Checklist: Post-Divorce Actions To Take

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The divorce is final. You breathe a sigh of relief. No more papers to file, no more documents to complete, no more red tape. Well, not quite. Even after the judgment is entered, there are certain steps that you must take to effectuate the provisions of the divorce decree and make sure that the financial and legal aspects of your life reflect your newly single status. The following checklist can serve as a helpful reminder of what remains to be done. Not every item below may apply to you, but there are surely some listed tasks that require your immediate attention.


____	Divide all property as set forth in the divorce decree.
____	Execute a quitclaim deed to transfer title to real property to your former spouse, and/or make sure that your ex-spouse does the same, as required by the divorce decree.
____	Change the titles to your motor vehicles to reflect the ownership as set forth in the divorce decree.
____	Notify your auto insurer of any changes in automobile drivers, ownership, and addresses.
____	Make sure that your name has been removed from any debts or loans that are no longer your responsibility.
____	If you change your name (such as by reverting to your maiden name) as a result of the divorce, notify all of your creditors of the change.
____	If you move, notify all of your creditors of your change of address.
____	Notify the Social Security Administration of your name change.
____	Apply for a driver's license with your new name on it.
____	Apply for a driver's license with your new address on it.
____	Change your name on your bank accounts and checks, or open new accounts in your name only.
____	Change your address on your bank accounts and checks.
____	Apply for credit in your own name.
____	Remove your former spouse's name from your lease or mortgage.
____	Change the beneficiary on your life insurance policy, if permissible under the divorce decree.
____	Obtain life insurance naming your former spouse and/or children as beneficiaries to ensure continued support if you should die, if required by the divorce decree.
____	Write a new will.
____	Execute all necessary COBRA documents to ensure continued health insurance coverage, or make sure that your ex-spouse has done the same.
____	Make sure that the Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is entered and implemented, if required under the divorce decree.
____	Take all other actions required by the divorce decree.
____	Pay all support when due.
____	If you change jobs, notify your new employer of any court-ordered support, if required by law to do so, to effectuate continued automatic withholding.
____	Keep your scheduled visitation times with your children.

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