Divorce is a major life change, and your legal documents should reflect that new reality. One of the most important—and often overlooked—steps is updating your estate plan. Below are key areas to review to ensure your wishes are properly documented and protected.
Documents to Review
Your Will
If you and your former spouse created a will together, it’s essential to review and update it to reflect your current circumstances. If you don’t have a will, now is the right time to create one.
Health Care Documents
If you appointed your spouse as your Health Care Proxy, they may still have the authority to make medical decisions on your behalf. If that no longer aligns with your wishes, appoint someone you trust to take on this role.
Beneficiary Designations
Beneficiary designations should be updated after a divorce. Review bank accounts, life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and any other assets with named beneficiaries. This is also a good time to revisit who you’ve appointed as your Power of Attorney.
Consider a Trust
A trust can be a useful tool after divorce. It may help manage alimony or child support obligations and ensure assets are distributed according to your wishes. Trusts can also offer additional protections for your children, particularly if you have concerns about guardianship or how funds should be managed on their behalf.
Review Other Important Documents
Take time to review life insurance policies and any prenuptial or postnuptial agreements. Make sure you understand how these documents apply post-divorce and whether updates are needed.
Take the Next Right Step
If you are recently divorced or in the process of divorcing, the Law Offices of Todd Cushner & Associates can help guide you through updating your estate plan. Our attorneys have extensive experience with wills, trusts, powers of attorney, health care proxies, and more. Call us at 914-600-5502 or contact us online to get started.
