What To Do After a Divorce

Getting a divorce is a significant life change. The divorce process leads to a new chapter in your life. If you were with your ex for years, adjusting to life post-divorce can take time. The first year can be more challenging than you imagine, even though finalizing your divorce may supply much-needed emotional relief. Protecting your mental health after you finalize the divorce should remain a priority.

Awareness of some of the issues common to post-divorce life will equip you to make the best decisions for yourself, your family, and your future. If you need further guidance as you tie up loose ends following your divorce, speak with an experienced divorce lawyer in your area.

Legal Considerations After Divorce

One of the first things on your post-divorce checklist may be changing your name (if you changed your name after marriage).

Changing Your Name Post-Divorce

However, there is no requirement to change your name after getting a divorce.

Depending on your self-care needs, it may be something to consider. For some people, having your ex-spouse’s last name could be a reminder of an unhappy relationship. You could change your name back to your maiden name or even opt for a new name altogether. Others may keep their name to maintain the same last name as their children. Do whatever you need to do to take care of yourself.

If you are considering a name change, it’s best to handle this during the divorce process. Your divorce orders may be able to include your name change so you don’t have to go through a separate legal process.

If you do change your name at any point, you will need to update your records with the following:

• Social Security Administration
• Department of Motor Vehicles
• Insurance companies
• Employer
• Banks and other financial institutions
• Any other places you conduct official business

If you have any questions about a name change during or after a divorce, ask your divorce lawyer for legal advice.

Estate Planning Post-Divorce

After your divorce, it is critical to ensure your estate plan is current. Although changing beneficiary designations and titles to assets will go a long way in this process, there’s more work.

Does your will allocate personal property to the people you want? Make sure your estate planning documents represent your current wishes. If you have minor children, outline your wishes for them regarding a guardian in case your ex-spouse is deceased.

Financial Steps to Take Post-Divorce

Financial matters were likely high on your list of priorities as you went through the divorce process. As part of the divorce, you may have had to negotiate property division, including dividing marital property while keeping separate property.

Following the divorce, verify that the asset division occurred according to how you and your spouse agreed. Make sure titles to any real estate and other assets match your agreement. If not, take steps to get that changed. As discussed below, changing beneficiaries, addressing insurance issues, and understanding the implications of filing your taxes after divorce are all critical issues.

Changing Beneficiaries

A divorce decree does not automatically remove your spouse as a beneficiary. Review all your financial accounts to update your beneficiaries. Common assets that will require a change of beneficiary include the following:

• Pension plans
• Retirement accounts
• Bank accounts
• Life insurance
• Health savings accounts as part of your health insurance

There may be joint accounts, joint credit cards, or other shared assets that you forgot about. Getting a credit report to identify all existing credit accounts may help ensure you update your beneficiaries. However, making several changes to your financial accounts can impact your credit score. Talk to your financial advisor about your options to ensure you are on track for financial well-being.

Getting New Insurance Policies

Do you and your former spouse have any joint accounts for insurance coverage? If so, you may need to get new policies in place after your divorce. Check with your policy provider for their coverage and policy requirements. Many health insurance companies consider a divorce a life change that will allow a policy change outside of the open enrollment period.

In addition to car, health, and homeowner’s insurance, you may have other policies to replace. You should review your insurance policies and get guidance from your family law attorney.

Tax Implications of Single Filing Status

Generally, your marital status for tax purposes is based on your status on the last day of the tax year. If you finalize your divorce on December 31st, you are considered unmarried for filing for that entire tax year. Following your divorce, verify that you and your ex-spouse are on the same page regarding any dependents once you no longer file a joint return.

Emotional Recovery After Divorce

Emotional recovery after divorce is as important as your financial health. Hopefully, you built a support network as you proceeded through your divorce. It may have consisted of loved ones or new friends. Be sure to continue engaging in self-help as you embark on life after divorce.

Do whatever it takes to take positive steps toward good mental health. It may involve thoughtful consideration of your social life or even a new relationship when you are ready.

If it takes you longer to get over your divorce or heal from any trauma caused by your marriage, get help. You may find a divorce support group beneficial. For others, a new hobby can bring as much joy, excitement, and wonder to life as a new partner. Establishing new routines can be scary, but it could be just what you need to move on in your new life as a single person.

Seeking Professional Guidance

The reality of divorce is that it may not permanently separate your life from your former spouse. If you are co-parenting, receiving alimony, or have shared business assets, you may be required to continue interacting with your ex.

Your ex-spouse may fail to follow the child custody schedule or harass you through social media. If you need continued guidance after your divorce, speak with an experienced local divorce attorney. They can provide continued guidance and may even have connections to other professionals who can help you post-divorce. Don’t hesitate to reach out today.