Checklist: What to Do After Your Divorce is Final

After months or years, your divorce is finally over and it is natural to want to put it behind you but there are certain steps that you should take to tie up loose ends. The following checklist can be a helpful tool of what to do after a divorce. Not every item below may apply to you, but there are surely some listed tasks that require your direct attention.

Post Divorce Checklist:

1.    Divide all property as set forth in the divorce decree.

2.    Execute deed(s) to transfer title to real property to your former spouse, and/or make sure that your ex-spouse does the same, as required by the divorce decree.

3.    Change the titles to your motor vehicles to reflect the ownership as set forth in the divorce decree.

4.    Notify your auto insurer of any changes in automobile drivers, ownership, and addresses.

5.    Make sure that your name has been removed from any debts or loans that are no longer your responsibility.

6.    If you change your name (such as by reverting to your maiden name) as a result of the divorce, notify all of your creditors of the change.

•  Notify the Social Security Administration of your name change.
• Apply for a driver’s license with your new name on it.
• Change your name on your bank accounts and checks, or open new accounts in your name only.
• Apply for credit in your own name.

7.     If you move, notify all of your creditors of your change of address.

• Apply for a driver’s license with your new address on it.
• Change your address on your bank accounts and checks.

8.    Remove your former spouse’s name from your lease or mortgage.

9.    Change the beneficiary on your life insurance policy.

10. Obtain life insurance naming your former spouse and/or children as beneficiaries to ensure continued support if you should die, if required by the divorce decree.

11. Create a new Estate Plan (Will, Medical Power of Attorney, Advanced Directives, General Power of Attorney, etc.)

12. Make sure that the Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is entered and implemented, if required under the divorce decree.

13. Take all other actions required by the divorce decree.

Even though your divorce is finalized, it may take a while for you to adjust to your new life and that is perfectly normal. The key is to get organized and work your way through completing this post-divorce checklist which will put you on the right track.

Call Jane Gekhman at (940) 222-6014. We can help.