Divorce

If resuming use of your maiden name, you need to call your credit card companies and banks to ask about documentation requirements (probably a copy of your divorce decree or other such paperwork).

Paperwork associated with name changes can take time, so make a list of all of firms and individuals who need to know about your name change, such as the human resources department at the Social Security Administration and your employer’s office, school administrators, investment advisor, insurance company and doctor.

Consider revising beneficiaries for your will, life insurance and bank and retirement accounts. You may also wish to draw up: a new power of attorney so someone can handle your financial affairs if you are unable to revise medical directives and possibly assign custodians for underage children in case both you and your ex-spouse die unexpectedly.

You may be required to transfer some or all of your individual retirement accounts, 401(k)s or pension plans to your ex-spouse. Administrators of 401(k) or pension plans generally require court-signed qualified domestic relations orders (QDROs) to begin any transfers or to divide a pension plan – and usually won’t accept any documents that don’t conform. 

If you don’t currently have an IRA, be certain you open the correct type. For example, if you are receiving funds from a Roth IRA, open a Roth IRA. If receiving funds from a traditional IRA or a 401(k), open a traditional IRA.

Pre-plan to sell property. If you are required to sell your marital home, start preparing for the sale. Engage an experienced real estate agent to help you determine where to improve the home to fetch the best price.

Retain all documents relating to your divorce, such as the decree, settlement agreement and parenting plan. Keep copies that prove you performed in time the actions that the settlement agreement required.

Also keep copies of receipt or payment of alimony, child support, children’s expenses and property.