Post-Divorce Checklist

The first thing you should do at the conclusion of your divorce process is to obtain several Certified Copies of the Final Judgment. Review all of the paperwork carefully with your counsel to ensure you understand what you must complete under the Settlement Agreement and / or Final Judgment. While the list below is comprehensive, 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 a little personal self-care. Have a massage, visit a spa, take a short vacation or weekend break.

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS • Close all joint checking & savings accounts as soon as all outstanding checks and automatic payments have cleared the bank. • Open new checking & savings accounts. • Update automatic payments taken from your accounts with new account information. • Change named beneficiaries of retirement accounts & life insurance policies. • Create new Estate Plan (Will, Trust, Health Care Surrogate, Living Will & Power of Attorney). • Ensure all prior Powers of Attorney are revoked in writing. • If a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is required by Final Judgment, 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. • Request a final bill from your legal counsel and ensure it is paid. • Obtain a copy of your credit report 30 days after the final judgment to ensure that all joint accounts have been closed. • Close joint safe-deposit boxes & open new one in individual name.

INSURANCE • Secure COBRA or other health insurance / notify employer of divorce if health insurance provided through employer. • Update auto, homeowner & flood insurance records / secure new insurance. • Change beneficiaries on all life insurance, disability or other insurance policies.

PROPERTY & ASSET RECORDS • Sign documents to retitle cars, campers, boats, planes and other vehicles into individual names. • Record deeds transferring title to real property. • Notify utility companies if new name on account. • 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.

PARENTING ISSUES • Update school records with name and address of both parents. • Update medical records with name and address of both parents. • Sign up for Our Family Wizard or other program to manage parenting contact and children’s schedules. • Set up direct deposit or Income Withholding Order for child support.

NAME CHANGE • Update Social Security Administration. • Update driver’s license & 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.

TAXES • Obtain IRS Publication 504, “Divorced or Separated Individuals” for information about filing status, exemptions, alimony, QDROs, etc. • Change your tax withholding allowances with your employer. • If you are receiving alimony or are self-employed, determine if estimated quarterly payments will be necessary.