Your divorce is finally over. The paperwork is all done, the assets are divided, the custody arrangements are finalized, the court visits are concluded. Whew! It was a long time coming, but you made it! Great job! You’re now officially free to move on with your new life. So, what should you do now?
Don’t worry – lot’s of people in your situation ask themselves this question. It’s only natural. Once the dust has settled, there can be a definite sense of uncertainty and even anxiety as you enter the uncharted waters of post-divorce reality. So as experienced family law attorneys in mid-Michigan, we have a few suggestions for you that may help to make this transition a little smoother.
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Have one last meeting with your divorce attorney
Yes, it may sound strange to have a meeting with your attorney when you no longer technically need their services, but there is a good reason for this. Your divorce may be final, but chances are, you are going to be living with the aftermath of your divorce for many years to come.
It is rare that a couple is able to part ways and be completely and utterly free of one another in every way possible. For this reason, we recommend that you meet with your attorney to ask any final questions, get last minute advice, and ensure that everything is ready to go for your new independent life.
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Make sure that you are fully informed about your divorce
Talk to your attorney about common mistakes that people make after divorce. This way, you can be better prepared to avoid problems in the future. Find out about your rights after divorce, and what the consequences are if you or your ex don’t comply with the terms of the divorce agreement.
According to Brandy Thompson, a family law attorney with The Kronzek Firm, being informed is important, but being speedy is important too. “While it is impossible to predict every post-judgment issue that may arise, we’re experienced in dealing with those issues. And, we’re always here to help, so if something does arise, whether it’s 3 months or 3 years after your divorce is finalized, contact us right away. Believe it or not, dealing with issues right away may result in less time and expense for the client.”
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Ask for advice for the future
When you meet with your your attorney if they have any helpful hints for you that could make your future dealings with your ex and/or the court easier. Things like making sure that you have changed your life insurance policy beneficiary, which is often something that people overlook after divorce. We can also point you in the right direction if you have changed your name during the divorce.
Discuss strategies for avoiding legal conflict with your ex over custody, alimony and child support, and find out which issues are worth going back to court for, and which aren’t. Be sure that your attorney explains to you everything you need to know about how to handle these problems, should they arise in the future. After all, it’s better to be prepared, even if you never make use of the information.
Join us next time as we look at the next three items on this list of things to do after your divorce is final. You won’t be sorry, we promise! Until then, if you or a loved one need help with your divorce, child custody, or allegations of abuse and neglect, our aggressive attorneys can help! Call us at 517 886 1000. Our attorneys are available 24/7 to help you work through whatever it is that you are struggling with.