How to Show an Affair in a Genogram
Affairs sit at the intersection of structure (a partnership existed) and dynamics (its meaning for the family) — which is why genograms give them their own line rather than hiding them.
The notation
The affair line
A dashed or otherwise distinct partnership line connecting the two people involved, drawn in addition to any existing marriage lines. Dates or duration can be annotated.
Children from an affair
A child of the affair hangs from the affair line exactly as children hang from marriage lines — this is how genograms keep complex families honest and readable.
When it ends a marriage
Combined notations exist: an affair line alongside a marriage line carrying separation or divorce slashes tells the sequence at a glance.
How to draw it in GenogramAI
- 1Connect the two people with a relationship line and choose Affair as the type
- 2GenogramAI also has combined Affair/Separation and Affair/Divorce types for when the affair and the marriage outcome belong together
- 3Children can be added to the affair relationship like any other partnership
Frequently asked questions
Is there a standard genogram symbol for an affair?
Common practice draws a dashed or visually distinct partnership line between the two people, separate from marriage lines. What matters is that it’s distinguishable and, ideally, dated.
How do I show a child born from an affair?
Hang the child from the affair line, exactly as children hang from a marriage line. Each child connects to their actual biological parents.
How do I show an affair that led to divorce?
Keep the marriage line with divorce slashes and dates, and draw the affair line with its own dates. Tools like GenogramAI also offer combined Affair/Divorce relationship types.
Draw it correctly, automatically
GenogramAI renders standard notation for you — describe your family and the symbols come out right.
Start free — no credit card