Divorce Check List
1. Custodial arrangements (joint legal; joint physical; sole) for children
2. Visitation/parenting time/change of domicile
3. Child support (shared economic responsibility?)
4. Uninsured psychological, hospital, dental, pharmaceutical and expenses for the children
5. Medical insurance for the children
6. Income tax exemptions regarding the children-who will claim them
7. COBRA or medical insurance for an ex-spouse for up to three years from the entry of the divorce judgment where applicable
8. Alimony/spousal support (modifiable, nonmodifiable)
9. Property division
10. Separation of real estate, transfers, and deeds
11. Ensuring all investments, including bonds, savings and limited partnerships, are covered
12. The handling of debts
13. Qualified Domestic Relations Order, transferring of 401Ks, IRA accounts and pensions
14. Personal property such as furniture and collectibles
15. Motor vehicles, which includes boats and trailers
16. Valuation of closely held practices; degrees
17. Handling of premarital property; separate property; inheritances; gifts
18. Income taxes (whether there will be joint filings; the handling of refunds/taxes
due)
19. Other taxation issues (regarding property settlement, alimony, etc.)
20. Bankruptcy issues, including protection in case one spouse files for bankruptcy.
21. Clauses to hold other spouse harmless and indemnification in the event someone fails to live up to his or her obligations
22. What to do if hidden assets are found
23. Spouse abuse and restraining orders
24. Restoration of maiden name
25. Proper security, such as life insurance policies as protection for child support payments, alimony/spousal support payments, and/or property payments in the event of death
26. Payment of attorney fees and/or accountant, mediator, and other expert fees
27. College education for children and/or spouse
28. Provisions for review in certain situations such as child support and/or spousal support; custody/parenting time and fraud
29. Clauses for payment of things such as summer camps and/or religious training as well as upbringing or other special circumstances involving children
30. Mutual release clauses; disclosure of assets clauses; execution of documents clauses