A divorce is one of the most life-changing events most people will experience, and is
accompanied by a lot of emotional, financial, domestic and legal considerations. Thinking
about life after divorce may be exciting, or daunting, or a combination of both, but it is important
to not lose sight of the practical things you need to do to start this next chapter of your life on
the right foot.
Here, the expert divorce lawyers at Tyler Hoffman outline some of the important changes
you may need to make after a divorce, as well as some you can tackle before the
proceedings are finalised, and offer their tips for moving forward.
Review your legal documents
A divorce is full of documents and, once the process is done, you may never want to think
about them again. However, there are several types of legal documents that may need to
change following the dissolution of a marriage or civil partnership. If you have a will, you may
want to remove your former spouse or partner so that they no longer benefit from your
estate. They may also have been listed as the executor, but in most cases it is best to
appoint someone else after a separation. A solicitor can help you to consider how you want
your estate to be managed and set it down in a legally binding way.
If you are thinking about changing the beneficiaries of your will, it may also be a good
opportunity to change the beneficiaries of any life insurance, health insurance or other
policies to remove your ex-spouse. Pensions may also need to be updated for the same
reason.
If your ex-partner or spouse had any powers of attorney, you may also wish to amend or
revoke these. You can reassign this responsibility to a trusted friend or relative instead.
There is a legal process through which you must do this and, once again, a solicitor can help
you to make sure everything is legally sound to avoid the risk of these powers being
misused.
Notify the authorities
There are several authorities that will need to know about your change in circumstances,
although they will be different in each specific case. For example, if you hold any joint
accounts, you should instruct your bank to close or transfer them. This is vital as it can help
you to avoid future liability or disputes that might otherwise arise later down the line.
If you have retained sole ownership of any property that was previously co-owned with your
partner, you will need to update the deed to match your new status. This can be done by
filling in and filing the relevant form with HM Land Registry, or by having a solicitor do so on
your behalf. This is often best, as this process can be complicated and it is important to get it
right.
The division of assets may result in a Capital Gains Tax liability, which you should be aware
of. You must inform HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) of your change in marital status,
and you may need to review and adjust your tax code.
If you wish to revert to a previous name, you must follow the legal process for a name
change. In such cases, you will need to notify banks, HMRC, the DVSA, and other
institutions, and have your name changed on your passport, driving licence, bank accounts
and property deeds, among other places.
Keep records
Make sure to keep detailed records of everything, from any agreements about the division of
assets or debts, to evidence of any maintenance payments you have made for your ex-
spouse or child. If any disputes arise later, these records can be a key piece of evidence in
your favour by showing that you have complied with the terms of any relevant agreements
and followed any instructions given to you by the court.
If you have concerns about providing for a child, or arrangements like visitation rights or
holidays, make sure your custody agreement is clear on these points and is legally binding.
As will all aspects of the divorce process and the period that follows, working with an
experienced family law solicitor can make a significant difference. This means choosing
someone who understands your situation and is ready to work with you towards your aims.
Look after yourself
Divorce is a significant life event that requires careful planning and consideration – both for
the proceedings themselves, and the things that will come afterwards. Focusing too much on
admin tasks or your legal responsibilities can be a distraction. Make sure to spend time with
friends and family, or consider attending support groups who can provide emotional backing
and practical advice. Professional support can also help you process your feelings and plan
for the future, so ask yourself whether therapy might be the right solution.
Check that you fully understand the financial settlement from the divorce and that you are
able to manage expenses effectively. This can also help you to make long-term plans, both
in terms of how you will budget and control your finances, but also in terms of the life you
want to live after divorce. There are lots of opportunities available to you, and by taking things one step at a time you will be ready to embrace them.
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