Should I update my will after a divorce?

Question

My divorce became final several months ago, but my existing will still names my former spouse as a beneficiary and executor. Some people have told me divorce automatically removes an ex spouse from estate documents, while others say I should replace everything immediately. Which documents should be reviewed first so I am not relying on an automatic rule that may not cover every asset?

Soradin · Accepted Answer

Divorce may revoke some gifts or appointments by law, but relying on automatic rules can leave gaps and confusion. In the estate planning context, a will should be reviewed after major changes such as marriage, divorce, a birth, a death, a move, a major asset purchase, or a change in relationships. As part of the legal review, updating the document is usually safer than writing notes on the old version. Retain copies in the place where you keep essential records, and make sure the right people know where to find them.

Should I update my will after a divorce?

Soradin

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