In the divorce process, love is indeed a battlefield. But, at some point, that battlefield clears, usually when you and your soon-to-be former spouse finally sign on the dotted line, officially announcing yourselves as ex-wife and ex-husband. 

But, just because you’ve signed your final divorce agreement, dividing all the property, finalizing the custody arrangements and support payments, you are still technically married. Thus, while you may be excited to begin your next chapter as your single self, you must wait until that final divorce agreement is signed by the Judge.

But, when that day comes, and you find out that are, in fact, truly divorced and finally single, what do you do now? 

There are many loose ends to tie up when one is finally divorced, and this blog post will provide a quick list of things you should think about and implement when you get the exciting news that your divorce has finally been entered with the court.

1. Re-do your will: Your present will may include the name of your ex-spouse as an executor and/or beneficiary. Van Oorschot Law Group can assist you in arranging a consultation with a qualified estate planning attorney to remedy this.

2. Change your name: If you changed your name in the divorce agreement, you must notify the Social Security Administration by submitting a completed Form SS-5, “Application for a Social Security Card.” You will also need to change your driver’s license and passport, too. You will need a certified copy of your divorce judgment to effectuate your name change. Helpful hint: Make sure to keep your name consistent on all your records or you risk a new battle in the future if you try to fix this situation.

3. Change your passwords: Change all your email passwords, financial institution passwords, even your online utility bill passwords. The last thing you want is your former spouse gaining access to your sensitive financial information. 

4. Spread the news: Inform your automobile and major medical insurer of your new marital status; it could affect your coverage costs.

5. Change your power of attorney: If your former spouse had power of attorney over you, make sure you revoke your power of attorney in writing and create a new one, eliminating your former spouse from ever having the ability to make important decisions regarding your medical care.  

This is not a complete list, but rather a starting point in your new chapter. Van Oorschot Law Group can help you with any family law matter after your divorce judgment is final, as well as making referrals to qualified professionals who can assist you with your post-divorce judgment needs. The end of a divorce is just the beginning to a new chapter, with a vast array of legal and administrative matters that newly divorced persons must experience and apply to their new, single life.  Let Van Oorschot Law Group help you with this transition.