What Should You Do After Your Divorce Is Finalised?

Identity documents

• MyKad: visit JPN with your decree absolute (the final divorce order) and MyKad to update your marital status.
• Name: if you want to go back to your earlier name, apply for a name change at JPN. It is a separate process with its own documents.
• Passport: contact the Immigration Department if your name or status has changed.

Keeping all your identity documents consistent avoids problems later.

Bank accounts and debts

• Close or convert joint bank accounts. Many banks need both account holders at the branch to close one.
• Open your own accounts if you have not already.
• Deal with credit cards, hire purchase and loans in joint names, and tell your bank about your change in status. This helps protect you from debts your former spouse takes on.
• Check your EPF (KWSP) nomination. Your former spouse may still be your nominee. Do the same for unit trusts, ASB and fixed deposits.

Property

If your court order includes a property transfer, act on it promptly. A lawyer can prepare the transfer documents and handle the land office process.

Ask about stamp duty and legal fees. Some divorce-related transfers may qualify for a stamp duty exemption.

For rented-out property, update the tenancy agreement and tell the tenant or property manager. If you now own it alone, update your rental income records with LHDN (Inland Revenue).

Insurance and your will

Check your life, medical and motor insurance. Update the beneficiary on your life policy, because the insurer pays whoever is named, divorce or not.

Divorce does not cancel a will in Malaysia, though remarriage may. Review your will with a lawyer, or make one now if you do not have one.

If you have young children, ask about a testamentary trust, which manages your assets for them if you die.

Your children

• Check that custody, access and maintenance orders are being followed. Keep a copy of the order handy. If your former spouse is not complying, ask a lawyer about enforcement.
• Update the school with the right contacts, the custody arrangement, who may pick up the children and who to call in an emergency.
• Make sure the children’s medical cover continues. If they were on your former spouse’s employer plan, you may need other cover.

Looking to engage a divorce lawyer? If you are unsure how to carry out a step in your court order, such as a property transfer or unpaid maintenance, request independent lawyer contact via WhatsApp: Request Lawyer Contact. For general information, use our guides and tools.