Combine First, Middle, and Last Names

HotDocs Version:HD6, HD2005, HD2006, HD2007, HD2008, HD2009
Word Processor:Microsoft Word, WordPerfect
Added to Knowledge Base:September 2004

Typically, when your templates require names of individuals, using separate variables for first, middle, and last names gives you the most flexibility. For example, you can more easily sort a list of names alphabetically by last name than you can if the entire name is in a single variable.

With separate variables for first, middle, and last names, you can use a Computation variable wherever you need the full name in your template. The following computations simply combine the three parts of the name, adding a space between each name and taking into consideration the fact that the middle name may not be answered.

Example:

HotDocs 2005 and earlier users: The following computation begins with just the first name. If the middle name is answered (determined using the ANSWERED expression), a space is added to the result, followed by the middle name. Finally, another space and the last name are added to the result.

Caution: The first and last name variables are required in this computation. If they are left unanswered, the computation will produce an unanswered result. Also, you should add the variables to a dialog so the middle name variable will be asked along with the first and last names. (If the middle name variable is not in a dialog, it will never be asked automatically.) 
First Name 
IF ANSWERED( Middle Name ) 
    RESULT + " " + Middle Name 
END IF 
RESULT + Last Name
Example:

HotDocs 2006 and later users

This computation also starts with the first name. If the middle name is answered, it will be merged, followed by a space character. If not, the SPACE instruction merges nothing.

First Name + " " + SPACE( Middle Name ) + Last Name

 First Name

A Text variable for an individual's first name.

 Middle Name

A Text variable for an individual's middle name.

 Last Name

A Text variable for an individual's last name.