Congratulations! Your divorce has been finalized!
You can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that there are no more documents to complete, no more papers to file, and no more frustration from the process. However, there are certain things you need to take care of to ensure the provisions of your divorce decree are met and that your newly single status reflects the financial and legal aspects of your life.
The following is a post-divorce checklist to help you get a fresh, new start in life:
- Review your divorce decree and create a checklist of items you need to do—and what your spouse needs to do. For example, you can set up a calendar to remind of when to pay alimony and/or child support payments. This will help ensure all deadlines are met on time.
- Remove your ex-spouse’s name from your lease or mortgage.
- Change your name back to your maiden name with the Social Security Office. Do not forget to change your name on your driver’s license as well.
- Complete a quitclaim deed to transfer title to real property to your ex-spouse, and/or ensure that your ex-spouse does the same, according to the divorce decree.
- Change the titles of your vehicles to reflect ownership determined by the divorce decree.
- Inform your auto insurance company of any changes in ownership, drivers, and addresses.
- Close all joint checking and credit accounts. Make sure all credit card bills and loans are paid on time and closed. Open new checking and savings accounts in your separate name.
- Change beneficiaries on all retirement and pension accounts. If there has been a division of a 401k, pension, or another retirement plan (non-IRA), you must ensure that a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) has been signed and certified by the court, submitted to the fund administrator, and correctly implemented. Furthermore, complete necessary transfers of IRA and other accounts according to the divorce decree.
- Execute a new will and/or trust. Update your power of attorney and health care proxy documents. If necessary, designate guardians for your children.
- Change beneficiaries of your life insurance policy.
- Pay all support when due.
- Keep your scheduled visitation times with your kids.
When all of those divorce-related items are complete, you can get your life back on track. You can start by taking care of yourself, reaching out to old friends, discussing your issues with a therapist, working out, and planning a getaway.
For more information about divorce in Jackson, MS, contact our experienced legal team at Grant Legal Group PA today.
