Thank you for joining us again to discuss this list of things we highly recommend that you do after your divorce is final. We understand that divorce is an emotional and exhausting process, and many people come out feeling like they’ve been put through the wringer. You’re done, and you just want to put it all behind you and move on. We understand that. However, before you can assign this to the “never again” folder, there are a few last things that you really need to address. Just to ensure that nothing comes back to bite you later on!
In the previous introductory article we suggested that you have a final meeting with your attorney, make sure that you are fully informed, and also asking for advice for the future.. Moving forward, we are going to wrap up this list with the last few things we advise you to do after your divorce is final in Oakland County, Michigan.
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Be prepared for all eventualities
Make sure that you know who to talk to and what to do in the event that you need to change an aspect of your divorce agreement. For example, if you want to make changes to your custody agreement, or need to modify your child support payments. Adaptations to court ordered agreements happen more often that you may realize, and being informed ahead of time can really help. Some of these changes are much more difficult to make that others, but your attorneys will be in the best position to steer you in the right direction. After all, those folks that wear black robes to work at 1200 Telegraph Road in Pontiac have to play by the rules. (That’s the Oakland County Circuit Court.) Therefore, it’s important to know all the rules before entering that building. Enough said about that.
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Read your divorce agreement in it’s entirety.
It is very important that you take the time to read your entire Judgment of Divorce. Don’t skim it; actually read it. There are aspects that may be time sensitive and you will need to know which ones, and what the time frame is. Some of them may say something like, ‘within 60 days of signing this agreement…’ Make a list of things that you need to take care of in a timely fashion, and get started as soon as you are able, so that nothing is missed. Again, if there is something you don’t fully understand, ask your divorce attorney.
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Implement the action items in your divorce agreement
There are going to be a number of things mentioned in your divorce agreement (Judgment of Divorce) that you will need to take care of. This can include obtaining a life insurance policy to protect the spousal or child support agreement in the case of death, and changing the name on the title of your home and/or car. Other things that need to be addressed could include dealing with health insurance beneficiaries, and even making sure that the Qualified Domestic Relations Order is drawn up. Follow up and be guided by your divorce attorney.
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Wrap up all of those final loose ends
There are always all sorts of small but important things that need to be done in the wake of a divorce. Changing the passwords on accounts, updating your homeowner and auto owner insurance policies, and applying for credit in your own name are all important. Other things can include writing a new will, changing the beneficiaries on your retirement accounts (if they are not part of a QDRO), and closing all joint accounts. Again, if you have any questions or concerns you should talk to your divorce attorney.
We hope this list was helpful for you. The aftermath of a divorce can be a confusing and frightening time for many people. However, if you start with number one on this list – having one last meeting with your attorney, you can eliminate a lot of those potential scare factors. Being able to wrap up all of those ends under the guidance of someone who knows exactly what needs to be done can be a great source of peace. So call The Kronzek Law Firm right now at (248) 479-6200. We are always here to help.
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