After the divorce proceedings are over and the final judgment has been issued, there are still many loose ends that may need to be tied up. It’s important to create a post-divorce checklist to keep yourself organized as you go through the process of moving forward to the next chapter in your life. Having a plan of action in place can help you take each day one step at a time and feel in control as you begin your new journey.

The following post-divorce checklist may provide a helpful outline for the tasks you need to complete after divorce:

1. Review Your Divorce Decree

Once you have received your divorce decree, review it with your attorney to determine whether there are any outstanding obligations. Depending on the facts and circumstances of your situation, the divorce decree may mandate the division of marital property and assets — such any retirement assets. Title to the marital home may need to be changed and any liens should be addressed. Instructions might also be included for paying off marital debts as well as making child support and alimony payments. Some of the tasks might be part of the work your attorney does and some may be things you need to do so check with your attorney.

2. Get Your Finances in Order

One of the most important items in your post-divorce checklist will concern your finances. While marriage is a financial relationship as much as it is an emotional one, it’s vital to get your financial affairs in order following a divorce. You should:

• Close any joint accounts unless you are keeping one open for children’s expenses, and open new ones in your name if you have not already done so
• Create a budget for your post-divorce life if that was not done as part of your divorce process
• Run a credit report and remove any unauthorized credit users
• Start building an emergency fund
• Reevaluate your financial objectives

Depending on your financial circumstances and goals, it may be a good idea to consult with a financial adviser for further guidance — and to avoid any financial mistakes.

3. Update Insurance Policies

Updating any insurance policies on which your former spouse appears is an essential item on your post-divorce checklist. These can include health, auto, home, and life insurance policies. If you were on your spouse’s health insurance policy during the marriage, you will need to make different arrangements. Hopefully you have explored these options and related costs prior to resolution as part of your budgeting process in the divorce.

Although you may be able to retain your health insurance policy through COBRA coverage for up to 36 months, this is not a long-term solution and is oftentimes more expensive than purchasing insurance on the private market. If you are employed, you may be able to obtain coverage through your employer. You might also be eligible for a special enrollment period with MNsure following divorce.

If you or your former spouse are required to name the other as a beneficiary on life insurance as security for support (child or spousal), you need to do a new designation because a divorce makes a spouse on a designation void. So it needs to be a designation dated after the date of dissolution.

4. Update Your Name and Address

If you took your spouse’s name upon marriage and changed it as part of the divorce process, you will need to update your name and any change of address with the following, and possibly others:

• The Social Security Administration
• The DMV
• State and federal tax authority
• Passport papers
• Voter registration
• Doctors’ offices
• Your child’s school
• Utility companies
• Post office
• The gym and other club memberships
• Retirement and investment accounts
• Mortgage company
• Your bank and credit card companies
• Insurance providers

In addition, be sure to inform family and friends of your name change. You should also update your personal email addresses and social media accounts as necessary — and be sure to change any passwords associated with any online accounts if you did not change them during the divorce process.

5. Speak with Your Accountant

An accountant can help you understand the tax implications of your divorce. Notably, your filing status can affect your tax refund and you may need to make financial adjustments based on it. You may also need to readjust the amount of tax withheld from your paycheck after divorce.

6. Revise Your Estate Plans

One of the most crucial items to include in your post-divorce checklist is updating your estate plan. While you may have included your spouse in your will or named them as your healthcare proxy, your estate plan should be revised as soon as possible after a divorce. Updating your estate planning documents may include:

• Creating a new will
• Changing any trusts
• Naming a new executor
• Updating beneficiary designations (see above for life insurance)
• Making changes to your healthcare and financial powers of attorney

Failure to make the necessary changes to your estate plan can result in unintended consequences in the event of death or incapacity.

7. Focus on the Best Interests of Your Children

It’s crucial to focus on the best interests of your children after divorce. Be sure to make decisions that will promote their well-being and help them navigate the emotions they may be feeling. If you are co-parenting, make certain you are following the parenting plan and communicating effectively with your co-parent. Understand that life and needs change and you can revisit parenting issues. There are professionals who work with divorced parents to help you navigate conversations in a productive way. Make sure your children have the support they need to navigate the changes they are experiencing. Do not just assume they are “doing fine.”

8. Seek the Support You Need

Many changes come with life after a divorce. Prioritize your physical, emotional, and mental health as you adjust to this new stage in your life. If necessary, seek counseling, therapy, or support from friends and family. You might also consider joining a divorce support group, or organization. There are even online support options available such as Holding Space for Change. Most importantly, take the time to practice self-compassion, engage in activities you enjoy, and surround yourself with positive people, supportive people as you enter this new chapter..

Work with an Experienced Minnesota Divorce Attorney to Create a Post-Divorce Checklist

Not only can the divorce process be overwhelming — but navigating life as you turn the page to a new chapter can often feel daunting. It’s best to have a compassionate and knowledgeable divorce attorney by your side who can assist you with creating a post-divorce checklist to ensure your obligations are met. Having an attorney who helps you address many of these issues before the divorce is final can male a difference in how things go for you after the divorce. Located in St. Paul and Edina, The Law Shop Minnesota provides a wide array of client services for Minnesota divorce and post-divorce matters, including unbundled legal services.

We welcome you to contact us online for a consultation or by calling (651) 344-6100. We are available to meet in person or via Zoom, regardless of where you are in Minnesota.