diff --git a/gramps/src/GrampsParser.py b/gramps/src/GrampsParser.py
index d1792c8f0..f5d519368 100644
--- a/gramps/src/GrampsParser.py
+++ b/gramps/src/GrampsParser.py
@@ -278,6 +278,8 @@ class GrampsParser(handler.ContentHandler):
         self.family = self.db.findFamilyNoMap(u2l(attrs["id"]))
         if attrs.has_key("type"):
             self.family.setRelationship(u2l(attrs["type"]))
+        else:
+            self.family.setRelationship("")
 
     #---------------------------------------------------------------------
     #