Divorce is a tremendous life event. Married life is over. It means new schedules for parents and children. It requires a separation period of at least 12 months before either party can sue for divorce. It is likely that both spouses have met with attorneys and incurred legal fees. Drafts of separation agreements may have been exchanged for weeks and months. Perhaps there were mediations and court hearings. Regardless, you’ve done it – you’re officially divorced. But what happens after you’ve filed for divorce?
The hardest part may be over, but there are still likely a few things you need to do to make sure your new single life is in order. Here is a list of what happens after you file and some common tasks that need to be completed post-divorce.
- Name change. If you requested to resume the use of your maiden name or a prior married name in your divorce proceedings, you still need to follow through with visiting your local social security office, DMV, bank, etc. with a certified copy of your divorce judgment. If you did not request a name change in the divorce, North Carolina still has a court form that can be used for name change purposes for a small fee.
- If your case involved the division of retirement funds, be sure to follow through with the Qualified Domestic Relations Orders that are mandatory before the fund holder can transfer monies to you or from you.
- Retirement accounts. Update the name beneficiary if your former spouse is listed.
- If you and former spouse need to transfer ownership of real estate, follow up to make sure your attorney prepares and files the proper quit claim deed or general warranty deed.
- Bank Accounts. Review your bank accounts; change those joint accounts to solo accounts. And, if your spouse is making child support and or alimony payments to you, establish automatic deposits. Likewise, if you are the payor, establish auto drafts from your account.
- Life insurance. Review your policies and change beneficiaries. Don’t forget about policies you have had for a number of years and employer provided policies. You may also want to review your coverage if you have young children and you want to provide for them.
- Car insurance. Examine your coverage and determine if new, separate policies are required. Double check your homeowner’s policy as well. Don’t forget about your roadside assistance plan.
- Health insurance. If you have lost coverage since your former spouse can no longer cover you, shop around for the best new coverage, perhaps through your employment or COBRA.
- Car titles. You may need to meet and transfer motor vehicle titles. Don’t forget about boats, jet skis, campers and other titled items.
- Cell phones. If you and your spouse shared a cell phone plan, you likely will want to contact your provider to each obtain your own account. Perhaps you can still have a family plan with incorporating age-appropriate children.
- Refinancing options. If you need to refinance your home loan or car loan, talk with your trusted banker about how you will succeed in the process. Mistakenly, some folks think that a spouse can just “come off” a loan. It is not that easy. A bank will refinance if the new note holder will qualify on his or her own. This may require some financial planning and use of equitable distribution funds or alimony funds to assist in the refinance process.
- Password protection. Even if you and your former spouse have had an amicable divorce, it is wise to change passwords on bank and financial accounts, devices, social media accounts, security systems, and the like. If you need an option to help you manage and remember your passwords, consider a service like LastPass.
- Estate plans. Post-divorce is a mandatory time to meet with your estate planning attorney and create a new will, power of attorney, and health care directives. Also, you should assess your financial accounts and meet with your financial planner.
- Contact your CPA to evaluate how your income taxes will be impacted by divorce.
- Technology tools. Investigate co-parenting apps if you are sharing custody and visitation of minor children. There are many apps available to parents that allow you to input important calendar events, school and extracurricular activities, and communicate with each other. Also, explore the best way to communicate with your children-face time, calls, or texts.
- Document safekeeping and storage. You will likely need to provide a certified copy of your divorce to DMV, banks, passport office, and others. Closely safeguard your certified copy (a regular photocopy won’t work in many places). Your attorney’s office can assist you with obtaining another copy or you can contact the county courthouse where your divorce was adjudicated.
- Update address. If you move after divorce, don’t overlook address changes along with name changes.
- Provide updated information to school and medical providers. These folks need to know new addresses, new names, and with whom they can communicate.
- The children might need to discuss their parents’ divorce with someone who can help them navigate their new normal and routines. You may need someone to talk with as well. Your attorney can provide recommendations.
- Self-Care. Take care of you. You have been through a lot; take some time to adjust.
Now that you understand what needs to happen post-divorce filing, please don’t hesitate to contact us if we can help you with any of these steps. We can set you up with an appointment with an attorney or direct you to other resources.
