diff --git a/src/RelLib/_Person.py b/src/RelLib/_Person.py
index a88c60bad..4f33af318 100644
--- a/src/RelLib/_Person.py
+++ b/src/RelLib/_Person.py
@@ -690,7 +690,9 @@ class Person(PrimaryObject,SourceBase,NoteBase,MediaBase,
             Person's L{Family} list.
         @type family_handle: str
         """
-        self.parent_family_list.append((family_handle, mrel, frel))
+        if type(family_handle) not in (str ,unicode ):
+            raise ValueError("expecting handle")
+        self.parent_family_list.append(family_handle)
 
     def clear_parent_family_handle_list(self):
         """