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Does life insurance play a role in divorce?

On Behalf of | Apr 2, 2022 | Divorce |

Life insurance is an important part of any estate plan in Pennsylvania, but it can also play a role in a divorce. If you are going through a divorce, it is important to understand the effects it can have and how to protect yourself.

How does life insurance work?

Life insurance is a contract between an individual and an insurance company. The individual agrees to pay premiums, and the insurance company agrees to pay a death benefit if the insured dies. The death benefit is typically paid to the named beneficiary, which can be the ex-spouse or their children.

How does life insurance affect divorce?

Life insurance is often used to protect the financial interests of both parties when they decide to divorce, making things easier. For example, if one spouse is the primary breadwinner, the other spouse may rely on their income. If the primary breadwinner dies, the life insurance policy can provide financial support to the surviving person.

Additionally, you can use life insurance to help pay for child support or alimony. If the primary breadwinner dies, the life insurance policy can help make sure that the payments continue.

Finally, life insurance can be used to protect assets in a divorce. For example, if one spouse is trying to keep the house in a divorce, they may take out a life insurance policy on the other spouse. If the other spouse dies, the house would then be paid for by the life insurance policy.

Mistakes to avoid

There are a few things to avoid when it comes to life insurance and divorce. First, don’t cancel your policy or let it lapse just because you are getting divorced. This could leave you without coverage if something happens.

Second, don’t change the beneficiary on your policy without talking to an attorney. The beneficiary designation is important and can have a lot of implications in a divorce.

Finally, don’t transfer the policy to your ex-spouse. This could create a tax liability and could also be considered fraud.

If you are going through a divorce, it is important to understand how life insurance can affect your case. You want to make the right decisions for yourself and your family to avoid any costly mistakes.