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Steps to Take as Soon as Your Divorce is Finalized

When your divorce is finalized, there are still a few tasks you will need to perform to protect yourself and get off to the right start in your new life. The following are a few of the steps you should take as soon as your divorce is official.

  • Review your paperwork: Make sure you are familiar with everything that’s included in your divorce judgment or settlement agreement. If there are any action items you have, get them into your calendar so you do not miss any important dates or deadlines.
  • Cancel joint accounts: If you still have any joint accounts with your ex-spouse, make sure you cancel them and open up new accounts in your name only as soon as possible. You do not want to be liable for any new debts racked up by your former spouse.
  • Change beneficiaries: If you have any beneficiaries on retirement accounts, life insurance policies or various other types of accounts, make sure you change them from your former spouse to someone else.
  • Check insurance policies: Insurance policies are often taken out in the name of both you and your spouse. You may be obligated to continue to provide benefits to your ex-spouse, so make sure to comply with those requirements. Otherwise, feel free to cancel existing policies and take out a new one in your name.
  • Review your estate plan: If you and your former spouse had created an estate plan together, you’ll need to start over to ensure your estate plan reflects your life as a newly single person.
  • Take care of your name change: If you changed your name for your marriage and wish to go back to a previous name, you’ll need to inform various agencies, such as the Social Security Administration, the Department of Motor Vehicles and other companies where you have accounts.

For further information and advice on the steps you will need to take after your divorce is official, contact a skilled Minnesota divorce lawyer with Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A.

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Client testimonials
  • "Tori had a thorough understanding of my situation and made excellent recommendations to resolve my concerns. She was persistent on communication and handled everything in a very timely manner. I would definitely hire her again in the future if needed." - M.K.

  • "With Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A., it is like having a family physician. They are all knowledgeable, thorough, comforting, and the only call I need to make for all my legal needs for many years to come. No matter what the matter, I totally trust their advice and commitment to me and my family." - J.N.

  • "Mary from APH Law helped me thru a difficult divorce. She and the entire staff was there for me every step of the way helping me on what to do next. They listened to what I wanted and helped me achieve what matter the most to me in the divorce settlement." - Dana C.

  • "I chose APH after my initial consultation with Mary. I felt my best interest would be represented. The entire process went excellent, the attorneys and staff communicated effectively and efficiently with me throughout the process as they needed to. Being new to the legal process and verbiage, they walked me and talked me through the next steps and the jargon, I felt completely comfortable and represented. I hope I never have to use legal services again but if I do I will call Mary at APH Law and know that I will be taken care of." - Jeff M.

  • "Divorce is a time of emotion and stress. Mary Pfeifer , My lawyer was professional and compassionate. She was very informative through the process. Her insight helped me in my decisions. She worked hard to obtain a settlement which was fair to both parties. Though, I hope I won't need her help again. It is reassuring to know a good person that is willing to help." - Rod S.

  • "I first came to Ms. Jacquelyn Lutz of Appelhof, Pfeifer and Hart in October of 2016. It was definitely the worst time in my life and she compassionately spoke with me about my options. Ms. Lutz thoroughly explained the laws, statutes, process and what to expect going forward. What was supposed to be one case, turned into three intricate cases that took a huge toll on me and my family. Ms. Lutz represented me in court on all three cases with a vast knowledge of the laws and how to proceed accordingly. During all three cases she kept me informed, calm, gave me resources to utilize, and (most important) gave me a realistic view of what may come next. Ms. Lutz knew each case required a great deal of knowledge and creative thinking on how to legally proceed forward with each case. My family and friends are forever grateful for the amazing representation by Ms. Lutz. I highly recommend Ms. Lutz for anyone needing or considering superb representation for any kind of family law. " - M.H.

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