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There are a number of tasks that you may need to complete after your divorce (or separation agreement) is finished. Below is a non-exhaustive list of tasks that may need to be completed, depending on your situation.

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Children

If you have dependent children:

• Update your child(ren)’s school, daycare, medical professionals, and other important service providers to inform them of the arrangements for your child(ren). For example, whether both parents or just one parent is permitted to pick your child(ren) up from school, or whether both or just one parent is entitled to receive health updates regarding your child(ren).

• Depending on the age of your child(ren), create a schedule for them so that they know what days/nights they will be spending with each parent (if applicable).

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Child Support 

If you are receiving or paying child support:

• Keep a running record of all of the child support payments made and/or missed.

• Keep a running record of extra expenses that are to be shared between you and the other parent, including any reimbursement requests made or received, and any reimbursement paid or missed.

• If you are receiving child support and wish to have the Maintenance Enforcement Program (MEP) collect child support on your behalf, contact your local MEP office or visit the MEP website online to obtain the registration package.

• Set a calendar reminder to exchange income disclosure with your ex, if your separation agreement or court order indicates that you are to exchange income disclosure on a yearly basis.

• If you have not already done so, update Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to inform them of your parenting arrangements so that they can properly distribute benefits and credits related to your child(ren).

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Spousal Support 

If you are receiving or paying spousal support:

• Keep a running record of all the spousal support payments made and/or missed.

• If you are receiving spousal support payments from your ex on a monthly basis, claim these payments as taxable income when you file your income taxes. If you are paying spousal support to your ex on a monthly basis, claim these payments as a deduction when you file your income taxes.

• If you are receiving spousal support and wish to have the Maintenance Enforcement Program (MEP) collect spousal support on your behalf, contact your local MEP office or visit the MEP website online to obtain the registration package.

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Estate Planning 

• If you have not already done so, review and update your Will, Power of Attorney, and (if applicable) your Health Care Directive, to ensure that these documents reflect your wishes.

• If you have any life insurance policies or accounts for which you have named beneficiaries, you should review and update your beneficiary designations.

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Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Credit Split 

• ​If you wish to have your and your ex’s CPP credits equally divided, complete and submit the application package to Service Canada to initiate the credit split.

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​Miscellaneous 

• Update your name on legal documents if you are changing your name.

• Reset passwords on your electronic devices.

• Reset your home security system and change the locks to your home, if needed.

• Update your mailing address with third parties if you have moved.

• If you have stayed in the former family home, ensure you have received any keys and the mail key back from your ex.

• Update utility accounts so that you and your ex are not joint on these accounts.

• Ensure that you and your ex are no longer joint on any bank accounts (unless otherwise agreed) and return or cancel any secondary debit or credit cards that you may have shared with each other.

• Complete any transfer of ownership documents through Manitoba Public Insurance to ensure that you are the insured owner of your vehicle and that your ex is the insured owner of their vehicle (if applicable).

• Update your Manitoba Health card.

• Remove your ex from your group benefits/insurance, if applicable.

• Meet with a financial planner for a financial checkup and to develop your financial plan post-divorce.

• Store your copies of your important divorce documents, such as your divorce certificate, court order, and separation agreement, in a safe place.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​