The 3 Most Important Things To Do After Divorce

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After a divorce, it's important to take certain steps to ensure that you are protecting yourself and your assets. Here are the top 3 most important things you should do after getting divorced .

1. Make a will

One of the most important things you can do after getting divorced is to make a new will. Divorce does not automatically revoke a will, but once the decree absolute has been issued, any instructions in the will to leave assets to your ex-spouse will be disregarded.

This means that, if your former spouse is the sole beneficiary in your will, you will be considered intestate in the event of your death – and your estate will be dealt with according to the Rules of Intestacy.

To ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, it is always advisable to draft a new will upon divorce. You can work with a solicitor or use a DIY will kit, but it's important to make sure the will is legally valid and reflects your current wishes.

2. Change your name

If you changed your name when you got married, you may want to change it back after your divorce. This can help you move on and feel like you are reclaiming your identity.

To change your name, you will need to provide a copy of your marriage certificate and decree absolute to the relevant record holder, such as your bank or utility company.

However, some organisations may require a deed poll to officially prove the change of name. An enrolled deed poll is available to anyone who is 18 or over and involves putting your new name on public record by enrolling it at the Royal Courts of Justice.

An unenrolled deed poll is available to anyone who is 16 or over, but not all organisations will accept it. It's a good idea to check with each organisation what their requirements are for changing your name.

3. Close any joint bank or savings accounts

During a divorce settlement, joint bank and savings accounts will usually need to be divided up between the two parties. Once this has been done, it's important to close the joint accounts to avoid any future issues.

Set up your own personal accounts, move direct debits and regular payments to the relevant personal accounts, and pay off any overdrafts in the joint accounts.

Make sure to inform any third parties, such as your employer or benefits provider, to ensure that future payments are made into the correct account.

Once you have moved all the money from the joint account to your personal account, make sure to officially close the joint accounts.

This will help you separate your finances from your ex-spouse and avoid any future disputes over shared accounts.

Overall, taking these steps can help you protect your financial future and move on from your divorce. It's also a good idea to seek advice from a solicitor or financial advisor to ensure that you are making the best decisions for your individual circumstances.

PHOTO: KELLY SIKKEMA

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