The process of divorce can be overwhelming. There are many legal and logistical details to address, not to mention the emotional challenges of ending a marriage.
With so much going on, it can be easy to overlook some changes that can make life after divorce a little easier. In this post, we will look at some of the seemingly minor or insignificant post-divorce changes people make that can be more important than you think.
- Your name – Changing your name is a very personal decision, and not everyone does it. That said, changing your name to a former last name can help you restart your life as an individual. If you do decide to change your name (typically women revert to maiden names or a prior married name), then make sure you do so on all government, legal and banking documents.
- Your online passwords – Even if you aren’t worried that an ex will hack into your email, social media or bank accounts, changing these passwords can be important. Yes, it prevents an ex from accessing them without your permission, but it can also help you make a fresh start. This is particularly true if your passwords refer to your ex, you wedding or some other detail related to your marriage. You do not need constant references to your past divorce.
- Your locks – If you stayed in your marital home after divorce, changing your locks can be critical. It can prevent your ex, your former in-laws and others who might have had a key to your house from coming in without permission or warning. It can also give you peace of mind that you have complete control over the people to whom you grant access.
- Your estate plans – The last thing you probably want to think about after a divorce is changing your will. However, making changes to guardianships, beneficiaries and other elements of an estate plan can prevent even the smallest possibility of your ex receiving property or having any control over your financial or medical decisions if you pass away or become incapacitated.
While these might seem like insignificant or unimportant changes, they could have a meaningful impact on your life, your sense of security and your future plans so it could be worth considering them as you adjust to life post-divorce.