What to do after your divorce is final

So much changes in your life before, during, and after your divorce that it can be tough to keep up with everything. However, once the court finalizes your divorce and the smoke clears, there are a few things you still need to do. 

Here are your next steps after the judge signs your final order. 

Store documents safely 

Secure your divorce documents in a safe deposit box or home safe. Post-dissolution issues come up every so often, so you may need these records in the future should an issue arise. 

Change your tax status 

Talk to your accountant about the change to your tax status. The divorce paperwork should define which parent can claim any dependents on their tax returns, or if claiming the children alternates between parents each year. Speak to your tax accountant about how this and your new “single” status will affect your taxes. 

Update your will 

Make any necessary changes to your will. Many people fail to do this because they think they have time, so they put it off until later. But this is a task that is very easy to forget, so make the changes now if you do not want your ex-spouse to be your beneficiary when the time comes. 

Follow directives  

Take care of anything you are responsible for immediately after the divorce. For instance, if the final order dictates that you pay certain debts or sell certain assets, do it as soon as possible. Again, you do not want to forget because failure to follow the judge’s orders can harm you in any subsequent proceedings that may arise over the years. 

Keep it friendly 

Stick to the parenting plan and work as amicably as possible with your co-parent. Cooperation is almost always in your children’s best interest. In addition, working with your former spouse in a friendly way when transferring children or attending events will help to establish more harmony in all of your lives. 

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