Two practical questions come up immediately after a California divorce is finalized: what happens to health insurance after divorce, and how do you legally change your name. Both are addressed in the divorce process but require follow-through after the judgment is entered.
Health Insurance After Divorce — COBRA Rights
Health insurance divorce cobra california: when you lose health insurance coverage because your divorce is finalized, you have a right to continue coverage through COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) for up to 36 months. The divorce is a qualifying event that triggers your COBRA election right. You must elect COBRA within 60 days of receiving the COBRA election notice. COBRA continuation coverage is typically expensive — you pay 100% of the premium plus a 2% administrative fee — but it provides a bridge while you find alternative coverage. California also offers Cal-COBRA for smaller employers. Health insurance divorce coverage should be addressed in your marital settlement agreement — if your spouse was covering the children under their employer's plan, specify what happens to that coverage post-divorce.
Name Change After Divorce California
Name change after divorce california: the divorce petition and judgment can include a request to restore your former name. If you included a name change request in your FL-100 petition and the court granted it in the judgment, your divorce judgment itself serves as your legal name change document. Name change after divorce taxes: notify the Social Security Administration of your name change before filing your taxes — the IRS matches names to SSA records. Name change after divorce steps: Social Security Administration first, then DMV for driver's license, then your employer, bank, and other institutions. If you did not request a name change in your divorce, you can file a separate civil petition for a name change at any time. Furubotten Law, APC helps clients address these practical post-divorce matters throughout Orange County and Riverside County. Call (714) 795-3862 for a complimentary case evaluation.