10 Things To Do After After Your Divorce is Final
After you receive your final divorce decree your divorce is legal and it is final, however, that does not mean that your responsibilities related to the divorce are done. Oftentimes there are a number of things that need to be addressed after the divorce is finalized. I hope that this quick list might be helpful in making sure that nothing is forgotten after your divorce is completed.
- Take Time to Assess Your Feelings
Before anything else, take a minute to check-in with yourself emotionally following a divorce. Divorces, even those that are agreed upon, can be a very emotionally stressful and draining process. After a divorce, many people experience feelings of depression, of loss, or of grief. If you are experiencing one of these, or all of these it might be a good idea for you to call and make an appointment with a mental health professional to help you with this transition. - Time Take to Yourself
Acknowledge that you’ve just been through a very difficult time. Divorces are never easy. Make sure that you reserve some time for yourself to destress. Maybe make an appointment with a spa. Maybe go on a short vacation just to relax, refresh, and to reflect back on everything. - Complete Terms of the Divorce Decree
Take a look at your divorce decree and make sure that you complete the terms that are in it. For example, some divorce decrees require a QDRO. Make sure that you contact the plan administrator and be sure that the QDRO has been completed. Make sure that you’ve signed over any deed to any titles that you were supposed to sign per your decree. - Change Your Passwords
Change the password to any accounts that were once shared or known to your ex-spouse. Specifically, remember to change the passwords on all financial and social media accounts. - Update all Automatic Payments or Bills
Make sure all reoccurring payments from your old accounts are updated to your new accounts. - Update Car and Home Insurance Accounts
- Review Your Financial Accounts
Now that the divorce is final, you should make sure that all financial accounts are completely separated. Cancel all joint bank accounts and all joint credit card accounts. - Open up your own checking and savings accounts
- Update Your Beneficiaries
This is one thing that most people forget, make sure to change the beneficiary on your life insurance and on your retirement accounts. - Run a Credit Report
Within a month or two after your divorce has been finalized obtain a fresh credit report to make sure that all the joint accounts have in fact been closed down.
I hope that this list serves to be of some help after your divorce. Hopefully it jogs some memories of things you have to do, or it gives you ideas of things that you hadn’t thought about. If you have questions regarding divorce, or other related topics, do not hesitate to contact our office to discuss privately with our team. To schedule a consultation give us a call at (702) 998-1188, info@ljlawlv.com, or schedule a consultation online.
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