Illinois Post Divorce Checklist

This checklist outlines important steps to take after the Court has entered the Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage in your case. Completing these items helps ensure compliance with the court orders (including your Judgment and any Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) or Allocation Judgment incorporated within it) and secures your rights and responsibilities moving forward.

Use a reliable calendar (digital or physical) to track ALL deadlines from your Judgment/MSA – property transfers, refinancing, maintenance reviews, child-related dates, etc. Missing deadlines can have serious consequences.

A downloadable and printable version can be found here.

1. Review and Securely Store Divorce Documents:
   • Carefully review your Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage, any incorporated Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA – the contract resolving financial and other issues), Allocation Judgment(detailing parental responsibilities and parenting time, if applicable), QDRO/QILDROs, and any other court orders. Understand all terms, requirements, and deadlines.
   • We recommend storing at least one paper copy in a secure location, like a fireproof box or bank safe deposit box.
   • Store at least two digital copies in different locations (for example, one on a portable hard drive and one on a cloud provider like Google Drive). Consider creating a dedicated “Divorce Binder” (physical or digital) for easy reference.
2. Update Personal Information:
   • Notify relevant agencies and entities of any address changes and, if applicable, name changes.
     • Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) to update your address and/or name change (if you reverted to a former name) at (800) 772-1213 or http://www.ssa.gov/. Ensure your earnings record reflects the correct name.
     • Contact the Illinois Secretary of State for driver’s license/ID address and/or name changes at (800) 252-8980 or http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/.
   • Update your name and address on passports, bank accounts, credit cards, employment records, leases/mortgages, utility bills, insurance policies (health, life, auto, home/renters), and voter registration.
3. Enhance Personal & Digital Security:
   • Physical Security:
     • Change the locks on all exterior doors of your residence (house, apartment), even if you lived there before the divorce. This is recommended for general safety and security.
     • Update security codes for garage door openers, home alarm systems (including Wi-Fi connected systems), and any community gates.
     • Change the password for your home Wi-Fi network.
     • If safety was a concern during the marriage or divorce, discuss any ongoing safety measures or concerns with STG Divorce Law.
   • Digital Security:
     • Change passwords for all important personal accounts (email, banking, social media, etc.). Enable two-factor authentication where possible.
     • Remove your ex-spouse’s access to any shared digital accounts (e.g., streaming services, online subscriptions, smart home devices).
     • Audit shared cloud storage (iCloud, Google Drive, Dropbox) contents, save necessary personal files, then remove ex-spouse’s access.
     • Review settings on shared online shopping accounts (e.g., Amazon) to remove your ex-spouse or update payment methods and shipping addresses.
     • Check major accounts (email, social media, banking) for lists of authorized devices or linked applications and remove any associated with your ex-spouse.
     • Review and update location sharing settings on phones and apps.
     • Update social media profiles and review privacy settings as desired.
     • Be cautious about potential spyware or tracking apps, especially in high-conflict situations. Consult security resources if concerned.
4. Update Other Professional Advisors:
   • Inform your accountant/tax preparer, financial planner/advisor, primary care physician, dentist, and any other key professional service providers about your change in marital status.
   • Provide them with your updated contact information (address, phone, email, name if changed).
5. Financial Matters & Account Division:
   • Account Transfers: Contact investment firms, brokerage firms, banks, etc., to obtain paperwork and complete all account transfers, divisions, or closures as required by your Judgment/MSA. Calendar and adhere strictly to any deadlines specified for these actions (often 30-60 days, but check your specific Judgment).
   • Beneficiary Changes: Change beneficiaries on all financial accounts awarded to you (e.g., bank accounts, investment accounts, stock options). Remove your ex-spouse unless specifically required otherwise by the Judgment (e.g., sometimes required for life insurance securing support).
   • Joint Accounts: Close all joint bank accounts and credit card accounts. If an account cannot be closed immediately (e.g., a joint credit card you are keeping), take steps to remove your ex-spouse as an authorized user and, if possible, convert it to an individual account. Confirm closure/removal in writing.
   • Credit Report: Check your credit report from all three major bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) via the federally authorized source www.annualcreditreport.com for accuracy a few months post-divorce. Ensure all former joint accounts are correctly reported as closed or transferred solely to the responsible party. For ongoing monitoring, you might consider services offered by the bureaus like Experian.com or third-party providers.
   • Debt Monitoring & Payment: If your ex-spouse was ordered to pay specific debts (especially joint debts or debts secured by property you retained), monitor statements if possible to ensure timely payment, as non-payment could still impact your credit or property rights. Consult STG if issues arise. If you are obligated to pay debts related to the judgment, be sure to pay on time and keep proof of payment.
