After the Divorce
Once you are divorced, there are often post-divorce tasks to complete. Whether you are implementing the agreements or addressing post-divorce disputes, learning the basics (and what you can do on your own) will prepare you and may save you time and money.
Post Divorce Introduction
Learn about steps and tasks that need to be completed to implement the agreements outlined in the decree after the divorce is final.
Post Divorce Transfer of Real Estate
Learn the steps, considerations and potential challenges with transferring or handling real estate after a divorce is final.
Post Divorce Division of Retirement
Learn the procedures and legal requirements to divide each type of retirement account to facilitate a smooth transition and compliance with the divorce decree.
Post Divorce Division of Other Assets and Liabilities
Review considerations and tips for dividing assets and liabilities after divorce, like bank accounts, investment accounts and debts.
Indemnification
A legally binding agreement in which one party agrees to compensate the other for any loss or damage incurred, often used to protect against financial liability.
Contempt of Court
A finding by the court that someone has willfully disobeyed a court order. In family law, contempt may lead to fines, back payments, or other penalties to enforce compliance.
Post Decree Dispute
Also known as post divorce decree, a conflict or legal issue that arises after the divorce has been finalized and the court has entered a decree; these may involve parenting, support, property division, or enforcement concerns.
Loan Term
The length of time over which the mortgage must be repaid (typically 15 or 30 years); a refinance typically restarts the term while a loan assumption maintains the current term.
In-Kind Transfer
The process of transferring ownership of assets without converting assets to cash and potentially incurring taxes, and instead directly transferring the actual asset itself, such as stocks, property, or other physical items.
Certified Copy
An official document that verifies the finalization of a legal matter with an endorsement by the court, often a raised seal.
Plan Administrator
The entity or individual responsible for managing a retirement plan, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and processing benefit distributions.
Assumption
Also known as name deletion, a process where one spouse takes over the existing mortgage, becoming solely responsible for payments, while keeping the original loan terms (e.g., interest rate, balance, maturity date). Lender approval is typically required, and not all loans are assumable.
Appeal
In litigation, the process for a party to request review of the trial court's decision to a higher court if they believe legal errors were made or if they disagree with the outcome.
Participant
An employee or former employee who has accrued benefits in a retirement plan and is entitled to receive those benefits upon retirement or another qualifying event.
