The process of dismantling your family is in itself overwhelming- the legalities, the packing, moving, settling in, new routines, custody schedules, and enough mental anguish to cloud many necessary details and task lists.
If you start asking yourself, “which documents do I need to update after divorce?” or “should I change my beneficiaries?” We have those answers.
Here are some of the high-level items you should read through and address now that you are divorced.
Update your Mailing Address and Last Name
If you changed your name when you got divorced, or if you moved out of your home your marital home, be sure the changes are made on your passport, driver’s license, social security card, employer records, doctor’s office records, child(ren)s school records, bills, utilities, etc.
You may Also be required to file a change of address with the Post Office and have your mail forwarded to you.
Edit your Tax Documents and Put a PIN on your Taxes
Contact your employer and change your W-4 for your new marital status and number of dependents as outlined in your divorce settlement or decree.
Also, put a pin on your taxes, or update your current pin, so that your ex- spouse cannot access them without your permission.
Transfer Titles and Deeds
No matter what your settlement agreement or divorce decree states, you should ensure that any property or vehicles that are joint are deeded only in your name and your ex-spouse’s name is removed as soon as possible after your divorce decree is entered.
Check your Bank and Investment Accounts and Credit Cards.
In most cases, those will be some of the first things you’ll want to do before your divorce, but if you haven’t done them yet, now is the time to open your own accounts and credit cards.
Even if you already had your own accounts, it might be a good time to confirm what is on your own account and run your credit – you may not know that your ex-spouse is an authorized user on your cards, or you may be an authorized user on some of theirs, and you definitely do not want to be saddled with their debt. You should also update your passwords and check your settings on the payment accounts that you use online, such as PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, along with online banking, and brokerage websites. And you might as well set up credit monitoring to watch it.
Designate New Beneficiaries
Double-check your beneficiary forms and update the same if necessary, which will take you ex-spouse off life, car, and health, insurance policies, as well as retirement/profit sharing benefits (401(k), IRA’s, pensions) as required by the provisions of your divorce settlement or decree.
Revise Estate Planning Documents
Revise your will, any trusts, medical and financial power of attorney, and other estate planning documents in light of your new post-divorce desires including but not limited to; changing beneficiaries, an executor for your estate, and appointing a guardian for your minor children should you pass away. If you do not have a will, consult with an estate planning attorney to help create one.
Change your Passwords
Change all your passwords. This would be your email and any social media accounts, your password manager, your online bank and bill pay sites which could be utilities, etc.
A ‘strong password’ is mixed case (upper and lower), may include numbers and symbols, and is 12 characters or more in length . Do not use information that your ex-spouse would know, for example, dates like anniversaries or childrens’ or pets’ names.
Replace your Emergency Contacts
From ICE (In Case of Emergency) contacts in your staff, records at the doctor’s office, work, etc. designate new emergency contacts so that your ex-spouse is not the one who will be contacted if something happens.
One cannot dispute the fact that updating all of your documentation and removing your ex from everything is a nuisance but failing to take these steps can have a myriad of unintended consequences, from mere confusion, to financial dire straits, to a violation of your privacy. And the peace you’ll feel once it is all done is priceless!
While you’re at it, and as you update items, be sure to look over copies of your settlement agreement or divorce decree even if it will not need to be revised.
If you are unsure of how to proceed, or what is allowed under your settlement, a reputable family law attorney can help provide answers. You can contact us at by completing our CONTACT US form or by calling 505-508-3110.
