--- title: 7 Things to Review Before Signing Final Divorce Papers - Mahlen Financial description: Divorce is a tumultuous time where couples race to the finish line.  Although the temptation is understandable, it is important to slow down and prevent as many post-decree disputes ahead of time.  The following tips will help save a tremendous amount of brain power and... image: https://amf-divorce.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/e261dd_ab77a2ee91314233afccda37d7be1659~mv2.webp --- ## A.M. Financial - [Services](https://amf-divorce.com/divorce-transition-services) - [Service Plan](https://amf-divorce.com/service-plan) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://amf-divorce.com/frequently-asked-questions) - [Our Blog](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog) - [About Amy](https://amf-divorce.com/about-amy) - [Contact Us](https://amf-divorce.com/contact-us) - [Services](https://amf-divorce.com/divorce-transition-services) - [Services](https://amf-divorce.com/divorce-transition-services) - [Service Plan](https://amf-divorce.com/service-plan) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://amf-divorce.com/frequently-asked-questions) - [Our Blog](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog) - [About Amy](https://amf-divorce.com/about-amy) - [Contact Us](https://amf-divorce.com/contact-us) [Book a Meeting](https://calendly.com/amymahlenmelander/consultdivorcefinancialplanning) # 7 Things to Review Before Signing Final Divorce Papers March 29, 2023 5 minutes to read Divorce is a tumultuous time where couples race to the finish line.  Although the temptation is understandable, it is important to slow down and prevent as many post-decree disputes ahead of time.  The following tips will help save a tremendous amount of brain power and money that is better served during the healing and recovery phase: ![](https://amf-divorce.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/e261dd_ab77a2ee91314233afccda37d7be1659~mv2.webp) ![](https://amf-divorce.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/e261dd_ab77a2ee91314233afccda37d7be1659~mv2.webp) **1.  Details and Dates** There is no place more dangerous to make assumptions then divorce.  Playing nice doesn’t always pay off when someone else could be angry, vengeful or even destructive by disengaging from the process.  Be specific, include details and deadlines.  Listing assets and their respective values may not be enough to prevent someone from dragging their feet when fulfilling an agreement.  Include account numbers and division instructions including valuation dates.  Address how gains and losses associated with the assets will be handled at the time of division.  Make sure to include specific dates as to when certain events will occur after the divorce, such as when debts will be refinanced, homes will be listed on the market to sell, items will be returned, parties will move out, etc. **2.  Attorney Review** Statistics reveal a growing trend where couples are forgoing legal representation and either utilizing mediation or going through the process on their own (pro se).  The fear of escalating conflicts and incurring unsightly attorney’s fees is pushing many cases away from the traditional litigation method.  Although these thoughts can be terrifying for some, it is imperative to speak with an attorney and, at a minimum, have your agreements reviewed with an attorney who offers unbundled services (i.e., client determined limited scope engagements where fees are charged by the hour).  There is a reason attorney’s fees are expensive, it is worth it.  Finding the right attorney is crucial to your bottom line. **3.  Financial Review** The process of dividing financials equitably is usually not as easy as creating a spreadsheet with values and dividing in half.  Important concepts that should be analyzed that affect your outcome are before and after tax considerations, liquidity issues, valuations of assets such as businesses, pensions or stock options, budgeting items, transferability and how these effect the needs and priorities of each individual, etc.  The divorce process is the starting ground for a new tomorrow.  Therefore, it is highly recommended to review your agreement with a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst™.  When working with a divorce financial professional it is possible to answer questions such as ‘What will this look like for both of us 10 years from now?’, ‘Will I be okay financially?’ or ‘Do I have what I need?’ before an agreement is made final. ![](https://amf-divorce.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/e261dd_62676c3767fc49bd82df0052c9040fb2~mv2_d_4800_3200_s_4_2.webp) ![](https://amf-divorce.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/e261dd_62676c3767fc49bd82df0052c9040fb2~mv2_d_4800_3200_s_4_2.webp) **4.  Tax Information** Usually couples are not aware that they might need tax information from an ex-spouse in the future.  Ideally, it is recommended to get copies of all tax returns from the marriage and any other tax information before the divorce is finalized, however, this is not always practical based on the situation.   Therefore, it is important to include in an agreement that any tax information associated with the financial division in the future will be provided upon request.  Items that could be necessary include retirement contributions, investment gain/loss and purchase information (cost basis), investment loss carry forwards, rental property information such as expenses and depreciation, etc.  Mortgage interest is regularly left out of separation agreements leaving the couple arguing over it during tax time.  Other tax items and their effectiveness should be reviewed because some individuals may not qualify to utilize a tax benefit based on their income level or tax filing status. **5.  Securing Obligations** It is imperative to review all agreed upon financial obligations that will take place after the divorce is finalized.  