What does a divorce mean? Something different for every person that goes through the process. That's one thing that I can say for sure in having represented many clients in divorce cases. If you are embarking on your own divorce story or are about to conclude one, know that thousands of your neighbors here in Southeast Texas have gone through many of the same things you currently are. They've made it out of their divorce alive, but whether or not they (or you) will thrive is an entirely different subject altogether.
Will you have to move after your divorce? Will you have to change jobs? Will you be able to see your children as much as you used to? These are all legitimate questions to be asking yourself.
Ideally, they are questions that you would ask yourself before the divorce has even started to create some goals to work towards during the divorce itself. Regardless, there is no better time than the present to begin pondering what life will be like for you after your divorce.
The attorneys with the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, would like to take this opportunity to share with you some of our thoughts on this subject. While there is no one-size-fits-all type prescription for post-divorce success, we think these tips will be handy for anyone either going through a divorce or about to conclude one.
Update your email, bank account, and other passwords
This may not seem like anything significant, but from past experiences with clients, I can assure you that it is not. Even if you don't think your ex-spouse had access to or knowledge of your sensitive passwords, I would go through your online accounts and update any information that you can. Usernames, passwords, passcodes, PINs, etc.
There is no sense in leaving yourself vulnerable to having your identity or finances hijacked in a vulnerable time in your life. Set aside some time to do this as soon as you can.
Open a new bank account.
While you're at it, open up a new bank account different from the one you had with your spouse.
Do this even if your spouse has been removed from the account. Again- this is a better safe than sorry move. Your ex-spouse still may have checks or bank statements that could allow them access to the funds in the account. It is simple enough to cash out the account and transfer it to a new bank or credit union.
Work with your attorney's office and retrieve all your files
At any point during your attorney-client relationship, you can ask for a copy of your file from your attorney. Your attorney cannot respond that it's not a good time or that the files are unavailable. It is your right (at least in Texas) to be able to receive a copy of your file within a reasonable length of time from your having asked for it.
Once your attorney has made the copy for you, review the paperwork and see if any documents need to be re-filed. Looking through the paperwork may cause your memory to be jogged and can help show you other things you need to do in your post-divorce life.
Exercise
I've found that with prior clients of ours, either they are exercise fanatics who hit the gym or the jogging trail seven days a week or are someone who shies away from exercise altogether. As with anything in life, I advise you to find a happy medium.
If you exercise regularly, I would suggest that you stick to whatever regimen is beneficial for you from a physical and mental perspective. Don't use all of your new free time to exercise but use physical activity to lift your spirits and keep yourself healthy.
On the other hand, if you are not much of an exerciser take this time to learn a new sport or activity. Walking is aerobically beneficial and can help to burn calories and improve your overall mood. Being outdoors (even in south Texas) can be a lot of fun. Check with your physician to make sure you are healthy enough to exercise, but for most people, I would venture to say that stepping outside your home for a twenty-minute walk five times a week would not be too taxing from either a time or body perspective.
Update beneficiaries where applicable
Any discussion of life invariably will lead to a debate about what would happen in the unforeseeable event. If you were to pass away after your divorce, would your ex-spouse still be listed as a beneficiary on a life insurance policy or investment account?
The last thing you would want after your divorce is to have your ex-spouse receive a substantial amount of benefits or income due to your allowing them to remain as the named beneficiary on account of some sort.
Have a will drafted for you and update your will
Will you need to have one drafted? It is not expensive or complicated. You may not consider yourself to be wealthy or in need of one, but the fact is if you own a home, have money in the bank, or have a family that depends on you financially, it is an intelligent decision to make.
Many attorneys in our area can assist with drafting a will and are worksheets available online that can help you for a minimal cost. Peace of mind and a firm knowledge of what will happen with your assets after your passing is well worth the effort of creating a will.
Questions about life after divorce? Contact the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC
Thank you for the opportunity to share these pieces of advice for successful post-divorce living. If you have any questions on this or any other subject in family law, please do not hesitate to contact the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC. Our licensed family law attorneys are available six days a week to meet with you for a free-of-charge consultation.
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Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC | Houston, Texas Divorce Lawyers
The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, routinely handles matters that affect children and families. If you have questions regarding divorce, it's essential to speak with one of our Houston, TX, Divorce Lawyers right away to protect your rights.
Our divorce lawyers in Houston, TX, are skilled at listening to your goals during this trying process and developing a strategy to meet those goals. Contact the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC by calling (281) 810-9760 or submit your contact information in our online form. The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, handles Divorce cases in Houston, Texas, Cypress, Klein, Humble, Kingwood, Tomball, The Woodlands, Houston, the FM 1960 area, or surrounding areas, including Harris County, Montgomery County, Liberty County, Chambers County, Galveston County, Brazoria County, Fort Bend County, and Waller Cou.
