Hi Jon,

It sounds like your form is based on a query. If you look at the SQL of the
query, you will find the two tables are joined by an inner join. I think of
this as an equi-join.
It means the query will only return the records where the linking fields
have the same value.

In your case, when you enter only a last name, a record in the second table
is not created. Thus, the partial record is not displayed in the form.

To show partial records from the "1" table, you need to use a Left Join.

So do this:

In query design view, click on the line between the tables and select
properties. Arrange the tables so the 1 tabel is on the left and the many
table is on the right. (Just so we are looking at the same arrangement).

Then select option 2. Click OK. The joining line should now have an arrow
pointing to the many table (pointing to the right).

Save the query.

You should be able to to searches for any names, even if they do not have a
matching record in the "many" table.

HTH