A latch assembly comprises a first portion (32) defining an opening and a second portion (54) slidably disposed in the opening for movement of the first portion along the second portion. The second portion includes a stop which is larger than the opening for preventing further movement of the first portion along the second portion in a first direction. A securing element releasably connects the first portion and the second portion in a first relative axially connected position. In a mortise lock (20), the first portion and the second portion are thus movable together relative to the housing so that the first portion at least partially non-rotatably projects outwardly from the opening in the edge wall of the housing in an extended position and is inside the housing in a retracted position. Disconnecting the first portion from the second portion allows the first portion to move along the second portion in the first direction to a second axial position.