Post-Divorce Checklist

Divorce isn’t just an emotional transition—it’s a legal and financial one, too. Once the dust settles, there are critical steps you need to take to protect yourself, close out old ties, and move forward with confidence. Here’s a step-by-step checklist to ensure you don’t miss anything (download the full checklist linked at the bottom, and print or save to use!)

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1. Financial Accounts & Credit Protection

• Close Joint Accounts – Any joint bank, investment, or credit card accounts should be closed or transferred into individual names.
• Open New Bank Accounts – Establish checking and savings accounts in your name, if you haven’t already.
• Review Credit Report – Check for any joint debts, update personal information, and dispute any errors.
• Remove Authorized Users – If your ex-spouse was an authorized user on your credit card, remove them immediately.
• Freeze Joint Credit Lines – Ensure no new debt is incurred on joint accounts that haven’t yet been closed.
• Update Direct Deposits & Bill Payments – Reroute your income to your personal account and ensure no automatic payments are still linked to your ex-spouse.
• Reassess Your Budget – Your financial situation has changed, so update your budget accordingly.

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2. Insurance & Benefits

• Update Life Insurance Policies – Remove your ex-spouse as a beneficiary (unless required by court order) and designate new beneficiaries.
• Modify Health Insurance – If you were on your ex-spouse’s insurance, enroll in a new plan. If they were on yours, remove them (unless required by court order).
• Review Auto & Home Insurance – If policies were in both names, secure new ones in your name.
• Check Disability & Long-Term Care Insurance – If applicable, update policies and beneficiaries.

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3. Estate Planning & Legal Documents

• Revise Your Will & Trusts – Ensure your ex is removed from any estate planning documents.
• Update Power of Attorney & Healthcare Proxy – If your ex had authority over financial or medical decisions, appoint someone new.
• Change Emergency Contacts – Update emergency contacts at your doctor’s office, workplace, and your child’s school.

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4. Employer & Workplace Benefits

• Notify HR of Changes – Update tax forms, benefits, and emergency contacts.
• Review Retirement Accounts (401k, IRA, Pension, etc.) – If your divorce decree requires division of assets, ensure the process is complete.
• Update Stock Options & Employee Perks – If you have stock or profit-sharing plans, update beneficiaries.

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5. Housing & Property

• Transfer Property Titles & Deeds – If the divorce settlement involved property transfers, finalize them legally.
• Update Lease Agreements – If renting, ensure the lease is solely in your name.
• Change Locks & Security Codes – Ensure your home is secure by updating locks, alarm codes, and smart home devices.  Don’t forget the garage door remote!

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6. Digital & Personal Security

• Change Passwords on All Accounts – Update banking, email, social media, and streaming service passwords.  Use brand new passwords that you have never used before and make it something the other side would never think of, for example “Easterbunnypoopsjellybeans2025!”
• Remove Ex’s Access to Shared Accounts – Deauthorize access on shared cloud storage, Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Disney Plus etc. Sign out on all devices and then change your password and log back in solely on the devices you have access to. 
• Update Your Address – Forward mail to your new residence and update addresses on important accounts.

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7. Co-Parenting & Child Support (If Applicable)

• Set Up a Co-Parenting Plan – Use a parenting app or written agreement for schedules and communication. For example “Our Family Wizard” or “AppClose”
• Finalize Child Support & Alimony Arrangements – Ensure payments are being processed correctly through the court system or system directed by the Court.  
• Update School & Medical Records – Ensure your child’s school, doctor, and emergency contacts are up to date.

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8. Emotional & Mental Well-Being

• Consider Therapy or Counseling – Divorce is tough—talking to a professional can help.
• Build a New Support System – Rely on friends, family, and support groups to navigate your new chapter.
• Reclaim Your Identity – Pursue hobbies, travel, and self-care activities that bring you joy.
• Most importantly find your peace and start Chapter 1 of the next novel of your life.

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Download the Full Post-Divorce Checklist Here

Taking care of these details now will give you peace of mind and help you move forward with a fresh start. 

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*Do not forget to consult your attorney to ensure you are following all the requirements of the jurisdiction in which you reside and follow the Court Order requirements.  This is not meant to be legal advice.

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