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.
Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO)
Also known as QDRO (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.
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.
Warranty Deed
A legal document that guarantees the grantor has clear title to the property and the legal right to transfer it, providing assurances against any future claims or encumbrances.
Post-Decree
Also known as post-divorce, the phase following finalization of a divorce when the final resolutions are implemented.
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
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.
Loan Modification
A change made to the terms of an existing loan by the lender, sometimes considered as an alternative to refinancing, though not a common divorce solution and not to be confused with a loan assumption or refinance.
Poste Decree Dispute
Refinance
The process of replacing an existing mortgage with a new one, typically done in divorce to remove a spouse from the loan, pay off the existing balance, and possibly extract equity for a buyout.
