section_path: Registered partnerships/Family name
section_name: Family name
paragraph_text: Family name
  
  In 2016, the cabinet reformed family name law. Registered partners were granted the possibility to have a common family name; however, it was simply called "name" as opposed to "family name" for married couples, thus keeping a distinction. The reform was discussed in the Landtag on 4 March 2016 at first reading, and was approved in its second and final reading on 31 August 2016 by a vote of 25–0. It was published in the official gazette on 3 November 2016 and took effect on 1 January 2017.