Okay. So, the solution to my problem is probably very simple, but I can not figure it out.

I am working with the sample Contacts solution that comes with FMP8. I want to be able to track families with this database. Thus, I want to be able to add one or more "family members" (i.e. Spouse, Child) to each record.

Right now, I have each individual (Parents and Children) entered as individual records, with individual Contact IDs (assigned by the database). I do not know how to assign a "Family ID," and make the database work so that:

1. Instead of entering each individual as a separate record, I start by entering the "Head of Household"

2. Then, I enter other family members from a "Family View"

3. But still have a "Main View" that shows everyone that is in the database, regardless of how they are classified.

I hope this was clear, and I would appreciate any help possible. Thank you.

Here's an example file that illustrates one way to do this. Basically, you create a Family_ID field that links together all records with the same value in that field. If a record is created from scratch, the Family_ID field is set to the same value as the Contact_ID. Any contacts created via the relationship displayed in the Family portal (by adding contacts to the last row of the portal) will have the same Family_ID as the records from which they were created.

Contact_Management.fp7.zip

Reed,

Thank you very much. This is exactly what I'm looking for. I'm going to try and figure out how to "copy" what you've done, and work it into the file I'm using. If you have any suggestions, I would love to hear them. Otherwise, I think I'm good.

Again, thanks--and blessings,

Tony.

Reed,

Just to let you know, I've got my file working! Thank You Very Much!