Going through a divorce in Texas is emotionally and logistically challenging. Between court hearings, financial disclosures, and settlement negotiations, you’ve likely spent countless hours reviewing personal and financial documents. Once the divorce is finalized, it’s tempting to move on without looking back.
However, failing to update certain legal and financial documents can create serious problems later—sometimes years after the divorce. For example, if you don’t change the beneficiary on your IRA, your ex-spouse could inherit it even if your divorce decree says otherwise.
This guide outlines the key documents you should review and update after your divorce, ensuring that your legal, financial, and healthcare wishes are honored.
1. Retirement Plans (401k, IRA, Pension Plans)
Why update? Your designated beneficiary controls who receives your retirement funds when you pass away—regardless of what your divorce decree says.
Action: Contact your plan administrator to update your beneficiary forms.
Tip: Keep a copy of your updated form in a safe place for future reference.
2. Life Insurance Policies
Why update? These policies provide financial security for loved ones and cover funeral costs. If your ex remains a beneficiary, they could legally collect the payout.
Action: Review both employer-provided and private life insurance policies.
Example: A Houston client forgot to change her beneficiary after divorce; when she passed, her ex-husband received the $150,000 benefit.
3. Wills & Trusts
Why update? Your Will dictates how your assets are distributed. Trusts may control large portions of your estate.
Action: Update beneficiary designations, executors, and guardianship instructions for minor children.
Note: Texas law automatically removes an ex-spouse from certain provisions in a Will, but you should still make updates to avoid confusion and disputes.
4. W-4 Form
Why update? This IRS form determines how much tax your employer withholds from your paycheck.
Action: Adjust your filing status and number of dependents to reflect your post-divorce situation.
5. Medical Treatment Authorization & Consent Forms
Why update? If your children are in the care of grandparents, babysitters, or other trusted adults, these individuals need authority to seek medical treatment in emergencies.
Action: Provide updated signed forms to schools, caregivers, and healthcare providers.
6. Medical Power of Attorney (MPOA)
Why update? This document names someone you trust to make healthcare decisions if you can’t. If your ex is currently listed, update it immediately.
7. Directive to Physicians and Family or Surrogates (Living Will)
Why update? This communicates your wishes about life-sustaining treatment in case of incapacity.
Action: Ensure the appointed decision-maker aligns with your post-divorce preferences.
8. HIPAA Authorizations
Why update? These authorizations dictate who can access your medical records.
Action: Update them with each doctor’s office to reflect your current trusted contacts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the divorce decree automatically update my beneficiaries?
A: No. In most cases, you must update each document individually.
Q: How soon should I update these documents after divorce?
A: Immediately after the divorce is final, ideally within 30 days.
Q: Do I need a lawyer to update these documents?
A: While you can update many forms yourself, legal guidance ensures nothing is overlooked.
Best Practices for Staying Organized
Keep all updated documents in a single, secure location.
Review your estate plan and beneficiary designations every 2–3 years or after major life changes.
Use a checklist to ensure no critical document is missed.
Free Resource – Post-Divorce Document Checklist
Navigating life after divorce comes with a long to-do list — and it’s easy to overlook important updates to your personal, financial, and legal documents. To help make the process easier, we’ve created a Post-Divorce Document Checklist tailored for Texas residents.
This printable PDF includes all the key areas you need to review, from beneficiary designations to property records, so nothing slips through the cracks.
FREE Download today: Post-Divorce Document Checklist (PDF)
Do you have more questions or need help getting this sorted?
If you’ve recently finalized your divorce, don’t risk leaving outdated documents in place. Kristin Kline can help you review and update your estate plan, beneficiary forms, and other critical documents to protect your future. Contact her today to schedule a consultation.