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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SOURCE: FindLaw
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