SEPARATION & DIVORCE CHECKLIST:
Post-Divorce Actions to Take

As divorce attorney and family law lawyer, I understand that it is often difficult and confusing to know what to do to "wrap things up" after a divorce. 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.

If you are facing a Texas divorce, custody or modification case, protect yourself and your family.

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