Rosenthal Law & Mediation
  • About Us
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
212.532.4704

We're here for
your family.

  • Divorce
    • Overview of Divorce Services
    • Divorce Mediation
    • Collaborative Law
    • Uncontested Divorce
    • Review / Consulting Attorney
    • Support Calculator
    • Divorce Resources
  • Mediation
    • Mediation Services Overview
    • Divorce Mediation
    • Mediation Resources
  • Family Law
    • Family Law Overview
    • Prenuptial Agreements
    • LGBT Families
    • Support Calculator
    • Family Law Resources
  • Adoption
    • Adoption Services Overview
    • Lesbian & Gay Adoption / Second Parent Adoption
    • Step-Parent Adoption / Kinship Adoption
    • Foster Parent & Agency Adoption
    • Birth Mothers & Adoptive Parents
    • Adoption Resources
  • Contact
internal-main-image-divorce

What to Do After You Get Your Divorce Judgment

October 22, 2019 By Joy Rosenthal

Mallard Ducks lined up in a row on a beachWhen we submit your divorce papers to the court in order to obtain a Judgment of Divorce (JOD), the terms of the Settlement Agreement become the law. That means that each party is now bound by the terms of the Agreement. Take a close look at the Agreement and highlight any sections that require action.

We will send you one certified copy of the JOD, which has the Court’s official seal and stamp on it. If you need additional copies, you can go down to the courthouse to obtain them. Make sure to take ID.

Once you get it, protect this document — it is an important legal paper! When you are not using it, put it in a safe deposit box or another safe place.

  • Change your beneficiaries on the following types of account to comply with the Judgment:
    • Retirement accounts – IRAs, 401(k) accounts, pensions, 403(b) accounts, annuities, etc.
    • Brokerage accounts – some require beneficiaries, some do not
    • Life insurance policies
  • Make sure your (or your ex’s) name is taken off of the titles to the house and the mortgage, if applicable. If you are going to continue to own the house jointly and you purchased it as a married couple, you may need to retitle the deed to reflect your new status as divorced. Check with a real estate attorney.
  • If you are changing your name pursuant to the divorce, take the certified copy of the JOD to:
    • Social Security
    • Motor Vehicles
    • Passport Office
  • Once you change these three things, it should be fairly easy to change your name on other documents, such as your library card, credit cards, bank accounts, etc. Update your homeowner’s or rental insurance policy.
  • Update your will, which determines who will receive your property after you die. Make sure that it conforms with the terms of the Settlement Agreement.
  • This is also a good time to update your health care proxy and power of attorney, which go into effect if you become unable to make medical or financial decisions for yourself.
  • Make sure you are each transferring all property in a timely manner as required by the JOD or the Settlement Agreement.
  • Make sure a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is being filed if needed to transfer part or all of a pension or retirement plan.
  • Change title and registration for your automobile, and tell your auto insurer.
  • Obtain life insurance if required by the Agreement.
  • Open up bank accounts in your name only or change title on joint accounts.
  • Pay child and spousal support as agreed.
  • Most important — keep to the parenting schedule!

A lot of people have mixed feelings once the divorce is over and done. After many years as a mediator, I feel confident in saying that the vast majority of people go on to live great lives after divorce. I’ve also learned the human spirit is very resilient.

Get your ducks in a row, and then go live your best life!

Joy Rosenthal

Joy S. Rosenthal, Esq.
joy@joyrosenthal.com

Rosenthal Law & Mediation
225 Broadway, Suite 2605
New York, New York 10007
Phone: 212.532.4704

Filed Under: Divorce, Mediation Tagged With: divorce mediation, Judgment of Divorce (JOD), Post Divorce Tasks, Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO), Settlement Agreement

Sign up for our Email List

Select list(s) to subscribe to


By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Rosenthal Law & Mediation, 348 Coney Island Avenue , Brooklyn, NY, 11218, http://www.joyrosenthal.com. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact

Categories

Recent Posts

  • As I Live and Breathe…
  • We Hear What We Want to Hear!
  • Love in the Time of Coronavirus

Recent Comments

  • Joy Rosenthal on Love in the Time of Coronavirus
  • Joy Rosenthal on Love in the Time of Coronavirus
  • Clare Piro on Love in the Time of Coronavirus

Archives

How Can We Help You?

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
↑ Back to Top
Rosenthal Law & Mediation
212.532.4704

Joy S. Rosenthal, Esq.
348 Coney Island Avenue
Room 20
Brooklyn, NY 11218

Facebook
Twitter
Google Plus
LinkedIn
The information on this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney to obtain legal advice regarding your own situation.
Client Resources | Make a Payment | Disclaimer | Privacy | Sitemap
Website Design by Vertical Rail | ©2010-2021 Rosenthal Law & Mediation