4 Things You Should Do After Your Illinois Divorce Is Finalized

 Posted on March 16,2021 in Divorce

Getting a divorce can feel like you are running a marathon with hurdles and other obstacles in your way the entire time. Even those who are the most prepared going into a divorce can come out on the other side feeling drained in nearly every way -- emotionally, financially, and physically. It can come as a sigh of relief once the judge finally signs on the dotted line of your divorce decree, but that does not mean that your work is done. Now that you and your spouse are legally divorced, the work of ensuring that the terms of the divorce judgment go into effect begins. 

Update Documents if Your Name Has Changed

For many people, women especially, taking their partner’s last name is a symbolic way to show the creation of their family and their commitment to their spouse. However, many people choose to change their last name back to what it was prior to the marriage after their divorce. If you have changed your name, you should be sure to update all of your important documents and request official copies of them, such as your driver’s license, credit cards, medical insurance, and more.

Close Any Jointly Held Financial Accounts

If you are in a contested divorce, the best course of action is to typically leave your joint bank accounts open until the divorce is finalized. Preemptively dividing money or other assets could result in unnecessary headaches and penalties. After your divorce is final, you should be sure to divide the money as per your divorce decree and close any joint bank accounts you might have open with your spouse. This includes any credit cards or other accounts you may have.

Ensure Your Retirement Accounts Have Been Handled as Per Your Divorce Decree

In many divorces, retirement benefits often have a lot of value and can become a point of contention for some couples. If you or your spouse’s retirement funds should be distributed, you should follow up with your pension plan or 401(k) administrator to ensure your QDRO has been drawn up, on file, and implemented.

Make Sure Names Are Correct on Deeds and Titles

It is not uncommon to see property changing hands from one spouse to the other during a divorce. Maybe one spouse wanted the home, which is why the other spouse is now signing over a majority of his or her retirement savings. Whatever the case, it is important to ensure that the names are correct on all of the paperwork, such as your mortgage and vehicle titles. 

Our Yorkville Divorce Attorney Is Here to Help

Many people think that their divorce is finished and the process is over once the judge signs their divorce decree, but there is typically more to be done. The time directly after your divorce can be a stressful time, full of confusing paperwork and many tasks needing your attention. At the Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C., we can help you dot your I’s and cross your T’s by providing suggestions to tie up any loose ends. Schedule a consultation with our accomplished Kendall County divorce lawyer by calling our office today at 630-409-8184.

Sources:

https://www.plannersearch.org/financial-planning/my-divorce-is-finalized-now-what

https://thriveglobal.com/stories/the-life-after-divorce-checklist-you-need-if-you-want-to-find-happiness-on-your-own/

https://www.everplans.com/articles/everything-you-need-to-get-organized-during-and-after-a-divorce