Post-divorce checklist: what to do after divorce

Divorce proceedings can be stressful and lengthy, and the mental load can be overwhelming. Once you receive your Final Order (formerly known as a decree absolute), you may be wondering where to start as you try to move on.

Getting your life admin in order can help you move on after divorce, and this post-divorce checklist will guide you through the process.

What should I do after a divorce?

Reach a financial agreement if you haven’t already

If possible, it is best to sort out your matrimonial finances alongside your divorce, but if you haven’t reached a financial agreement with your ex-spouse, then you should do this as soon as possible. This is particularly important if you are considering remarrying. Even if you have reached an informal agreement, you should ensure that there is a formal record of this by asking a solicitor to assist you in obtaining a financial order.

Obtaining a financial order is important because a final divorce order only severs your marital tie, not your financial tie. Without a financial order in place, you or your ex-partner may be able to make a monetary claim against the other in the future.

Financial orders can be reached by agreement with your ex-spouse (these are called consent orders) or with help from the court. Once you have a financial order, there may be steps you need to take. For example, some financial orders require you to pay a lump sum to the other party, change ownership of a family home, or deal with any joint bank accounts.

Post-divorce life admin checklist

After you have reached a financial agreement, we recommend that you take the following practical steps to put your life admin in order:

• Keep your final divorce order and financial order safe. You may need these to show evidence of your marital status in the future.
• If you have children together, notify their school(s) and, if they need to, change who they communicate with. If your children are changing their surnames, the school will also need to update their records. Divorce can be a huge life change for children, so they may also require additional support from their school.
• Update your Will. Divorce can affect the terms of your existing Will, and you may wish to reconsider your nominated executors and beneficiaries. Read more about when to update your Will.
• Consider changes to your name and address. If you wish to revert to your maiden name, you will need to contact the relevant agencies, e.g. DVLA and HMRC, with evidence of your final divorce order.
• Update bill providers, e.g. gas and electricity, mobile phone supplier and other utilities.
• Let your GP and dentist know of your name and marital status change.
• Notify your mortgage lender. This is especially important if your ex-partner or spouse is coming off the mortgage. If you are remortgaging, you will need advice from a conveyancing solicitor.
• Tell your employer so they can update payroll.
• Update your insurance providers. This is particularly important if you have contents insurance, as some of the items you insured may have been removed as part of the separation.
• Check your death-in-service beneficiary with your pension funds. In the event of your death, the fund trustees will contact the beneficiary nominated.
• Find out whether you are eligible for any benefits or discounts (if you haven’t already). For example, you may be eligible for a reduction in your council tax if you are a single adult living in your home.
• Ensure that your wealth is protected should you enter a new relationship. You may want to consider having a Declaration of Trust, a cohabitation agreement or a pre-nuptial agreement in place.

Don’t forget to look after yourself

In addition to these practical, administrative steps, it’s important to prioritise your own mental health and wellbeing. A relationship breakdown often means a significant life adjustment, regardless of the length of the relationship or whether you have children and extensive assets together. It is really important to look after yourself and take time to process the change that you are going through. You may wish to consider speaking to a therapist or your GP.

If you were a victim of domestic abuse, there are domestic abuse support organisations that provide excellent support and advice.

How we can help

Our divorce solicitors work with clients across the UK from our offices in Bristol. We have specialist divorce and separation lawyers in Bedminster, Bishopston, Bristol city centre, Kingswood and Thornbury.

To speak to a member of our team, call 0117 253 0354 or complete our online enquiry form.