Steps to Take If You Get Divorced

If You Get Divorced...

1. Notify the Benefit Plans Office to update your retirement records if your name changes. Make sure the Benefit Plans Office knows of any address changes.
   
   
2. Notify the Social Security Administration of any name changes.
   
   
3. Change your benefit elections within 30 days of the date your divorce is final. You must submit a copy of the divorce decree in order to drop coverage for your ex-spouse. Your ex-spouse is eligible to continue medical and dental coverage for up to 36 months through COBRA. You or your ex-spouse has 60 days to notify the Benefit Plans Office in order to obtain COBRA benefits.
   
   
4. Add your eligible dependents to your medical and dental coverage if a court establishes that you must provide coverage for dependent children.
   
   
5. Update your life insurance and savings program beneficiary records. Life insurance forms are available from the Benefit Plans Office. You can request a savings program beneficiary form by calling the savings program information line.
   
   
6. Contact the Benefit Plans Office if you think a court may issue a qualified domestic relations order (or "QDRO") granting your former spouse the right to receive any pension or savings benefits. You will be sent important information about the procedures and requirements for QDROs.
   
   
7. Consider preparing or updating your will.