Divorce doesn’t just change your daily life, it changes your long-term plans. After a divorce, many people forget they need to update their estate planning documents to reflect their new situation. If you don’t, you could end up leaving money or making decisions that no longer match your new wishes.
Some of the key things you should update include your estate plan (which you should definitely have), beneficiary designations (like on life insurance or retirement accounts), and powers of attorney. For example, you probably don’t want your ex-spouse listed as the person who can make medical or financial decisions for you or inherit your assets. California law does remove some rights from ex-spouses automatically, but not all so it’s important to review and update your documents carefully.
It’s also a good time to think about who you want to be in charge of important matters moving forward. Who will handle things if you become unable to make decisions? Who will take care of your estate after you pass? If you have minor children, you may also need to update guardianship plans. Making sure everything is in place helps avoid confusion and protects your loved ones down the road. No changes can be made during a divorce but as soon as its done, you’ll want to speak with an estate planning attorney to get your new plan ready.
If you’ve recently gone through a divorce, The Grey Legal Group, APC is here to help. Our experienced family law attorneys can work with your estate planning professionals to ensure your legal documents reflect your new life and wishes. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward securing your future.