Why Zooey Deschanel & Jacob Pechenik Legally Changed Their Children’s Names in Divorce Settlement

New details have emerged about Zooey Deschanel and Jacob Pechenik's divorce.

The Blast reports the exes have finalized their divorce, and docs obtained by the site reveal their children's names will be legally changed as part of the settlement.

While the children will still have Pechenik as their surname, they will now add Deschanel as an additional middle name. They will now be known as Elsie Otter Deschanel Pechenik, 4, and Charlie Wolf Deschanel Pechenik, 2.

According to the papers, “This is done to facilitate the joint custody that the parties are sharing and to alleviate any legal confusion when the mother is traveling with the children."

Zooey and Jacob announced their split in September 2019.

They told People in a joint statement, “After much discussion and a long period of contemplation we have decided we are better off as friends, business partners, and co-parents rather than life partners. We remain committed to our business, our values, and most of all our children. Thank you for respecting our privacy at this time.”

Pachenik filed for divorce in October 2019.

The pair started dating in 2014, and announced they were expecting in January 2015. They secretly wed in June 2015, and welcomed Elsie that July.