Keep in mind that when you write things about family members that are true but not positive, you could alienate your family members.
Decide if it is more important to you to write the truth or keep relationships.
If you must write the truth, talk to the person first. Let them know that you are going to write about them and what you plan to write. Discuss with them why you must write this. After you have their reaction, decide if you still plan to write it.
Remember that even if a family member is deceased, anything you write about them could still affect your family. Weigh the pros and cons before you write.
Decide, first of all, if you are more concerned about the truth or being sued. If you are more concerned about the truth, realize that you may be sued.
Decide whether or not to change names, dates or omit things altogether. Realize that doing so may cause your autobiography to be less realistic.
Write the entire truth when you need the truth to be out there for your life to be understood, justice to be served, or when it is in the greater good of the public. Realize, however, that you are at risk of being sued when you do this.
Get a release form filled out for anyone you plan on including in your writing. This is a good way to avoid being sued when someone doesn't like what you write about them. To get more information about this, visit with a lawyer.