Finalizing your divorce brings a huge sense of relief. The papers are signed, the judge has issued the final judgment, and you’ve officially closed one chapter of your life. But even though the legal proceedings may be over, there’s still a significant amount of work to do once your divorce is finalized.
As a seasoned Tampa divorce lawyer, I can tell you that many clients are surprised by how many post-divorce tasks remain. From changing your beneficiaries to updating your parenting plan logistics, the period immediately after a divorce is critical. You don’t want to overlook important financial, legal, or logistical steps that could impact your future.
This comprehensive checklist will walk you through the most important steps to take after your Florida divorce is finalized. Whether you’re newly divorced or finalizing the last few loose ends, this guide is designed to help you move forward confidently and with peace of mind.
1. Get and Review Your Final Judgment
First things first: obtain a certified copy of your Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage. Your Tampa divorce lawyer may provide this to you, but you can also request it directly from the clerk’s office.
Once you have it:
- Read it carefully to make sure it reflects the terms you agreed to or that were ordered by the court.
- Note any deadlines, such as when property must be transferred, when alimony payments start, or when timesharing begins.
- Store both a digital and physical copy in a secure place.
This document is your legally binding roadmap for what happens next.
2. Implement Property Division Orders
If your divorce involved the division of assets and debts, now is the time to carry out those terms. That includes:
Real Property:
- Transfer title or deed for the marital home or other real estate.
- File a quitclaim deed if one spouse is awarded the property.
- Refinance mortgages if required under the divorce agreement.
Vehicles:
- Retitle cars, boats, RVs, or motorcycles.
- Update registration and insurance policies.
Bank Accounts and Investment Accounts:
- Close joint accounts.
- Transfer funds according to the divorce decree.
- Open new individual accounts if needed.
Retirement and Pensions:
- Implement QDROs (Qualified Domestic Relations Orders) to divide retirement accounts.
- Submit QDROs to plan administrators promptly to avoid delays.
These steps are not automatic—your Tampa divorce lawyer can assist you in enforcing compliance if your former spouse fails to follow through.
3. Update Your Estate Plan
Your divorce likely changes how you want your estate distributed in the event of your death. Work with an estate planning attorney to:
- Revoke and update your will
- Appoint a new executor
- Designate new beneficiaries
- Create or revise a living will or advance directive
- Update powers of attorney
If your ex-spouse is still listed as your health care surrogate or decision-maker in any document, now is the time to change it.
4. Change Beneficiaries on Financial Accounts
Florida law may automatically revoke your ex-spouse as a beneficiary on certain assets, but you should take proactive steps to avoid confusion. Be sure to update:
- Life insurance policies
- 401(k)s and IRAs
- Pensions and annuities
- Bank account pay-on-death designations
- Investment accounts
- Any other accounts with designated beneficiaries
Consult with your Tampa divorce lawyer if you’re unsure about whether changes are allowed under your divorce agreement.
5. Close Joint Credit Accounts and Separate Finances
If you haven’t already done so, make sure to:
- Close all joint credit cards and lines of credit
- Refinance or assume responsibility for any jointly held loans
- Remove your ex from authorized user status
- Monitor your credit report to ensure that joint accounts are closed and that your ex isn’t opening credit in your name
Consider freezing your credit for a short time if identity theft is a concern.
6. Update Your Name and Identification (If Applicable)
If you chose to revert to your former or maiden name, your Tampa divorce lawyer likely included a name change order in your final judgment. Use that order to update:
- Social Security card
- Driver’s license or ID card
- Passport
- Bank accounts
- Credit cards
- Utility bills
- Insurance policies
- Your employer’s records
This process takes time but is essential for fully reestablishing your legal identity.
7. Create a Post-Divorce Budget and Financial Plan
Your financial circumstances have likely changed significantly. It’s time to create a realistic budget and long-term financial strategy. Steps to take include:
- Calculate new income and expenses
- Rework your budget based on new support payments or living costs
- Identify upcoming one-time expenses (e.g., security deposit, legal bills, furniture)
- Update your savings goals
- Revisit your credit score and debt-repayment plan
Working with a financial advisor familiar with post-divorce transitions can be extremely helpful. Many clients of The McKinney Law Group find that having both a Tampa divorce lawyer and a financial planner on their team makes the transition smoother.
8. Follow the Parenting Plan and Timesharing Schedule
If you and your former spouse share children, you’ll need to begin following the court-ordered parenting plan right away. This includes:
- Adhering to the timesharing schedule
- Coordinating pick-ups and drop-offs
- Communicating about school, health, and extracurriculars
- Respecting the boundaries set in the agreement
- Using co-parenting tools or apps if required (such as OurFamilyWizard)
If your ex is not complying with the parenting plan, document all violations. Your Tampa divorce lawyer can help you take legal action to enforce the order if necessary.
9. Set Up or Modify Child Support and Alimony Payments
Once your divorce is final, all support obligations must begin as outlined in the final order. Whether you’re paying or receiving:
- Confirm the amount, start date, and frequency
- Ensure payments go through the State Disbursement Unit if required
- Set up automatic transfers or payroll deductions
- Keep records of all payments made and received
If you or your ex experiences a significant change in circumstances (job loss, major medical event, etc.), speak with your Tampa divorce lawyer about modifying the order through the court.
