Why a Post-Divorce Plan is Essential for a Smooth Transition
Life during and after divorce can be a difficult period for many to navigate. Having a post-divorce plan can make a huge difference by helping you understand what to expect and how to confront certain challenges with greater confidence and clarity during this complicated time.
Organization and Confronting the Complexities
You might not know where to turn or what to do following your divorce. There are certain actions that you can take moving forward to help create a smoother transition into the post-divorce phase. First, you should keep and review all of the pertinent divorce records and documents. Make sure that all items in the Divorce Decree are dealt with…do not simply infer that your attorney will handle the matter without your contribution. REVIEW THOSE FINAL DECREE DOCUMENTS VERY CAREFULLY AFTER YOUR DIVORCE!
Having a thorough post-divorce plan includes reviewing these documents and taking proactive steps. Further, it is important to consider your estate planning documents, as they will likely need to be updated with information pertaining to your estate beneficiaries, executors and/or agents, and healthcare decisions. Be sure to seek out an estate planning attorney to help you through this very important process.
Next, examine if you need to change your beneficiaries on your life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and other investment accounts. These updates are crucial elements of any effective post-divorce plan.
How a Post-Divorce Plan Can Simplify a Change of Surname
Another intricacy involved with divorce might concern the change of your surname. A name change bak to a former name can be easily accomplished by filing a name change Order within 30 days fof the final hearing. Pursuant to Ohio. Rev. Code § 3105.16, a court that grants a divorce has the authority to “restore any name that the person has before the marriage” if the person so desires. After an approved name change, you should report the change to the Social Security Administration (SSA) to ensure that your earnings are properly recorded and that you receive all your owed benefits.
You can use this FAQ article from the SSA on how to change or correct the name on your Social Security card. It generally takes around two weeks to verify the change and to have the new card issued. Additionally, you should file paperwork with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) to update your records and your driver’s license to reflect your name change. You can reach Ohio’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles website here. Addressing these administrative tasks is an essential part of a comprehensive post-divorce plan.
Consideration of Children
If you have children, then it might be beneficial to notify your children’s school of your post-divorce arrangements related to custody, contact information, or other matters if need be. It is also crucial to maintain scheduled visitation times and to pay all support when due. Doing so can help your children adjust more easily during this challenging and unfamiliar period. Ultimately, it is best to acknowledge your children’s feelings and provide them reassurance and comfort following a divorce.
Health Insurance
Health insurance is also an important consideration when finalizing a divorce, as there might be substantial changes to your coverage. After a divorce, health insurance can become a serious concern, especially for non-insured individuals who relied on their partner’s coverage. However, a temporary option to maintain health insurance for 18 to 36 months after losing coverage due to events like divorce is offered through COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act). This coverage applies to private-sector employees with 20 or more employees and, additionally, state-specific “mini-COBRA” laws may provide similar protections for smaller employers. Alternatives to COBRA include private insurance, Medicaid, or options through the Healthcare Insurance Marketplace, where losing employer-based coverage may qualify for special enrollment. Planning early can help avoid gaps or uncertainties in coverage during and after divorce. For more information on health insurance throughout the divorce process, read our previous blog post here.
Managing Psychological Impacts with a Thoughtful Post-Divorce Plan
Psychological impacts of divorce may not seem like a fundamental consideration among other aspect like custody, spousal support, healthcare, etc., but the effects of divorce on mental health should not be pushed aside, especially in the face of numerous studies on the potential effects of divorce on mindset, behavior, and overall well-being. Research studies have indicated that divorced individuals experience immediate or short-term psychological effects of divorce, like shock, denial, anger, and depression, and also indicate that there are long-term effects of divorce that manifest through complications related to physical health as well. This shows that, though divorce may be the best decision to make for a couple, it is very important to understand how to cope with certain negative emotions and reduce the negative effects after the matter.
One helpful way to do this is to seek out professional guidance to manage depression, anxiety, stress, and other mental health matters. For example, reaching out to therapists or counselors would be a great way to overcome negative emotions following depression. It might also be beneficial to reach out to certain support groups to avoid isolation or loneliness during times of depression, as this can help individuals find connections and strength through shared experiences. Other sources of aid might be therapeutic treatments like psychoeducation, acupuncture, or routine exercise to maintain a beneficial and robust lifestyle in the long-run. These resources can help both interim of the short-term and long-term effects of divorce on mental and physical health.
Conclusion
Divorce is a significant life transition, and preparing for life afterward is essential! Taking proactive steps can make life after divorce more manageable. While divorce can be complex and stressful, creating a plan as a foundation will provide a path forward, empowering you to embrace the next chapter with greater confidence and resolve.
To learn more about navigating life after a divorce, please read these previous blog posts:
- Declutter Negative Thoughts: Post-Divorce Healing Tips
- Post-Divorce Depression: Coping Strategies & Resources
- After Divorce: Tips to Reduce The “Shell-Shocked” Post-Divorce!
- Divorce Checklist: Tips To Move Forward Positively Post-Divorce
Be kind to yourself as you move through this transition period. A certain amount of grief accompanies virtually all divorce cases. Follow these tips and be aware of your emotional state.Working through life changes always take time. The information included herein should help you avoid depression and paralysis. Make the effort to draft your own individualized post-divorce transition plan. Trust me, you will be very glad that you did!
PUBLISHER’S NOTE:
I want to thank Taylor Mawer, a second-year student at the University of Dayton School of Law, for contributing this article. Last week Taylor finished up clerking with Holzfaster, Cecil, McKnight & Mues this semester. We thank you for all your hard work! Well done Taylor! Stay in touch. We will miss you!
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Attorney Robert “Chip” Mues has been focusing his legal practice throughout Southwest Ohio primarily in divorce and family law matters since 1978. Chip is passionate about family law and has proudly published the Ohio Family Law Blog since 2007. In addition, he is the managing partner of Holzfaster, Cecil, McKnight & Mues. To learn more about him or the law firm, visit the firm’s website at www.hcmmlaw.com. Appointments are available in person, over the phone or by Zoom. Call us at 937 293-2141.
