- Transfer of property
- Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO)
- Name Change
- Insurance Beneficiaries
- Children-Related Issues
Your Final Decree of Divorce will include language awarding property to you and your ex, however that is not the final step in the process of awarding property. Make sure that, if relevant to your case, documents such as Special Warranty Deeds, Deeds of Trust or Powers of Attorneys are signed, notarized and filed with the proper entities. Don’t wait until an issue pops up down the road to discover that you never transferred the title to a piece of property, make sure it’s all handled quickly after your divorce is finalized.
If you were awarded part of your ex’s retirement benefits in a 401k, you will need a QDRO to effectuate being awarded that money. A QDRO is a separate document from your final decree of divorce that is directed to the 401k’s plan administrator. It will also need to be signed by a judge before the money can be removed from the account. This cannot be done until after your final decree of divorce has been signed, but be prepared to get this finished soon after the divorce is granted.
If you restored your last name to your maiden name you will need to take a certified copy of your decree to the DMV, social security office, banks, schools, etc. It can be daunting so it is best to deal with it as soon after your divorce as possible.
A divorce can impact your current life insurance policies if your former spouse was named as a beneficiary. Make sure to update all your policies, including any policies through your employment, to reflect a new beneficiary.
Provide your child’s school a certified copy of your final decree of divorce in case any custody issues arise. Contact the Texas Disbursement Unit to set up your child support payments account or start making payments if you were ordered to pay child support. Update any medical professionals with your new name, address and relevant information.
If you need to schedule a consultation with an experienced Houston Divorce Lawyer, please give us a call at (713) 225-6200 or visit us on the web at RamosFamilyLaw.com.