10. Document Post-Divorce Compliance
It’s important to keep careful records in case any issues arise down the road. Make sure you:
- Keep copies of all legal filings and court orders
- Maintain logs of communication with your ex regarding children or payments
- Save receipts and confirmation numbers for any financial transfers
- Track any violations or breaches of the divorce agreement
Well-documented records can make a big difference if enforcement becomes necessary.
11. Secure Your Online Accounts and Digital Access
After a divorce, you’ll want to lock down your digital life. Make sure to:
- Change all passwords (email, cloud storage, social media, bank logins)
- Set up two-factor authentication where possible
- Remove your ex from shared cloud drives, calendars, or phone plans
- Cancel any shared subscriptions
Divorce today isn’t just about who gets the house—it’s also about who controls access to your digital footprint.
12. Consider Counseling or Support Groups
Even if your divorce was amicable, you’re still adjusting to a major life transition. Divorce can trigger grief, anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Seeking therapy or support groups in the Tampa area can:
- Help you process emotions
- Guide you through co-parenting struggles
- Support you in building a new identity
- Reduce post-divorce conflict
As a Tampa divorce lawyer, I regularly refer clients to divorce therapists, family counselors, and personal coaches who specialize in helping people rebuild after separation.
13. Reconnect with Your Support System
Don’t go through post-divorce life alone. Reconnect with:
- Friends and family
- Faith communities
- Mentors or professional networks
- Volunteer organizations
- Fitness groups or wellness communities
A healthy support system improves both emotional recovery and long-term well-being.
14. Create New Personal Goals
Now is the time to rediscover yourself. Set new short- and long-term goals that focus on you—not your ex, not your case. Ideas include:
- Taking a class or certification
- Starting a new job or business
- Traveling to a new destination
- Redecorating your home
- Exploring new hobbies or interests
Divorce is not just an ending—it’s a reimagining of your life. As your Tampa divorce lawyer, I want you to thrive, not just survive.
15. Schedule a Follow-Up with Your Lawyer (If Needed)
Just because the divorce is final doesn’t mean your legal issues are over. You may need to:
- Address noncompliance
- Modify support
- Resolve asset transfer delays
- Update estate plans or parenting plans
A quick check-in with your Tampa divorce lawyer after the case is closed can help you stay on track and avoid problems down the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to go back to court after my divorce is final?
Not unless there’s a violation or a modification is needed. Your Tampa divorce lawyer can help you file a motion to enforce or change your agreement if necessary.
What if my ex doesn’t comply with the divorce order?
Document all violations and contact your attorney. You may need to file a motion for contempt or enforcement.
How soon should I update my will and estate documents?
Immediately. Your divorce likely changes who you want to receive assets or make decisions on your behalf.
When should I start dating again after divorce?
That’s a personal choice. Emotionally, it’s best to wait until you feel stable and confident. Legally, if you have children, be mindful of introducing new partners too soon, as it can affect custody dynamics.
Can I change my parenting plan later?
Yes, if there’s a substantial change in circumstances. Your Tampa divorce lawyer can help you petition the court for a modification.
Do I still need a lawyer after the divorce is final?
In many cases, yes. Post-divorce issues like enforcement, modifications, or compliance can arise months or years after the final order.
Should I close my joint bank accounts even if they have no funds?
Yes. Empty accounts can still be reopened or accessed. Fully close all joint accounts and remove your ex as an authorized user on anything remaining.
What if my ex is interfering with my parenting time?
Document the behavior and speak with your lawyer. The court takes time-sharing violations seriously.
Can I move out of state with my children after divorce?
Only with court approval or written consent from the other parent. Florida law restricts relocations over 50 miles. Always consult your Tampa divorce lawyer before making such a move.
Is refinancing the marital home required after divorce?
It depends on your final judgment. If one spouse is awarded the home, they may be required to refinance in their name alone. This removes the other spouse’s financial obligation and liability.
Finalizing your divorce is a huge milestone, but it’s not the end of your journey—it’s the beginning of your new life. Taking the right post-divorce steps ensures that you protect yourself legally, financially, and emotionally in the months and years ahead.
At The McKinney Law Group, we don’t stop caring once the judgment is signed. We’re committed to helping our clients navigate the post-divorce landscape with confidence, clarity, and compassion. Whether you need help tying up loose ends or addressing unexpected issues, we’re here for you every step of the way.
If you’re looking for guidance after your Tampa divorce, contact us today. Let our experienced team help you move forward—prepared, protected, and empowered.
The McKinney Law Group: Trusted Divorce Representation for Tampa’s Working Parents
Balancing work and family during a divorce can feel impossible—but you don’t have to do it alone. At The McKinney Law Group, we help Tampa parents navigate divorce with a focus on protecting their time, their children, and their financial future.
We assist with:
✔ Creating parenting plans that work with your career
✔ Negotiating realistic time-sharing and custody schedules
✔ Establishing child and spousal support terms that reflect your needs
✔ Dividing property, savings, and debts fairly
✔ Providing efficient, family-focused legal guidance
Let us help you protect what matters most—your future and your family.
Call 813-428-3400 or email [email protected] today.