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.
Lien
A legal right or claim against a property by a creditor or a party owed a settlement to secure the payment of a debt or obligation, remaining until the debt is satisfied.
Underwriting
The lender’s process of evaluating a borrower’s financial profile (income, debt, credit) to decide whether to approve a refinance or assumption.
Certificate of Dissolution
An official document issued by the court that formally ends a marriage, confirming the legal dissolution of the marriage and often including basic details like the date of the divorce and name change.
Encumbrance
Legal claims, debts or liabilities, such as mortgages or liens, attached to a property that may affect its transfer or value.
Beneficiary Designations
Instructions on who will receive benefits from accounts like life insurance policies and retirement plans in the event of your death.
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.
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.
Contempt of Court
QDRO
Also known as Qualified Domestic Relations Order and pronounced "quadro," a legal order following a divorce that is required to divide ownership of a qualified retirement plan (such as a pension or 401k) to give the divorced spouse their share of the asset or pension plan.
Certified Copy
An official document that verifies the finalization of a legal matter with an endorsement by the court, often a raised seal.
