Below is a list to help you transition into your new chapter after your divorce is finalized.
Please make sure to review your divorce decree carefully with your attorney. While the list below is detailed, there may be additional items required in your decree that are not listed below.
PERSONAL CARE
- If you are feeling a sense of loss, grief or depression seek professional assistance or a support group to take care of yourself.
- Take some time for personal self-care
- Perhaps a short vacation or weekend break or a massage at a spa
PARENTING ISSUES
- Update school records with name and address of both parents.
- Update medical records with name and address of both parents.
- Set up direct deposit or Income Withholding Order for child support.
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS
- Close all joint checking and savings accounts as soon as all outstanding checks and automatic payments have cleared the bank.
- Open new checking accounts and savings accounts.
- Update automatic payments taken from your accounts with new account information.
- Change named beneficiaries of retirement accounts and life insurance policies.
- If Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is required in your divorce decree, follow-up with Plan Administrator to ensure they are notified of the divorce and the QDRO is completed.
- Close all joint credit card accounts.
- Change all passwords for online account access.
- Obtain a copy of your credit report 30 days after the final decree is entered to ensure that all joint accounts have been closed.
- Close joint safe-deposit boxes and open new one in individual name.
INSURANCE
- Secure health insurance or notify employer of divorce if health insurance provided through employer. There is a time limit to notify and qualify for benefits based on a life status change so don’t delay.
- Update auto, homeowner’s and flood insurance records or secure new insurance.
- Change beneficiaries on all life insurance policies.
OTHER ITEMS
- Create new Estate Plan (Will, Medical Power of Attorney, Advanced Directives, General Power of Attorney, etc.)
- Ensure all prior Power of Attorney documents are revoked in writing.
PROPERTY AND ASSET RECORDS
- Sign documents to re-title cars and other vehicles into individual names and file new titles with DMV or other agency.
- Record deeds transferring title to real property.
- Notify utility companies if new name on account.
- Ensure any funds held in escrow are transferred or returned (security deposits on rental property, utility deposits).
- Notify the Post Office of change of address and mail forwarding.
- Arrange for the transfer of any personal property that must be distributed as soon as possible.
NAME CHANGE
- Update Social Security Administration
- Update driver’s license and auto registration with DMV
- Update bank and credit card records
- Update employment records
- Update insurance records (health, life, disability, auto, homeowners)
- Update IRS records
- Update Passport