6 Things To Do After Your Divorce Is Finalized
Today is the day. You finally have that signed Judgement of Divorce in your hand. The divorce is final, now what?
Even though the divorce process is complete, your work is not over. There are still several steps you need to take to jumpstart your new single life.
Things To Do Once Your Divorce Is Final
Review your Judgement of Divorce (Divorce Decree)
The first thing you need to do is to review the judgment to make sure you are complying with this court order. If certain property was to be divided upon the signing of the Judgement, be sure to take all necessary steps to comply.
Complying can include:
- Executing all necessary COBRA documents to ensure continued health insurance coverage or obtaining other coverage of your own;
- Ensuring the Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is entered and implemented if required under the divorce decree.applicable;
- Paying support as ordered;
- Complying with the parenting schedule; and
- All other actions required by the Judgment of Divorce.
Update your new address with the appropriate agencies
If you moved after the divorce, be sure that your credit card company, bank, job, insurance company and anyone else who needs to know your new address has it. Be sure your divorce attorney also has your updated contact information.
Try to remove your name from any loans that are no longer your responsibility.
This is something you should at least attempt, but many debtors will not remove your name until the debt is paid in full. Even if the Judgement of Divorce states your ex is responsible.
Start the name change process.
If you are going back to your maiden name, start the name change process as soon as possible. The process can be time-consuming so get started while you are still motivated. Make sure the DMV, bank and Social Security Administration are aware of your name change. And Don’t forget HR at work.
Make sure everything is in your name only.
If you haven't already, be sure to close out joint bank accounts and credit cards and open new ones in your name only. Remove your former spouse's name from your lease or mortgage. Change utilities over to your name. And most importantly, make sure everything in their possession is no longer in your name so you are not liable for something you no longer control (unless it’s part of the divorce settlement).
Review your estate plan.
Change the beneficiary on your life insurance policy (unless otherwise ordered on the divorce) and write a new will.
Taking care of these things right away are going to ensure you have fewer problems down the road. If you have more questions about what to do after your divorce is finalized, contact a New York Divorce Attorney.
