How to Take Care of Business After a Divorce
Divorce can be a financially challenging and emotional time for anyone. However, once the divorce is final, both parties need to move on with their lives, which often proves to be more complicated than originally anticipated. After the divorce is final, both parties will need to figure out their finances and complete any tasks required by the family court. You'll also need to adapt to a new lifestyle and heal emotionally from the divorce.
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Instructions
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How to Move On Past Divorce
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Complete any tasks required by the court. For example, the court may require you to transfer the marital home through a quit-claim deed to your spouse or surrender certain household belongings to your spouse.
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Change titles and deeds to assets. For example, change the title to your car so that it is only in your name. Also change the beneficiary listed with your pension, will, life insurance and other similar policies from your former spouse to someone else.
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Create a new bank account and close the joint checking account you held with your spouse. Alternatively, have your spouse's name removed from the previous checking account. You may also need to get a new credit card, or have your spouse's name removed from outstanding credit cards. Also make sure to revoke access so that your former spouse does not retain the authority to use these accounts or obtain information. You may also need to change the utilities in your home to your name.
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Make a file or files for post-divorce documentation, such as a copy of the court order for child support or alimony. If you had an attorney, also keep the attorney's information readily available on the inside cover of the file's jacket for legal emergencies or issues.
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Establish a new budget for yourself. If you are required to pay child support or alimony, make sure to include these payments into the new budget. It may be helpful to speak with an accountant or other financial planner.
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Consider changing your name if you are a woman and do not wish to retain your former's spouse's name. Sometimes the name change can be processed with the divorce. If not, changing your name can be as easy as filing out a document at the courthouse and paying a fee. Once your name is changed, you will need to contact all your financial institutions, utilities services and obtain a new driver's license and passport.
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Talk to friends or a professional counselor to help with the emotional transition from a marriage and divorce. Most insurance companies will cover the cost of therapy and many religious organizations and community centers offer counseling for free or a modest donation.
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Tips & Warnings
Stay in touch with friends and loved ones during this difficult time, they will want to help you and you should let them.
It is always best to use the services of a family law attorney when dealing with dissolution or post-dissolution matters to ensure your legal needs are being met.
References
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