The final judgment of divorce marks the legal end of your marriage, but it’s not the end of the process. There are practical, financial, legal, and emotional issues to address to help you fully transition into post-divorce life. Following are considerations to keep in mind as you adjust to life after divorce.
Comply with Custody and Parenting Time Agreements
If you have children, adhering to your custody and parenting time agreements is crucial. While it is hard to give up time with your children, these court-approved plans are legally binding and should be followed carefully by both parents to avoid problems. Be sure to stick to the parenting time schedule, including holidays, vacations, and special occasions. Keep communication open and respectful with your ex-spouse regarding co-parenting responsibilities, which will make it easier for all concerned, most importantly your children.
If your former spouse fails to comply with child custody and visitation arrangements, document these instances and speak with your divorce lawyer to learn what you can do. Failure to comply can lead to legal consequences and may require court intervention.
Update Financial Accounts and Documents
Once your divorce is finalized, separate your financial life from your former spouse’s by updating all relevant documents:
- Ensure joint bank and credit card accounts are closed and open new individual ones. Remove your ex-spouse as an authorized user on any personal accounts.
- Update the beneficiaries on your life insurance policy, retirement account, pension plan, and other financial accounts.
- Review and revise your will, powers of attorney, and healthcare proxies to reflect your current wishes.
Be sure you know where your divorce judgement is, as you may need to provide copies to schools, financial institutions, and government agencies post-divorce.
Plan to Avoid Financial Strain
Divorce often means a significant change in financial circumstances. Whether you are adjusting to a single income, paying or receiving alimony or child support, or covering household expenses on your own, it’s important to adjust your finances to your changed life situation.
You should create a detailed budget that accounts for rent or mortgage, utilities, insurance, groceries, child-related expenses, and discretionary spending. And monitor your spending in the first few months post-divorce to ensure you’re staying within your new budget. It is also valuable to work with a financial advisor who can help you understand your new financial picture and help you plan for long-term goals such as retirement or college savings.
Being proactive about your finances can reduce stress and help you build a stable foundation for the future.
Take Note of Your Changed Tax Situation
Divorce has tax implications that should be considered carefully, especially during the first tax season after your split.
- Filing status: Your marital status as of December 31 determines your filing status for that year. You may need to file as “single” or “head of household,” depending on your situation.
- Alimony and child support: For divorces finalized after January 1, 2019, alimony payments are not tax-deductible to the payer, and the recipient does not need to report them as income. Child support is not taxable or deductible.
- Claiming dependents: Your divorce decree may specify who can claim the children as dependents. If it doesn’t, the IRS has tie-breaker rules.
Consulting a tax accountant can help you avoid costly mistakes.
Know What to Do If Your Ex Violates the Divorce Decree
Unfortunately, not all ex-spouses comply with the terms of a divorce. Whether it’s missed support payments, failing to transfer property, or non-compliance with custody arrangements, these issues can be frustrating and legally complex. If this is happening to you, keep records of missed support or alimony payments, denied parenting time, or any other breaches of the agreement.
If it’s appropriate to your relationship with your ex, try to speak with them about the issue. There may be a simple misunderstanding or logistical concern that can be resolved without court intervention. But if communicating directly with your spouse isn’t an option, or if your attempt fails, your attorney can file a motion to enforce the divorce judgment.
One thing you shouldn’t do is ignore violations. Taking early legal action can protect your rights and ensure the decree is enforced.
Lean on Emotional Support
The emotional toll of divorce is considerable, even when it’s reasonably amicable. Divorce is classified as life’s second most stressful event on the Life Change Index Scale. Post-divorce life can involve loneliness, grief, and anxiety about the future.
Seeking emotional support from family and friends who can provide comfort and perspective is just as necessary as getting financial and legal help. You might also consider counseling if needed to help you process your emotions and develop healthy coping strategies.
Taking care of your emotional well-being is critical to healing and building a new chapter in your life.
Additional Considerations
Be sure to notify the post office, banks, insurers, and the court of your new address if you moved out of the marital home in your divorce. If vehicle ownership was awarded to you in the divorce, ensure the title and registration reflect that change.
In regard to insurance coverage, review all policies to make sure you are adequately covered and that your former spouse is removed, if necessary. If you were on your spouse’s health insurance plan, you can potentially get COBRA coverage, insurance through your own employer, or purchase a policy in the marketplace.
Contact an Experienced New Jersey Attorney When You Need Legal Assistance Post-Divorce
Divorce is a major milestone and adjusting to life afterwards requires careful planning. By staying proactive and organized, you can protect your rights, manage your finances, and build a new beginning with greater peace of mind. If issues arise post-divorce—such as a violation of the decree or changes in financial circumstances that may require modifications to orders—contact an attorney from [MFR] Men’s & Fathers’ Rights Divorce Lawyers for guidance. Call us at (201) 880-9770.