If a significant amount of spousal or child support is involved, a life insurance policy should be mandated in the agreement to secure the obligation in the event of the payor’s death.  Typically, most divorce attorneys address this, however, it is worth double checking as you can imagine the financial disaster avoided by implementing this!  A Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® can help structure a life insurance policy to protect you from an ex-spouse changing the beneficiary or not making premium payments.  It is also worthwhile to review with a professional if there are any other obligations that should be secured for financial protection. **6.  Closing Joint Debts** A divorce decree appointing an ex-spouse as responsible for paying a debt titled in your name or joint name does not give creditors grounds to hold you harmless for late or non-payments.  To protect your credit, make sure all joint accounts are retitled (or refinanced) into the responsible party’s sole name.  Don’t forget to include previous accounts with zero balance.  An angry ex-spouse could take the opportunity to create financial damage.  Check your credit report to see if there are accounts you may have forgotten! Don’t forget to include a date with a deadline from tip 1 of this article! **7.  Mortgage Qualification Review** **Take your time before signing on the dotted line – your future will thank you! ** If refinancing or purchasing a home is in your future after your divorce is finalized, it is imperative to review the divorce settlement with a Certified Divorce Lending Professional to make sure that the agreements you have in place will hold up to refinancing and purchasing guidelines.  For example, for spousal or child support to be considered as income in the mortgage process you must receive payments for 6 months as well as have an additional 3 years of support payments due in the future.  If the agreement includes 3 years of spousal support, then it will not qualify as income for mortgage lending purposes.  Mortgage guidelines are constantly changing so it is important to review your agreement with a professional to avoid unexpected roadblocks later. ![](https://static.hsstatic.net/BlogImporterAssetsUI/ex/missing-image.png) ![](https://amf-divorce.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/e261dd_70920d9ea7fe4ff5bc5dc38c9d8e1bf3~mv2.webp) - - - - - [mailto:?subject='https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/7-things-to-review-before-signing-final-divorce-papers'](mailto:?subject='https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/7-things-to-review-before-signing-final-divorce-papers') [Divorce Options and Methods](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/divorce-options-and-methods) ### Related Posts ## [Unemployment & Divorce: The Financial Considerations](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/unemployment-divorce-the-financial-considerations) Divorce is undoubtedly a challenging period, and when coupled with a significant shift in... [CONTINUE READING](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/unemployment-divorce-the-financial-considerations) ## [Part 2: Top Spousal and Child Support Questions: An Interview with Rachel Anderson, Family Law Attorney](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/part-2-top-spousal-and-child-support-questions-an-interview-with-rachel-anderson-family-law-attorney) In [part one of this post](https://mahlenfinancial.com/part-1-top-divorce-questions-aninterview-with-rachel-andersonfamily-law-attorney/), we introduced Rachel Anderson, [family attorney](https://mahlenfinancial.com/finding-the-right-divorce-attorney-6-questions-to-ask/) at [Anderson Allen, LLC](http://www.andersonallen.com/).... [CONTINUE READING](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/part-2-top-spousal-and-child-support-questions-an-interview-with-rachel-anderson-family-law-attorney) ## [Part 1: Top Divorce Questions: An Interview with Rachel Anderson, Family Law Attorney](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/part-1-top-divorce-questions-aninterview-with-rachel-andersonfamily-law-attorney) The most mutually satisfying divorces often involve a [variety of professionals](https://mahlenfinancial.com/divorce-professionals-mahlen-financial/) who serve the... [CONTINUE READING](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/part-1-top-divorce-questions-aninterview-with-rachel-andersonfamily-law-attorney) ### Posts by Tag - [Divorce (59)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/divorce) - [Finances (39)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/finances) - [Planning (34)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/planning) - [Divorce Budgeting (33)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/divorce-budgeting) - [Financial Planning (28)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/financial-planning) - [Budgeting (23)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/budgeting) - [Taxes (20)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/taxes) - [Retirement Accounts (11)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/retirement-accounts) - [Assets (10)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/assets) - [Divorce Options and Methods (10)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/divorce-options-and-methods) - [Maintenance (9)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/maintenance) - [Child Support (8)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/child-support) - [Investments (8)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/investments) - [Retirement (8)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/retirement) - [Property (7)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/property) - [Property Division (7)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/property-division) - [Real Estate (7)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/real-estate) - [Spousal Support (7)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/spousal-support) - [Emotions (6)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/emotions) - [Family (6)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/family) - [Mediation (6)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/mediation) - [Retirement Planning (4)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/retirement-planning) - [Separation (4)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/separation) - [Tips (4)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/tips) - [Co-Parenting (3)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/co-parenting) - [Coaching (3)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/coaching) - [Court (3)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/court) - [Estate Planning (3)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/estate-planning) - [Kids (3)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/kids) - [Counseling (2)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/counseling) - [Home (2)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/home) - [Interest Rates (2)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/interest-rates) - [Lawyer (2)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/lawyer) - [Mediator (2)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/mediator) - [CFI (1)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/cfi) - [College (1)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/college) - [Do It Yourself (1)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/do-it-yourself) - [Gifts (1)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/gifts) - [Healthcare (1)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/healthcare) - [Inflation (1)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/inflation) - [Insurance (1)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/insurance) - [Litigation (1)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/litigation) - [PRE (1)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/pre) - [Remarriage (1)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/remarriage) - [Stock (1)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/stock) - [Stock Market (1)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/stock-market) - [Transfers (1)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/transfers) - [Travel (1)](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/tag/travel) See all ##### About Amy With compassion and patience, Amy focuses on her client’s unique priorities to build a financial road map that provides clarity to make informed decisions today regarding the future. ##### Links - [Home](https://amf-divorce.com) - [Services](https://amf-divorce.com/divorce-transition-services) - [Our Blog](https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog) - [About Amy](https://amf-divorce.com/about-amy) - [Contact Us](https://amf-divorce.com/contact-us) - [Schedule a Meeting](https://calendly.com/amymahlenmelander) ©2026 Copyright. All rights reserved. A.M. Financial provides supporting financial information, evaluation and analysis to be utilized by the client and the client’s selected attorney if directed, during the process of their divorce. ervices provided in regards to this agreement are solely fee-only and do not involve investment or security advice or insurance transactions. All information is financial in nature and should not be construed or relied upon as legal or tax advice. A.M. Financial IS NOT AN ATTORNEY AND DOES NOT PROVIDE LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE. Individuals are encouraged to seek competent legal and tax advice from professionals who specialize in divorce and tax laws in their respective state. Amy Melander (CRD #4692263) is an Investment Adviser Representative of OneDigital Investment Advisors, LLC (ODIA). ODIA and A.M. Financial are independent and unaffiliated entities. ODIA does not offer or provide divorce financial planning services and any statements and/or opinions expressed by A.M. Financial do not represent the views and/or opinions of ODIA.   This website is a publication of A.M. Financial. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date, but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. Content should not be viewed as personalized investment advice or as an offer to buy or sell, or a solicitation of any offer to buy or sell the securities mentioned herein. A professional adviser should be consulted before implementing any of the strategies presented. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® (with plaque design) and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "max.melomed@gmail.com", "url" : "https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/author/max-melomedgmail-com" }, "dateModified" : "2023-06-01T12:44:41.223Z", "datePublished" : "2023-03-29T04:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "7 Things to Review Before Signing Final Divorce Papers - Mahlen Financial", "image" : [ "https://amf-divorce.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/e261dd_ab77a2ee91314233afccda37d7be1659~mv2.webp" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/7-things-to-review-before-signing-final-divorce-papers", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://amf-divorce.com/hubfs/amf-divorce-logo.jpg" } } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "articleBody" : "Divorce is a tumultuous time where couples race to the finish line. Although the temptation is understandable, it is important to slow down and prevent as many post-decree disputes ahead of time. The following tips will help save a tremendous amount of brain power and money that is better served during the healing and recovery phase: 1. Details and Dates There is no place more dangerous to make assumptions then divorce. Playing nice doesn’t always pay off when someone else could be angry, vengeful or even destructive by disengaging from the process. Be specific, include details and deadlines. Listing assets and their respective values may not be enough to prevent someone from dragging their feet when fulfilling an agreement. Include account numbers and division