The divorce process can be long and tumultuous. The months (if not longer) between the initial filing and getting the divorce finalized are filled with stress, questions, confusion, and a wide array of emotions that make even everyday tasks more difficult.
There are countless steps to take, rules to follow, and conversations to be had.
Even with the best divorce attorney, ending a marriage is a grueling process.
But what a lot of people don’t think about is the work that comes after the papers are signed and the divorce is finalized. We would never let that happen, which we’ve outlined the top 5 things divorce attorneys say you should do following finalization.
Cut Financial Ties
Once the marriage is legally over, divorce attorneys advise clients to cut financial ties as quickly as possible. This means separating any joint bank accounts and shutting down any shared lines of credit. No one wants to think that their former partner could be that vindictive, but leaving these lines open would allow for a disgruntled spouse to do some true damage to your credit.
Change Personal Documentation
If you changed your name and wish to change it back, it’s important to take the needed steps for all official documentation including:
– Driver’s license
– Social security card
– Passport
– Work identification documents
Be sure to remove your spouse from appropriate documentation, as well. For example, removing them as a beneficiary to your life insurance policy. This is especially important if you have documentation granting your former spouse to make decisions on your behalf, such as in a dire medical situation.
Create a New Budget
You’ve likely already started working on a new budget, but now that the dust is settling and the extra costs associated with the divorce itself are over, you can pause and reevaluate. Look at your needs and wants and prioritize based on your new, single income. If required to pay any sort of child support or alimony, be sure to factor that in.
Check on Children
While this won’t apply to everyone’s situation, it’s estimated that about half of divorces involve at least one child under the age of 18. If you and your ex do share any kids, you should be sure to check in on them regularly. Even in the most amicable circumstances, divorce is a major shift for children in a time when their brains aren’t developed enough to understand adult issues and their outcomes. The primary goal is to help them see nothing is their fault.
It could be helpful to let key figures around them know about the situation so they can serve as an extra set of eyes to identify any trouble the child(ren) might be having, such as a coach, teacher, or school counselor. If financially feasible, having your children see a personal or family therapist could also be helpful.
It’s also important to note that children may not always want to share their feelings when you do check in. Be prepared to simply hold space for them, let them know you love them no matter what, and are ready to talk when they are.
Take Care of Yourself
Finally, be sure to take care of yourself – whatever that means for you! For some divorcees, that means getting a licensed counselor to work through the emotions of the divorce and everything leading up to it. For others, it may mean taking up a new (or former) passion project to reignite joy. For some it might look like travelling to a new place.
Whatever it is that brings you joy and peace, try to prioritize it post-divorce. Your nervous system has been under intense stress, and that takes both a mental and physical toll. Don’t sabotage your new freedom by not taking care of yourself!
Recap
Once your divorce is finalized, don’t stop short of the finish line. Be sure to finalize all financial separations, change necessary personal documents, create a budget, take care of yourself, and, if applicable, continually keep a pulse on any children involved in the situation.
Compassionate Divorce Help from Rappleye & Rappleye P.C.
If you’re looking for a compassionate, experienced divorce attorney to guide you through the process, call Rappleye & Rappleye P.C.’s Jackson office today. Our divorce and family law services are backed by more than 60 years of experience. Our attorneys have the skill and compassion to navigate all aspects of divorce, helping secure the best possible outcome for everyone involved. You don’t have to go through this process alone – speak with a divorce attorney today.