Post divorce administrative stuff

[bg]

After dealing with DH's mental health issues for 4 years (untreated for 2) and having divorce documents ready to be signed for almost 2 years, DH decided he wants to move forward with the divorce and he signed the documents yesterday. I'm pissed he's letting his anxiety win, but I also know there's nothing I can do and I need to move on.

We're already living separately but most of my stuff is still at the house and all of our finances etc are still joint. Separating our lives seems overwhelming at this point so I'm going to try to make lists. What administrative things do I need to do at this point? Things like... opening my own bank account, taking his name off of my credit card, changing the names on the utilities at my apartment to mine...

[jigsy]

I'm impressed that you've kept things joint while living separate...that seems like it would be hard. I thought the undo-ing of our finances would be the hardest thing, but really, turned out to be pretty easy, and since you are already living apart, you won't have to figure out who pays what bills. But here is what I can think of off the top of my head.
-Bank accounts - open your own and make sure to take what you should from your joint account
-Retirement accounts
-Utilities - Not only do you need to remove him from yours, but also remove yourself from his
-Credit Cards - same as above.

I'm sure there is more, but I can't remember.

It might seem a little overwhelming, but you'll be fine.

[ladyk]

Life insurance-change the beneficiary
Will, Healthcare Power of attorney- change the beneficiary
Car titles, loans
House title/deed, loans (if you all own a home)

Are you changing your name back? You'll need to go through the hassle of changing your name on your SS card, drivers license, passport, any professional licenses, etc.

I would set a time to go over and get the rest of your stuff. Don't forget about things like dishes and linens and holiday decorations.