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.
Post-Decree
Also known as post-divorce, the phase following finalization of a divorce when the final resolutions are implemented.
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.
Encumbrance
Legal claims, debts or liabilities, such as mortgages or liens, attached to a property that may affect its transfer or value.
Debt-to-Income Ration (DTI)
A calculation used by lenders to determine loan eligibility (often for a mortgage), comparing your monthly debt payments to your gross monthly income; DTI affects whether a spouse can qualify to refinance or assume a mortgage.
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.
Indemnification Clause
A legal provision in a divorce decree stating that the spouse retaining the home will protect ("indemnify") the other from any financial or legal harm related to the mortgage; this clause does not remove the non-retaining spouse from the loan in the eyes of the lender.
Plan Administrator
The entity or individual responsible for managing a retirement plan, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and processing benefit distributions.
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.
Underwriting
The lender’s process of evaluating a borrower’s financial profile (income, debt, credit) to decide whether to approve a refinance or assumption.
Beneficiary Designations
Instructions on who will receive benefits from accounts like life insurance policies and retirement plans in the event of your death.