   • Vehicle Titles: If vehicles were divided, work with your ex-spouse and the Illinois Secretary of State to formally transfer titles and update registrations as required by the Judgment/MSA.
   • Emergency Fund: Work towards building or rebuilding a personal emergency fund adequate to cover 3-6 months of living expenses in your new single financial situation.
6. Retirement Accounts & QDROs/QILDROs:
   • Beneficiary Changes: Update beneficiaries on all retirement accounts awarded to you or retained by you (e.g., IRAs, 401(k)s not subject to division). Remove your ex-spouse unless specifically required by a court order.
   • Division Orders (QDRO/QILDRO): If a portion of a retirement plan (like a 401(k), 403(b), or pension) was awarded to you or your ex-spouse, a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) or Qualified Illinois Domestic Relations Order (QILDRO for state/local government plans) is typically required.
     • STG Divorce Law does not prepare QDROs, QUILDROS, or DROs in general. If your case requires one or more of these, we have likely referred you to an attorney to provide these services. If not, the contact information for two attorneys experienced in this kind of work are listed below. The process generally involves: drafting the order, obtaining pre-approval from the plan administrator, getting the order entered by the court, and sending a certified copy to the plan administrator for implementation. (Ensure you understand who is paying for the QDRO preparation).
     • Recommended QDRO Attorneys (Verify current engagement needs with STG):
       • Emily R. Carrara Carrara Family Law, LLC 100 Illinois Street, Suite 200, St. Charles, IL 60174 Phone: (630) 326-6420 Email: service@ecfamlaw.com (Verify preferred contact method)
       • Anne Prenner Schmidt The Law Offices of Anne Schmidt, LLC 1736 1st Street, Highland Park, IL 60035 Phone: (847) 926-7679 Email: anne@anneschmidtlaw.com
     • Keep the Plan Administrator updated with your current contact information, especially after the QDRO/QILDRO is processed.
7. Insurance and Healthcare:
   • Health Insurance: If you were covered under your ex-spouse’s health insurance, that coverage typically ends upon divorce.
     • COBRA: Contact your former spouse’s employer/insurance carrier immediately to inquire about COBRA continuation coverage. You generally have at least 60 days from the date you receive the election notice or the date coverage is lost (whichever is later) to elect COBRA.
     • Other Options: Explore coverage through your employer (divorce is a qualifying event allowing special enrollment outside open enrollment periods – but often only for 30 or 60 days) or the Health Insurance Marketplace (www.healthcare.gov). Act quickly, as enrollment windows are limited.
   • Life Insurance: Obtain and/or update all life insurance policies. Change beneficiaries as permitted or required by your Judgment/MSA (e.g., removing ex-spouse, naming children, securing support obligations). Provide proof of required coverage if ordered.
   • Other Insurance: Update auto, homeowners, or renters insurance policies to reflect single status, new addresses, and correct property ownership/coverage. Remove ex-spouse if necessary.
   • Review Coverage Amounts: Review the coverage amounts on your life insurance, disability insurance (if any), homeowners/renters, and auto insurance policies to ensure they are adequate for your new individual circumstances and financial responsibilities.
8. Real Estate Matters:
   • Refinancing: If required to refinance a mortgage to remove your ex-spouse’s name (or vice-versa), begin the process immediately. Be aware of strict deadlines in your Judgment/MSA. STG can recommend qualified mortgage brokers if needed.
   • Property Title Transfers: If property ownership is changing (e.g., one spouse buying out the other, transferring title via quitclaim deed), work with your ex-spouse and a real estate attorney or title company to execute and record the necessary deeds. STG Divorce Law is happy to provide you with referrals to qualified real estate attorneys to assist with this and we do not recommend doing this yourself. Calendar and adhere to any deadlines.
   • Leases: If renting, update your lease agreement to remove your ex-spouse if they have moved out, or ensure your name is removed if you vacated a joint lease.
   • Sales: Your judgment might require that your property be placed on the market for sale. Observe all related deadlines, and consult STG Divorce Law if you have questions. STG is happy to provide you with a qualified Realtor in your area if you need one to sell your property.
9. Estate Planning:
   • Divorce significantly impacts your estate plan. It often invalidates prior designations of your ex-spouse in wills or trusts, but review is essential.
   • Contact STG Divorce Law, P.C. for referrals to an estate planning attorney to prepare or revise your entire estate plan (will, trust, etc.) to reflect your new marital status and ensure your assets pass according to your current wishes.
