Divorce is among the most significant legal matters most anyone will face in their lifetime. Unfortunately, divorce will likely impact all facets of a person’s life, and at times, it can have long-term and far-reaching implications. Though those going through a divorce have a lot to consider, including child support, spousal support, property division, and child custody, among other issues, there is one pressing issue that everyone should consider at the forefront, but many fail to think about–updating their estate plan. Please continue reading and reach out to our seasoned Los Angeles estate planning & probate attorneys to learn more about the importance of updating your estate plan after a divorce and how our legal team can walk you through each step of the process.
Why do I need to update my estate plan after I get a divorce?
There are several reasons why it’s imperative to update your estate plan after getting a divorce. To start, if you created an estate plan while you were married, you likely listed your spouse as your primary beneficiary. This means that your spouse will likely get all or most of your assets, should you pass away. This doesn’t change on its own, even after you get a divorce. For this reason, you may wish to update your estate plan to ensure your assets go to people you want to have them, such as children, other family members, or even close friends.
Another critical reason you should consider updating your estate plan after a divorce is that you likely listed your spouse as a power of attorney in your estate plan, whether that be a medical or financial power of attorney. Essentially, when someone has power of attorney, they have the legal right to make medical decisions and financial decisions on behalf of another person once they become incapacitated. For obvious reasons, many people wouldn’t want to leave their ex-spouse in charge of those decisions.
These are just some of the most important reasons why you should update your estate plan after a divorce. If you have any additional questions about this legal matter or you’re looking for an attorney who can help, please don’t hesitate to speak with the experienced Los Angeles family law attorneys here at the Zitser Family Law Group, APC for more information. We’re here to assist you in any way we can.
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For the qualified, dedicated legal representation you and your family deserve and need through any family law or divorce matter, contact Zitser Family Law Group, APC today.
