Divorces

I remove the ex-spouse from the record completely (moving the spouse we want to leave in to the primary spot) and make an entry in Notes. I have a type called "Spousal Record", put the name of the ex in the Description line and then include how we found out about the change in the body of the note (e.g., Sally called to tell us she and George have divorced). Even though it should automatically update, I double check the Addressees tab to make sure it is correct.


There is a certain amount of, what we don't know we can't update. That's why being consistent in making notes is valuable. If a donor doesn't let us know they have divorced, or their spouse has died, they can't be mad - well, theoretically:) Sometimes I have the bite the bullet and say, "I'm so sorry, I will update your record now" even though there was no way I could know. Because we use a mailing house, I let them know there may be a mailing or two before the change kicks in so they aren't taken aback and think we didn't bother to fix it.


I also have anyone entering records to check the Notes tab before entering a new spousal record.