   • Crucially, update or create Powers of Attorney for Healthcare and Property, and any living wills, to designate someone other than your ex-spouse to make decisions for you if you become incapacitated. Be sure to update trusts to change the trustees and beneficiaries if needed.
   • If you have minor children, ensure guardianship nominations are clearly stated in your will.
10. Child Support & Child-Related Matters (If Applicable):
    • Contacting Support Enforcement: Familiarize yourself with the relevant Child Support Division contact information for your county (if applicable) for any enforcement issues:
      • DeKalb County: (815) 895-7139
      • DuPage County: (630) 407-8699
      • Kane County: (630) 232-3413
      • Kendall County: (630) 553-4183
      • Will County: (815) 727-8592 ext. 3035
    • Updating Information: Update the Child Support Division immediately regarding any changes in your address or employment status. This is crucial for both paying and receiving parents to ensure payments are processed correctly.
    • State Disbursement Unit (SDU):
      • If paying support, an Income Withholding for Support order will likely be sent to your employer via the SDU. Ensure this is processed correctly. Cooperate with your employer.
      • If receiving support, sign up for Direct Deposit via the SDU website at https://www.ilsdu.com/ for efficient payment processing.
    • Direct Payments & Record Keeping: If your order requires direct payments (instead of or in addition to SDU) for support or other child-related expenses (e.g., via Zelle, PayPal, Cash App, check), ensure you make/receive these payments accurately and on time. Keep meticulous records (screenshots, bank statements, copies of checks) of all payments made and received.
    • Tax Implications:
      • Consult a tax professional regarding claiming the child(ren) as dependents and related credits, as specified in your Judgment/MSA.
      • Understand IRS Publication 504 (https://www.irs.gov/publications/p504).
      • If the non-custodial parent is allocated the right to claim the child, they must obtain a signed IRS Form 8332 from the custodial parent and attach it to their tax return. (https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-8332).
    • Healthcare/Insurance: Ensure child(ren) have health insurance coverage as ordered. Understand procedures for uninsured expenses. (See Step 7). Notify pediatrician, dentist, therapists, etc., of the divorce and provide relevant custody/contact information.
    • School/Daycare Contacts: Ensure school/daycare has current contact info for both parents and that emergency contact/pickup authorizations align with the Allocation Judgment.
    • College Expenses: If addressed/reserved, calendar deadlines (often child’s junior/senior year of high school) and contact STG Divorce Law, P.C. well in advance to prepare necessary petitions/agreements.
    • Education Savings Accounts (529 Plans): Update beneficiaries/ownership as needed/ordered.
    • Right of First Refusal: If applicable, review and understand the ‘Right of First Refusal’ provisions in your Allocation Judgment regarding childcare when the scheduled parent is unavailable.
    • Passports/Travel: If international travel with the child(ren) is possible or anticipated, review your Allocation Judgment for any specific requirements regarding consent, notification, or itinerary sharing. Ensure the child(ren)’s passports are current or apply for them if needed, following court order protocols.
11. Maintenance Payments (Alimony) (If Applicable):
    • Receiving Maintenance: If receiving maintenance subject to future review, calendar the review date and contact STG Divorce Law, P.C. at least six months beforehand. Petitions for review MUST be filed before the term ends, or the right to review may be permanently lost.
    • Paying Maintenance: If paying maintenance, contact STG Divorce Law, P.C. or another quality divorce law firm immediately if you experience significant involuntary changes in health, employment, or income, as modification might be possible. Keep proof of all payments made. Understand tax implications (recent laws changed deductibility for newer agreements; consult a tax professional).
12. Ongoing Support, Mediation, and Future Modifications:
    • Mediation Requirement: Many Allocation Judgments require parents to mediate parenting disputes (except emergencies) before court action. Review your orders. Contact STG Divorce Law, P.C. for mediator referrals and guidance if a dispute arises.
    • Modifications: Significant changes in circumstances may warrant modification of child support, maintenance (if modifiable), or parenting arrangements. Contact STG if such changes occur.
    • Emotional Support: Consider post-divorce support groups, therapy, or coaching for emotional adjustment. Utilize resources like our Illinois Divorce Support Network on Facebook. Focus on self-care and setting healthy boundaries.
13. Future Relationships:
    • If considering remarriage, be aware it may impact receipt of maintenance (often terminates upon recipient’s remarriage) or other aspects. Cohabitation may also impact maintenance in some cases.
    • If you have significant assets or concerns about protecting assets before a future marriage, contact STG Divorce Law, P.C. to discuss the potential benefits of a Prenuptial Agreement.