5 Important Things to Do After a Divorce in Pennsylvania
Everyday Legal Advice®. Helping Families Move Forward.
Finalizing a divorce is a major life event, but the work does not always end when the court signs the final decree. After a divorce in Pennsylvania, it is important to review your legal documents, finances, insurance, and court orders so you can move forward with confidence.
1. Update Your Estate Plan
After a divorce, review and update your will, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, trusts, and related estate planning documents. Even if Pennsylvania law affects certain provisions involving a former spouse, relying on default rules can create confusion.
Working with experienced Pennsylvania and West Virginia estate planning attorneys can help ensure your documents reflect your current wishes.
2. Review Beneficiary Designations
Beneficiary designations often control who receives certain assets, even if your will says something different. Review life insurance policies, retirement accounts, payable-on-death accounts, transfer-on-death accounts, and investment accounts.
3. Create a New Financial Plan
Divorce can change your income, expenses, taxes, and retirement goals. Review your budget, debt obligations, savings, credit report, and long-term financial plan.
4. Update Insurance and Important Accounts
Review health insurance, auto insurance, homeowners or renters insurance, employer benefits, bank accounts, and emergency contacts. Make sure joint accounts are closed or updated as required by your divorce order.
5. Understand and Enforce Your Divorce Order
Your divorce decree may include ongoing obligations involving custody, child support, alimony, property transfers, and debts. Keep copies of all court orders and document payments or compliance issues.
If your former spouse fails to follow a court order, an experienced Pennsylvania and West Virginia family law attorney can help you understand your enforcement options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do first after a divorce in Pennsylvania?
Start by updating your estate plan, reviewing beneficiary designations, and organizing your divorce decree and financial records.
Do I need a new will after divorce?
In most cases, yes. Divorce is a major life event and should trigger a full estate plan review.
Can my ex-spouse still receive assets after divorce?
Possibly. If beneficiary designations or account ownership are not updated, unintended results may occur.
What if my ex-spouse violates the divorce decree?
You may be able to seek enforcement through the court depending on the terms of the order and the violation.
Contact The Skeen Firm
If you have questions about divorce, custody, support, or post-divorce legal issues, Contact The Skeen Firm today.
Call 724-250-8841.
