Going through a divorce is never easy. Aside from the mental and emotional strain associated with closing such a significant chapter of your life, there may also be financial constraints, the need for alternative living arrangements, and the well-being of your children to consider.

Navigating the legalities of divorce requires expert assistance. If you are currently in the preliminary stages of ending your marriage it’s essential to seek legal advice from an experienced attorney who can guide you through the process and ensure your best interests are safeguarded in the immediate and long term. Visit this site for further information regarding divorce assistance in Phoenix.

While finalizing a divorce is a major milestone, there are still other practicalities to consider. In this article, we will cover some of the most important practical matters to tend to post-divorce to ensure a smoother transition into the next chapter of your life.

Finance

After a divorce, your finances are likely to alter significantly. With the closure of any joint accounts you once shared with your ex-spouse you will need to evaluate your income and expenses and budget accordingly. Include things like mortgage payments, household expenses, insurance, taxes, debts and other fixed expenses into your budget. This will help you determine whether you can sustain yourself or need to cut your spending or increase your income.

If your financial arrangements are subject to a court order take time to review this thoroughly. For example, if you are to make or receive alimony or child support payments, understand the amounts to be paid and the dates on which these payments are to be made.

Update Your Will

If you have a will in place, any references to your former spouse are likely to become invalid after your divorce. This can have implications regarding matters such as financial provisions and the distribution of assets as well as power of attorney and the execution of your will.

It is important to revisit your existing will to ensure that your affairs align with your post-divorce wishes and that the correct beneficiaries are named and executors appointed. It can be beneficial to consult with a divorce attorney or one who is experienced in estate planning to avoid any confusion and to ensure the right changes to your will are made and your intentions are legally enforceable.

Name Change

While it is not mandatory, many people prefer to change their surname to their original following their divorce. The decree absolut is a necessary document that is needed as evidence for changing your name so it is important to keep this safe. 

Along with your bank and any other financial institutions, you may also need to notify your employer, healthcare providers, and insurance companies of your name change as well as renew your driving license, passport, and any other government-issued ID.

Addresses

If you or your ex-spouse have moved out of the former marital home, this change should be registered with the telephone company and postal service. In addition to physical addresses, make sure to close any joint email addresses you previously shared with your ex-partner to avoid communication mishaps and the exchange of personal information.

By addressing these matters as soon as you can following your divorce you can make the process less stressful and more aligned with your new circumstances.