The ink is dry, the court date is over, and you have officially closed one chapter of your life. While you might want to simply exhale and move on, there is a “second phase” of divorce that is critical. Let us call it administrative decoupling.

Failing to update these details can lead to financial losses, privacy breaches, or awkward legal hurdles down the road. Here is your guide to the essential updates you may still need to make once your divorce is finalized. And while these issues can be addressed and decided upon during the process of divorce mediation, it is up to the parties to execute them outside of mediation.

Secure Your Financial Future by Following Through with Your Divorce Agreement: The division of assets is not officially done until the paperwork reaches the financial institutions.

• Update Beneficiary Forms: If you had previously named your spouse as the beneficiary for your retirement account or life insurance policy you can change these forms to reflect your current wishes.
• Follow through with the QDRO: If your settlement includes dividing a portion of a 401(k) or pension, you need to obtain a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO). This is something you do not do yourself. Hire a professional to complete this important step. Without a QDRO, the plan administrator cannot legally move the funds into your name, even though the divorce decree allocated the retirement fund accordingly.
• 529 & UTMA Accounts: Usually, only one parent is named as the owner of these accounts. Adjust the ownership of children’s college savings accounts as needed. Ensure this aligns with your divorce agreement.

Prioritize Your Health & Wellness: Your medical coverage often changes upon your divorce being finalized.

• Health Insurance Transitions: The topic is addressed in divorce mediation but still needs to be implemented by you. Do not let your coverage lapse! If you were on your spouse’s plan, you generally have a limited window, usually 60 days, to enroll in new coverage. You can explore COBRA, which tends to be expensive. A covered employee’s spouse who would lose coverage as a result of a divorce may elect to use COBRA for up to 36 months. There is also the Health Insurance Marketplace, commonly known as Obamacare, or your own employer’s health insurance plan.
• Emergency Contacts: Remove your ex-spouse from emergency contact lists at your workplace, doctor’s office, and beyond.

Digital & Personal Privacy: In the digital age, there is a lot to consider. A fresh start requires a digital sweep.

• Reset Security Protocols: Change your passwords and reset your Two-Factor Authentication for all accounts. Ensure the recovery phone number and secret questions (like “Where did you get married?”) are updated to things your ex-spouse may not know.
• Separate Cell Phone Plans: Moving to your own plan prevents your ex from seeing your calls and texts and ensures financial independence.
• Shared memberships: It may be awkward when you realize your ex-spouse can still see which mindless TV show you are watching on Netflix or what you ordered on Amazon. Separate your shared memberships- AAA, Costco, Netflix, Amazon, Shop-Rite, etc.

Co-Parenting Logistics: Keeping things smooth for the kids requires updated documentation.

• School & Medical Records and Communication: Refresh the contact information at the pediatrician’s office and for the school emergency listing. Ensure both parents receive all school emails and notifications, have all log in and password information for school portals, as outlined in the parenting plan. Each parent should have a copy of all insurance cards for the children.
• Travel Documents: Update the children’s passports as needed. If you are traveling internationally with the children, you may need a notarized letter from the non-traveling parent.
• Update Wills: Each party should update or obtain a will that will reflect what is stated in your divorce agreement about what happens with the kids if you die. Also keep in mind who is named to be the guardian of your children if your co-parent pre-deceases you and then you die (grim scenario!).

The Small Details That Matter: These are the items that often slip through the cracks until an emergency happens.

• The Glove Box: Clean out the car. Remove old insurance cards in your ex-spouse’s name and ensure the registration is updated if the title changed.
• Burial Plots & Funeral Plans: It is a somber thought, but if you purchased prepaid funeral plans or burial plots as a couple, you must legally transfer ownership or update the instructions to avoid future complications for your heirs.