Post-Mediation Process

Once the MSA is revised and ready to become a binding agreement, Matthew will refer you to a paralegal to whom he regularly refers clients. The paralegal will ask you to complete a brief questionnaire, and you will sign a Limited Scope Representation Agreement. The paralegal and her supervising attorney, as a team, will complete, review, and file your divorce documents electronically with the Circuit Court of the county in which at least one of you resides.

Preparation and Filing of Divorce Forms

A judge will review your divorce paperwork after the paralegal submits it to the court. A divorce is usually finalized within about a month after the documents are filed. The paralegal and supervising attorney will monitor your case through the court process and notify you when it has been finalized by the judge.

Review and Finalization by Circuit Court Judge

After Your Divorce is Finalized

The paralegal will notify you when your case has been finalized by the judge, and she will send you an electronic copy for your records.

You should then contact the county clerk's office to order a paper copy of the judgment so that you have a certified copy in your possession. There is a nominal cost per page.

Most post-divorce activities can be accomplished without needing multiple certified copies of the judgment, but you should always have one for your own records.

If your divorce judgment states that you will be dividing or transferring one or more retirement accounts, you will need to submit the appropriate forms, as required by the plan administrators (for work-based retirement accounts) or IRA custodians (for IRAs and Roth IRAs). The plan administrator will require a copy of the judgment, and a certified copy will probably be necessary. If so, you can order an additional copy from the clerk's office.

If you are dividing a 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), or pension plan (except public employees), you may​ need what is known as a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO). If it is necessary, you can have that prepared by an online service or by a QDRO attorney. Matthew can refer you to one or both. However, it is also possible that the plan administrator has a customizable template that you can complete without paid assistance.