How do beneficiary designations work if I'm divorced or remarried?

Divorce does not automatically remove an ex-spouse from your life insurance in every case, so you must actively update the form. Some states revoke an ex-spouse's designation upon divorce, but many do not, and employer plans governed by federal ERISA rules generally pay whoever is named regardless of state law, meaning an unchanged form can send your death benefit to your former spouse. If a divorce decree requires you to keep an ex as beneficiary (often to secure child support or alimony), honor that; otherwise update promptly. After remarriage, decide how to balance a new spouse and children from a prior marriage, potentially using a trust. Review all beneficiary forms as part of finalizing any divorce and again when you remarry.