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Most divorces are devastating. Not only have you lost your marriage, but also an extended family and way of life. Moving beyond divorce is a very challenging time in one’s life. After allowing yourself some time to grieve your marriage, you have to start picking up the pieces and move forward.

There are some steps you must take afterward that will help you in the long run:

Decide Where to Live

The court takes care of dividing assets. The judge determines which party gets to live in the family home. Then you must decide if you can afford to stay. If your rent or mortgage payment is too much for you to handle alone, then you’ll need to move. Breaking a lease for an apartment is expensive. Ask your former spouse if he’s willing to help you with the cost if this wasn’t addressed in court.

If you own a home or apartment, you may need to relocate to get away from the painful memories. When children are involved, relocating presents additional challenges. You want to find a nice place in a decent neighborhood with good schools. Don’t rush into anything even if you feel like you can’t take another day in your old home.

Realign Finances

After divorce, you’re going to be on your own financially unless spousal support was granted. To protect your future endeavors, you’ll want to close joint accounts and have your name removed from all joint assets. If you’re name is still on her car loan, for example, you’re still liable if she defaults on the payment.

Insurance policies are often in both names. Fix this by contacting your agent or buying a new policy all together. Update life insurance policies, leaving benefits to your children or someone besides your ex-spouse if that’s your wish.

Know Your Divorce Decree

Your lawyer explained it all to you, but you need to know these papers backward and forward. Alimony and child support are details critical to your family’s well being. Know what amount is due each month and the delivery method of the payment.

Start Anew

Women often want to change their surnames back to their maiden name. Sometimes. it’s because she wants to permanently separate herself from the marriage or because she wants the world to know she’s single. Changing surnames is a legal procedure and is pretty fast. Make sure you let all institutions like banks, schools, and companies you do business with know about the change.

Now that you know what to do, get going and move forward with your life.