Dealing with couples with different last names

[Jake]

I was wondering how other enter contacts with different last names?

Right now, I enter spouses with the same last name like this:
Last Name: Smith
First Name: John & Jane
So the name displays as: John & Jane Smith

However, this does not work for couples who do not share the same last name.

I thought about using the Spouse/Partner field under the details section.
However, to make this a viable option, I need to be able to move that from
the Personal Information Group to the Business Contact group in the Customize
Form option. Is this possible?

Does anyone have any better/other solutions?

I do a lot of mail merges, so the solution must be able to display the full
name of both contacts on letters/envelopes. First names only would be a plus
too for letters.

 

[Byrun]

#For a full answer i would need to know what sort of mailings you send out
but from my work dealing with about 3000 contact I have, a full mailing of
general information on A4 sheet folded once (easier to put into envelope
taking into accout UK postal rates on size of envelope.) with a sticky
address label attached.
For individual letters what about window envelope rather than trying to
match up address printed envelopes with the customized letter.
How you hold the data? Well there are several ways , the easiest is to use 4
fields slightly different from their original purpose like you do for first
name.

field 1 john
field 2 SMITH
field 3 jane
field 4 JONES
(
That shouls give you
Dear <field 1> & <field3> (possible for some condition if field 3 was blank!

You would need to have conditions on the records within mail merge for
address as well so
(do you export the data to a comma seperated file)
IF <field2>=<field 4> then print <field 1> & <field 3> <field2>
IF <field3>=<field4>="" (ie blank) then print <field1> <field2> just 1
person on mail shot
etc i hope you get the idea.
What you have to be consistent is the data for each fields
Also are you not bothered with their initials or titles, another minefield
mind you.
As long as you are happy with the formallity/informallity of your letters
you can use in your mailings I think there is a solution.
If you want email me (e-mail address removed) (CREWE UK) happy to help
===============================================

 

[ek]

how do you create field 1-4 and how do you make them searchable from the
main screen. Also how do you get them to display on the general screen when
you click on a contact?

 

[Byrun]

You could create your own user defined fields ( I believe you cannot export
these though) in your contact or use fileds that are not used by you.

Also go to Tools - Forms - Design a form, and change the labels or even
add the fields to the main contact page.. Go to Views Current Views,
Customise... to create the display you want .

As previous mentioned it is difficult to explain fully in this type of
forum as a lot depends on what you need the application for but If you want
email me (e-mail address removed) (CREWE UK) happy to try and help.