Divorce is a life-changing process. Change is inevitable. Don’t resist it. Embrace it. Try to relax and think clearly. Approach it with a sense of optimism, not anger, and you will be far better off in the long run. Take a big deep breath and try not to do everything all at once. Do it methodologically without trying to seek revenge on your former spouse. Mistakes and ill-informed decisions can be costly. Change can most definitely seem completely overwhelming and all-consuming. Start by creating and prioritizing a list of things that you’ll need to change. The following is a non-exhausted list of key things you will need to do, change, or consider.
Top 10 “To-Do List”
- Educate yourself and do your research on how the divorce process works,
- Take responsibility,
- Avoid the “do-it-yourself divorce”. Start with the collaborative divorce process,
- Focus on the big picture. Don’t sweat the small stuff,
- Start a Divorce File,
- Organize your financial paperwork,
- Establish a new email account dedicated to your divorce,
- Try to keep the lines of communication open with your ex no matter how difficult it is,
- Stay focused on the end goal,
- Redo your Financial and Estate Plans.
Top 10 “To change list”
- Change your passwords,
- Close your joint bank accounts and joint credit cards and open a new chequing and savings account solely in your name. Also, get a new credit card in your name only,
- Update your will,
- Change or appoint a guardian for your children,
- Change your beneficiaries (RRSP, RIFS, TFSA Insurance Policies),
- Revoke your power of attorney if it is your ex,
- Change your representatives on your representation agreement,
- You may wish to change your Accountant, Investment Advisor, or any other professional you shared jointly with your ex,
- Change or ensure your health and dental coverage is in place,
- Change your marital status with your employer and CRA.
Top 10 Name Change Checklist after Divorce
- Social Security card,
- Passport and Nexus,
- Divorce License, car title, registration, and insurance,
- All bank accounts, investment accounts and credit cards,
- Insurance policies,
- Club memberships,
- Utility bills,
- Medical and dental records,
- Mortgages and loans,
- Voter registration,
Things you may also consider
- Find a mental health professional who specializes in divorce,
- Join a divorce support group:
www.criclesup.com
www.meetup.com
www.mensgroup.com, - Hire a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) or a Chartered Financial Divorce Specialist (CFDS)
– A CFDA is a financial professional skilled at analyzing data and providing expertise on the financial issues of divorce:
www.afds.com
https://institutedfa.com - Hire a divorce coach
www.clairesutton.com
www.knowledgeformen.com
www.divorcerefined.ca
www.relationshiphero.com - Taking back your Maiden name
– Taking your name back symbolizes that you no longer wish to be connected emotionally, financially, or legally
www.easynamechange.com
https://newlynamed.com
https://medium.com: Pros and Cons of keeping your married name after divorce, - Hire a Parenting Coordinator
– A parenting coordinator assists parents carry out their parenting agreement or court order. They help parents resolve disagreements
https://www.gov.bc.ca Parenting Coordinators-Province of British Columbia, - Have a plan before dating- Stay single. Wait until your divorce is final before you start dating. Take some time for yourself. Work on YOU first. Learn to make yourself happy alone first.
www.goodhousekeeping.com– 12 Tips for dating after Divorce for men and women at any age, - Hire a Personal Trainer
– Stay healthy and active. Don’t turn to increased alcohol consumption
www.thebestvancouver.com– The best personal trainers in Vancouver, - Go on a holiday
– Take a trip alone. Not a single-mom vacation with the kids…Alone, preferably overseas, in a foreign country, or at a beach, - Learn to say no. Set new limits to reduce feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or guilty. On the other hand, learning to say yes to trying new things will help you move forward.
When dissolving your marriage, remember that there are 5 primary issues in divorce that will more than likely require professional advice:
- Property division,
- Asset division,
- Spousal support,
- Child support,
- Custody and parenting time – For assistance, Divorce Simplified is here to help, provide support, answer your questions, and furnish you with a comprehensive list of professionals to assist you in all aspects of divorce. For further information, contact us at info@divorcesimplifed.com
