Start at the top. Items run in order of urgency. Your agreement only works once the paperwork behind it is done: titles moved, accounts closed, pensions divided and beneficiaries changed. Keep a copy of the signed agreement next to this list, because it sets many of the deadlines. Rules differ by province and state; check yours on the
family law by province and state page.
First two weeks Confirm every party has a fully signed, witnessed copy, with independent legal advice certificates attached where used. Store the original safely and keep a digital copy.Why: banks, pension plans, land registries and the tax authority will all ask for it. Put every deadline from the agreement in your calendar: payment dates, refinance or buyout dates, transfer dates and the yearly income exchange.Why: most problems after signing are missed deadlines, not disputes. Set up support payments, either through your support enforcement program or by automatic transfer, and keep a record of every payment.Why: a clean payment record protects both of you. How support enforcement works . Confirm health and dental coverage for you and the children. US: if you were on your spouse's employer plan, tell the plan about the divorce within 60 days to keep your COBRA rights.Why: coverage often ends with the divorce, and some deadlines are short. Health insurance after separation . Update home and car insurance to show who owns and lives where.Why: a policy in the wrong name may not pay out. Close or separate joint bank accounts and credit cards, and get confirmation in writing.Why: the bank is not bound by your agreement, and you stay liable for joint debt until it is closed. Joint debt at separation . Within 90 days Transfer or refinance the home as agreed, and remove the departing spouse from the mortgage and title.Why: until the lender releases them, both stay liable for the mortgage. Mortgage after separation . Divide pensions as agreed. US: a QDRO for most workplace plans. Canada: the plan's provincial or federal forms, and a CPP credit split application if it applies.Why: delays can cost the receiving spouse if the plan member retires, remarries or dies first. Pensions at separation . Transfer RRSPs, TFSAs, 401(k)s, IRAs and investments as agreed, institution to institution, using the marriage breakdown transfer forms.Why: a direct transfer under the right rules avoids tax that a withdrawal would trigger. Put in place any life insurance the agreement requires, and send proof to the other party.Why: it secures support if the payer dies. Life insurance as security for support . Make a new will and powers of attorney, and change beneficiary designations on pensions, RRSPs, TFSAs, 401(k)s and insurance.Why: do not rely on the law to remove your former spouse automatically. Updating your will after separation . If your agreement or local rules call for it, file the agreement with the court and register support with the enforcement program.Why: filing can make support terms enforceable like a court order. Update your address with every institution, your employer and your benefits provider. Turn the checklist into a plan The free assessment builds a dated roadmap for your province or state around items like these.
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