instructions including valuation dates. Address how gains and losses associated with the assets will be handled at the time of division. Make sure to include specific dates as to when certain events will occur after the divorce, such as when debts will be refinanced, homes will be listed on the market to sell, items will be returned, parties will move out, etc. 2. Attorney Review Statistics reveal a growing trend where couples are forgoing legal representation and either utilizing mediation or going through the process on their own (pro se). The fear of escalating conflicts and incurring unsightly attorney’s fees is pushing many cases away from the traditional litigation method. Although these thoughts can be terrifying for some, it is imperative to speak with an attorney and, at a minimum, have your agreements reviewed with an attorney who offers unbundled services (i.e., client determined limited scope engagements where fees are charged by the hour). There is a reason attorney’s fees are expensive, it is worth it. Finding the right attorney is crucial to your bottom line. 3. Financial Review The process of dividing financials equitably is usually not as easy as creating a spreadsheet with values and dividing in half. Important concepts that should be analyzed that affect your outcome are before and after tax considerations, liquidity issues, valuations of assets such as businesses, pensions or stock options, budgeting items, transferability and how these effect the needs and priorities of each individual, etc. The divorce process is the starting ground for a new tomorrow. Therefore, it is highly recommended to review your agreement with a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst™. When working with a divorce financial professional it is possible to answer questions such as ‘What will this look like for both of us 10 years from now?’, ‘Will I be okay financially?’ or ‘Do I have what I need?’ before an agreement is made final. 4. Tax Information Usually couples are not aware that they might need tax information from an ex-spouse in the future. Ideally, it is recommended to get copies of all tax returns from the marriage and any other tax information before the divorce is finalized, however, this is not always practical based on the situation. Therefore, it is important to include in an agreement that any tax information associated with the financial division in the future will be provided upon request. Items that could be necessary include retirement contributions, investment gain/loss and purchase information (cost basis), investment loss carry forwards, rental property information such as expenses and depreciation, etc. Mortgage interest is regularly left out of separation agreements leaving the couple arguing over it during tax time. Other tax items and their effectiveness should be reviewed because some individuals may not qualify to utilize a tax benefit based on their income level or tax filing status. 5. Securing Obligations It is imperative to review all agreed upon financial obligations that will take place after the divorce is finalized. If a significant amount of spousal or child support is involved, a life insurance policy should be mandated in the agreement to secure the obligation in the event of the payor’s death. Typically, most divorce attorneys address this, however, it is worth double checking as you can imagine the financial disaster avoided by implementing this! A Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® can help structure a life insurance policy to protect you from an ex-spouse changing the beneficiary or not making premium payments. It is also worthwhile to review with a professional if there are any other obligations that should be secured for financial protection. 6. Closing Joint Debts A divorce decree appointing an ex-spouse as responsible for paying a debt titled in your name or joint name does not give creditors grounds to hold you harmless for late or non-payments. To protect your credit, make sure all joint accounts are retitled (or refinanced) into the responsible party’s sole name. Don’t forget to include previous accounts with zero balance. An angry ex-spouse could take the opportunity to create financial damage. Check your credit report to see if there are accounts you may have forgotten! Don’t forget to include a date with a deadline from tip 1 of this article! 7. Mortgage Qualification Review Take your time before signing on the dotted line – your future will thank you! If refinancing or purchasing a home is in your future after your divorce is finalized, it is imperative to review the divorce settlement with a Certified Divorce Lending Professional to make sure that the agreements you have in place will hold up to refinancing and purchasing guidelines. For example, for spousal or child support to be considered as income in the mortgage process you must receive payments for 6 months as well as have an additional 3 years of support payments due in the future. If the agreement includes 3 years of spousal support, then it will not qualify as income for mortgage lending purposes. Mortgage guidelines are constantly changing so it is important to review your agreement with a professional to avoid unexpected roadblocks later.", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "max.melomed@gmail.com", "sameAs" : "", "url" : "https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/author/max-melomedgmail-com" }, "dateModified" : "29/03/2023", "datePublished" : "29/03/2023", "headline" : "7 Things to Review Before Signing Final Divorce Papers", "image" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "height" : 400, "url" : "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/39875594/Imported_Blog_Media/e261dd_ab77a2ee91314233afccda37d7be1659~mv2.webp", "width" : 750 }, "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://amf-divorce.com/our-blog/7-things-to-review-before-signing-final-divorce-papers", "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "" }, "name" : "A.M. Financial", "url" : "amf-divorce.com" } } ```