Post-Divorce Checklist – Don’t Forget to Tie up Loose Ends2 min read
After the judgment is entered in a divorce case it is important for the parties to tie up any loose ends that will inevitably arise following the entry of judgment. Whether the ex-spouses had a contested case where they litigated, or settled their case in mediation or through settlement negotiations there is a sense of relief, and they may think “I’m glad that’s done.” They may put the divorce decree in a file or drawer and move forward with their separate lives. While it is tempting to put the divorce in the past, there are some essential post-divorce steps that all newly divorced individuals need to consider taking to insure their future includes a smooth transition from the termination of their marital status to their new single status.
The following is a Post-Divorce Checklist that my clients find helpful. Many of the items may already be completed during their mediation process; however, there are many items that can only be completed following entry of judgment. Please use this checklist if you are newly divorced or if you are a professional working with divorced clients consider providing it or a similar checklist to them.
Post-Divorce Checklist
Use this checklist to wrap up important loose ends after your judgment is entered.
____ Obtain copy of Judgment (consider Certified copies)
____ If applicable, change name on:
____ Driver’s license, automobile title and registration
____ Social Security Card
____ IRS records
____ Automobile Insurance Policy
____ Life, health, homeowner’s and disability insurance policies
____ Employer’s records
____ Credit cards
____ Bank, Brokerage, and investment accounts
____ Professional licenses
____ Title to real property
____ Utility bills
____ Apply for COBRA health insurance, or new health insurance policy if necessary.
____ If a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is required per the divorce judgment, follow up until it is provided to appropriate banks, brokerages, investment houses, pension plans, 401k administrators, etc.
____ If the judgment calls for transfer of real estate and need for interspousal transfer deed, follow up until executed and recorded.
____ If judgment requires transfer of title to automobiles, motorcycles or boats, prepare, sign and deliver the necessary documents to complete the transfer.
____ Remove my name or ex-spouses name from any joint accounts.
____ Close any joint credit accounts.
____ Open a new bank account and credit card account.
____ Set up direct deposit or wage assignment for child and spousal support payments
____ Update your estate planning documents and revoke and/or execute new will, trust, powers of attorney.
____ Change beneficiaries on life insurance, 401k, pension and IRA accounts.
____ Update mailing address and set up mail forwarding.
____ Order a new copy of credit report after joint accounts are closed.
____ If applicable keep records of all child support payments made or received, all child related expenses. ____ If applicable keep records of all spousal support payments made or received.
