Wills, Trusts, and Estates

Life Insurance

Most states do not change life insurance beneficiaries on divorce. Divorce lawyers should be sure to get policies changed.

• Virginia does presumptively change life insurance on divorce. VA Code § 20-111.1.

In most states, a will cannot change the life insurance beneficiary. The account holder has to contact the insurance company and have them change the beneficiary on the contract. E.g., Cook v. Equitable Life Assurance Society.