Just Divorced? What Next? Post-Divorce Checklist!

Posted Aug 14, 2013 by Mary E. Ramos | Divorce

First and foremost, after your divorce has been finalized, several steps remain to be completed.  The list below will help you sort through the many outstanding issues that may need to be addressed shortly after entering final orders.

Post-Divorce Checklist:

1. Ensure that all documents related to the division of property are filed with the Court, including a qualified domestic relations order or special warranty deed.
2. After the documents relating to the division of assets have been signed by the court, submit your documents to the appropriate parties, like the fund administrator of your 401K, or the Registrar of Deeds for your home.
3. Change the titles on your vehicles and other property.
4. Prepare new wills and other estate planning documents.
5. Change the beneficiary on your life insurance, 401K and IRA account, unless you are ordered to leave it in your former spouse’s name.
6. Change your tax status to reflect that you are no longer married and/or to alter the number of exemptions.
7. If you have moved, update your mailing address with credit card companies, banks the department of motor vehicles and insurance companies.
8. Obtain auto insurance in your name only.
9. If you were awarded any debts associated with property, refinance the debt so that it is solely in your name.
10. Contact your bank and close any joint accounts that you were awarded and reopen the accounts in your name only.
11. If child support is ordered, begin making payments directly to the San Antonio Disbursement Unit until the wage withholding order has been processed and money begins coming directly out of your paycheck.
12. Close any joint safety deposit or PO Boxes.
13. Keep copies of all social security documents related to your previous spouse. If you were married for more than ten years you may still be eligible for your spouse’s social security benefits.
14. Revoke all powers of attorney that you may have granted to your spouse in writing.
15. If you were previously receiving health insurance through your spouse, ensure that you have continued coverage through COBRA or obtain health insurance through other means.
16. If you changed your name as a result of the divorce, obtain a new driver’s license, passport and social security card.
17. If you were ordered to use OurFamilyWizard.com in a divorce with children, set up your account.
18. Begin keeping copies of all your child’s medical records and expenses. Remember to send a copy of any uninsured medical expenses to your former spouse so that you can be reimbursed for 50% of the expense.
19. If you have any issues visiting or accessing your children following your divorce, create a detailed calendar of all incidents to be used in a later modification or enforcement of your divorce decree.
20. Scan and copy family photos in your possession and give a copy to your former spouse.
21. Ensure that all property awarded in the divorce has been exchanged.
22. Obtain a certified copy of your decree.
23. Create a new budget based on your change in income and expenses.
24. You must 30 days prior to applying for another marriage license in Texas.
25. Take care of yourself. If you are struggling with the emotions of your divorce seek support from friends, family and mental health professionals.

These are just some of the things you need to complete during this period of transition in your life.  If you have some additional suggestions email us at info@ramosfamilylaw.com.

Last Updated on November 29, 2018 by Ramos Law Group, PLLC