Post-divorce checklist: simplify your arrangements post-divorce

Our checklist makes sorting out your arrangements post-divorce a little easier by breaking down all the necessary things to change after the divorce process.

Post-divorce practical advice and tips:

1. Try and do all your admin in one go. Put a day aside to get all the necessary changes sorted. This could include sorting out your financial arrangements after divorce i.e., whether you will need to get a job (writing up a CV or cover letter) or discussing with your partner and writing up a kitchen table agreement for how you will divide your finances (if you haven’t done so already). This could also involve sorting out your living arrangements after divorce.

2. Updating your photo ID - whether that be your passport or driving license - will make the entire process a lot easier as most of your administrative tasks post-divorce will require a photo ID to verify your identity.

3. Set a deadline. Aim to replace your old name or change your marital status on your accounts, memberships, and paperwork within a month of beginning the post-divorce process. This includes altering your HMRC records, as well as your National Insurance and Pension schemes.

4. Consider getting multiple copies of your final order. Some organisations require your original by mail which can slow down your progress through the checklist if you only have one copy.

“Is a name change after divorce worth it? If so, how do I change my name after divorce proceedings have been finalised?”

You should consider whether you want to change back to your maiden name or keep your married name. This is a personal choice, and you have the legal right to do either.

If you are reverting to your former name, you can use your final order (previously called the decree absolute) and birth certificates together as proof of name change. Take some photocopies of your ID under your old name before changing. Driving licenses may need to be surrendered, so it can help to have a copy should you ever need to prove your old name.

How can NameSwitch help? Easy guide to the process of changing name after divorce in the UK

The average service that facilitates name change after divorce notifies approximately 24 different government bodies, local authorities, and companies. Figuring out who needs what can be daunting and takes 14 hours of stop-start research, letter writing and form filling. Most name change services find this process tedious and overly complicated.

NameSwitch has an array of affordable packages to help you blitz through your name change after divorce or separation. If you are using your final order, you can opt for either the ePackage or the Print Package. If you need a deed poll based on the scenarios described in this guide, you can opt for the Deed Poll Print Package.

Visit NameSwitch for more information and the options available. You can also download a free name change checklist to get you started.

If you need some more personalised advice, book a free 15-minute advice call with one of our Divorce Specialists.