Once the divorce is official, it’s time to look ahead toward a new life. This article provides a helpful worksheet to help you plan your new life after divorce. Considering all aspects of your post-divorce life – from finances to lifestyle – will provide insight into how to manage this transition period best. If you came here first and missed the start of the divorce planning worksheet series, please start at the beginning of your Divorce Preparation Worksheet to get the most out of it.
You didn’t get there overnight, but you’re now on the other side of divorce. After arriving in your new life, there are still things to attend to and new things to (excitedly) contemplate.
48. Ensure all retirement funds, investment accounts, and monies are passed over per your divorce ruling.
Check that everything was performed appropriately and following your divorce judgment. Then, prepare to make any necessary phone calls.
49. Change the beneficiaries on all your accounts and insurance policies (unless you negotiated otherwise in your divorce).
You might not recall where you designated your ex as a beneficiary or emergency contact. Change or double-check these designations. 50. Have several copies of your divorce decree notarized so you can use them legally.
Then, File it! (unless your family law attorney has taken care of it already.)
51. If you want, you can legally change your name.
Remember to update your driver’s license, social security card, passport, credit card, and bank account. In addition, many accounts will want you to submit a copy of your signed divorce decree.
52. Modify car titles (if appropriate)
What matters, once again, is what is written down. Even if you physically own the car, you need to ensure that it is legally yours and registered to you.
55. Make a strategy for how you will continue to care for yourself and live your best independent life.
You are not entirely healed or finished simply because you signed a legal instrument. However, you are no longer at the starting stages. You are now concentrating on getting over your divorce. Identifying the appropriate people to surround oneself with in the future is critical to your rehabilitation approach. Finding others who understand what they are going through and have been through, such as through a divorce recovery group, can significantly impact one’s healing. Surrounding yourself with people who “get it” can make you feel saner and calmer and provide much-needed perspective on your story. You’ll be able to communicate honestly and truly with the proper people. You’ll even be able to share some much-needed laughs that people who haven’t traveled this path will never understand.
Checklist for Life After Divorce – Conclusion
Life after divorce can be full of opportunity and hope. Although it can be a difficult process, the potential for growth and change is exciting. Taking the time to plan ahead, ask questions and seek professional advice will help ensure that life after the divorce is successful and rewarding. Don’t hesitate to take control of your future; you have the power to create a new life for Lyourself that will exceed all expectations and bring joy for years to come.
DivorceWorksheet Series Conclusion
Divorce is difficult. It’s a personal crisis. However, by preparing our divorce checklist and arranging the items logically and healthily, we hope to slow things down and guide you as you become more knowledgeable. We hope that doing so can reduce the natural overwhelm of a catastrophe. Regardless, this checklist may take many read-throughs depending on where you are in the process. If nailing down all these moving pieces in one big swoop or two is too much for you (which is very likely), simply store or bookmark our checklist somewhere secure for you to return to throughout your journey. You’ll get through it. So take a deep breath and stay devoted to yourself.
