Administrative Adjustments

Many people go into a sort of mental shut-down after divorce, likely because their brains finally have time to begin sorting out what happened, how it happened, and why. But before you can mentally check out after your divorce is finalized, there are a few administrative tasks you need to do to protect your family, your money, and you. Here’s what to know and how a Brooklyn, New York family lawyer can help you get through this difficult time.

Complete These Administrative Tasks After Your Divorce

Once your divorce is final, you should go through and complete each of these administrative tasks:

• Change your name, if applicable. If you took on your spouse’s last name or otherwise changed your name when you got married, you’ll need to go through the same process to have it changed back once you get a divorce. You can also decide to have it changed to something entirely different if you so choose.
• Register your new name with all government entities and on important accounts. Update your social security card, your driver’s license, your bank accounts, and all other places where your legal name appears. Consistency is important; you want to avoid having your name listed differently with different agencies.
• Update your estate plan. If you die after divorce and you haven’t updated your estate plan, the property left to your former spouse goes to the court as though your spouse had also passed away. However, other assets named to in-laws and stepchildren may still go to those individuals unless you change your will.
• Move your belongings. Any personal property or belongings that you have not moved out of the home you share with your spouse should be done as soon as possible following the divorce.
• Update the pick-up and drop-off instructions for your children. If you are the primary custodian of your children, be sure to amend the pick-up and drop-off instructions with their daycare or school. Your ex should no longer be allowed to pick them up unless it is in your custody arrangements.

Get Help From a New York Divorce & Family Lawyer

Navigating the post-divorce process can feel impossible. There’s a lot to change and you may not know how to go about administrative adjustments. Call Brooklyn family and divorce lawyer Mary Katherine Brown today for assistance by dialing (718) 878-6886. Our team can assist you with wrapping up loose ends after your divorce, or with any other aspect of family law.