First considerations
- Recognize that feelings of regret, sadness, anger, and blame toward yourself or the other person are common. You may want to contact your employee assistance program (EAP) to talk with a counselor about your feelings.
- If children are involved, assure them that they are in no way responsible for the dissolution of the marriage. Be aware that children can be as varied in their emotional reactions to divorce as adults. They may express these feelings verbally and/or behaviorally.
- Learn about child custody issues and alimony so that you will understand what role they will play in your divorce proceedings.
- Maintain contact with trusted friends and relatives, even if you feel like “hiding from the world.”
- If possible, try to maintain cordial relations with your ex and his or her family.
- Learn about divorce through professional mediation instead of the traditional court system. This may provide a cost-effective option that is less stressful for both parties.
- Update any documents related to estate planning, including power of attorney, health care proxies, wills, living wills, and tax-filing status to reflect your new status.
- Discuss new policy needs with your life and health care insurance providers; include annuities and adding and/or dropping beneficiaries.
- Notify your employer, bank, credit card companies, and utilities providers of all changes related to your surname and address.
- Talk to legal experts to ensure you understand how to take measures to protect property you purchase shortly after the divorce, including cars, real estate and major appliances.
- Make a list of all property and valuable possessions you and your spouse purchased during the marriage. Ask a trusted friend or relative for help.
- Talk to your financial institutions about separating any joint accounts, changing account-holder names, making title transfers, and establishing individual accounts to create your own credit rating.
First considerations
- Recognize that feelings of regret, sadness, anger, and blame toward yourself or the other person are common. You may want to contact your employee assistance program (EAP) to talk with a counselor about your feelings.
- If children are involved, assure them that they are in no way responsible for the dissolution of the marriage. Be aware that children can be as varied in their emotional reactions to divorce as adults. They may express these feelings verbally and/or behaviorally.
- Learn about child custody issues and alimony so that you will understand what role they will play in your divorce proceedings.
- Maintain contact with trusted friends and relatives, even if you feel like “hiding from the world.”
- If possible, try to maintain cordial relations with your ex and his or her family.
- Learn about divorce through professional mediation instead of the traditional court system. This may provide a cost-effective option that is less stressful for both parties.
- Update any documents related to estate planning, including power of attorney, health care proxies, wills, living wills, and tax-filing status to reflect your new status.
- Discuss new policy needs with your life and health care insurance providers; include annuities and adding and/or dropping beneficiaries.
- Notify your employer, bank, credit card companies, and utilities providers of all changes related to your surname and address.
- Talk to legal experts to ensure you understand how to take measures to protect property you purchase shortly after the divorce, including cars, real estate and major appliances.
- Make a list of all property and valuable possessions you and your spouse purchased during the marriage. Ask a trusted friend or relative for help.
- Talk to your financial institutions about separating any joint accounts, changing account-holder names, making title transfers, and establishing individual accounts to create your own credit rating.