and writing a conclusion when evidence conflicts; a short note such as ‘birth year uncertain’ is more useful than silently choosing a date. Consider whether two records are independent or whether one copied the other. A death record may be valuable for a death date while its birth information depends on another person’s knowledge. More research can strengthen or revise the conclusion.[2]

Leave a trail another person can follow

The UK National Archives explains how to cite records and catalogue entries so others can locate the material. Record the archive, collection reference, item, date and relevant page or image, along with a link where appropriate. An archive catalogue describes a record; if you only read the catalogue, say so instead of claiming to have examined the document itself. For an unverified parent, use a note or a clearly marked tentative connection and keep the competing possibilities visible. Respect the privacy of living relatives when sharing a tree. Honest gaps make future corrections easier and protect the difference between family memory and documented evidence.[3]

Sources & notes

Source records include access dates and, where known, limits on what was examined. Checks used AI assistance; independent human or specialist review has not been completed.

  1. FamilySearch. Determining in Source Linker if a source matches your ancestor ↗Written source · Source date: publication date not established · Locator: Matching records to individuals. Accessed 2026-11-03.Guidance inspected through indexed text; direct access redirected to an inaccessible page.Return to Start with what a record actually says, paragraph 1 ↑
  2. Ancestry. Ensuring Your Tree is Accurate ↗Written source · Source date: publication date not established · Locator: Cite your sources; Resolve conflicting evidence; Write down your conclusions. Accessed 2026-11-04.The guidance text was inspected. Its examples illustrate a research method; no particular family relationship was checked.Return to Show conflicting evidence, paragraph 1 ↑
  3. The National Archives. Citing records in The National Archives ↗Written source · Source date: publication date not established · Locator: Citing records and catalogues. Accessed 2026-11-03.Catalogue citation guidance indexed; direct retrieval returned 403 in this check.Return to Leave a trail another person can follow, paragraph 1 ↑
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Record PH-JOU-0088 · English edition · human review not performed