This autumn, FamilySearch released a new feature called “Other Relationships.” It allows you to record many types of non-familial relationships, such as those arising from slavery or other associations such as neighbors and employers. You can also use it to record family members for whom you do not yet know the exact relationship when there is a gap in the family tree. The “Other Relationships” section is below the family relationships section.
"Other Relationships" is a powerful tool to help with some types of research. According to FamilySearch, here are some great uses for this new tool:
"1. Slavery. Unique identification of people is important in genealogical research. For enslaved persons, the identity of slaveholders is important in differentiating one person from another.2. Cluster migration. Historically, people did not migrate very far alone. People from church congregations, neighborhoods and extended families often moved together or in succession.3. FAN Club. Elizabeth Shown Mills coined the name FAN club as a mnemonic for collaterals of elusive ancestors who you should be researching: friends, associates, and neighbors. Researching your ancestor’s FAN club can lead to records and evidence about your ancestor that might otherwise go undiscovered. AKA Collateral or cluster research."
For more information about Other Relationships, in the Help Center see “What is the Other Relationships feature in Family Tree?”