Implementing Your Decree

Your divorce decree is a legally binding court order. Understanding it thoroughly is essential for compliance and protecting your rights.

Key sections to review carefully:

• Property division: Who gets what assets and debts, and by when
• Custody and parenting time: The custody schedule, decision-making authority, and parenting rules
• Child support: Amount, payment schedule, method of payment, duration
• Spousal support: Amount, duration, conditions for modification or termination
• Retirement accounts: QDRO requirements for dividing retirement assets
• Real property: Who keeps the house, refinancing requirements, sale timelines
• Name changes: Whether a name change was granted

Create a compliance calendar:

• List every deadline mentioned in the decree
• Note who is responsible for each action
• Set reminders well before deadlines
• Track completion of each requirement

If anything is unclear:

• Ask your attorney for clarification immediately
• Don't guess at what the decree means
• Get clarification in writing if there's any ambiguity