Life Event Checklist: Divorce

When life throws you a curve ball it is good to be prepared with a plan. With 30+ years of combined financial planning experience we have seen it all! Please feel free to utilize the following checklist to help navigate these uncertain times in your life.

Divorce

Beneficiaries – Ensure beneficiaries are correctly listed on all retirement accounts and life insurance policies. Also review work insurance policies for correct beneficiaries.
Credit Report – Ensure there is no identity theft on your credit report and all joint accounts have been closed or at the very least, that you have been removed from them.
Title & Deed Documents – Ensure these are re-registered properly subsequent to your divorce. This would include cars, trucks, recreational vehicles, homes and other property.
Pension Benefits – Keep very good records of your former Spouse’s pension benefits if you might be entitled to them. Often these don’t come into play for decades and without good records it might be difficult to ensure you are receiving your allotted amount of their benefit.
Health Insurance – If you were on your spouse’s health insurance plan, you should consider looking for your own coverage. In most plans, divorce is considered a qualifying event which means you may not have to wait until open enrollment to hop on your employer’s plan.
Auto, Home & Umbrella Insurance – Check with these organizations to ensure you are no longer on your previous spouse’s policy and at the same time sign up for your own coverage.
Social Profile – Update where appropriate.
Budget – Giving every dollar a place to be at the beginning of the month will ensure your resources are being used efficiently.
Roth IRA Eligibility – Does a divorce reduce your income enough to make you eligible for Roth IRA or Traditional IRA contributions?
Account Review – While not applicable after divorce, it’s helpful for both spouses to know details of financial related matters while married. Consider spending 15 minutes once or twice a year to review accounts.

For assistance navigating a Life Event please contact us:

Spencer Corzine – 888-738-7018

Will O’Donnell – 585-754-3948

Donald Burger – 585-924-3069

Kyle Wentland – 585-500-6025