Hi everyone, I’ve got a question about life insurance. My husband and I have been separated for over a year, and we’re planning to file for divorce soon. He has a voluntary life insurance policy on me through his work for $115,000. I asked him to change the beneficiaries to our daughters (they’re 21 and 19), but he got angry and said his employer won’t allow any changes until after the divorce is finalized. We’re still married and not legally separated yet. Can an employer even do that? Also, when I file for divorce, can I ask that the life insurance policy be adjusted to ensure the girls are the beneficiaries if something happens to me? Is there any way to find out if he has other policies on me? Thanks in advance for any advice!
That sounds fishy. I don’t think employers can stop you from changing beneficiaries. Maybe he’s just trying to dodge it?
Natasha said:
That sounds fishy. I don’t think employers can stop you from changing beneficiaries. Maybe he’s just trying to dodge it?
Yeah, I agree. Most insurance companies let you update beneficiaries anytime. Sounds like he might be bluffing.
Natasha said:
That sounds fishy. I don’t think employers can stop you from changing beneficiaries. Maybe he’s just trying to dodge it?
Wait, does anyone know for sure if there are exceptions to this? Like, could there be a company-specific rule?
@Zen
I think it’s super rare. Usually, it’s up to the policyholder. Maybe she should check directly with the insurer.
@Zen
For real. Just ask for the insurance company’s number and call them directly. They’ll give you the straight answer.
Can you include this in your divorce agreement? Like, make it official that the girls are the beneficiaries?
Wren said:
Can you include this in your divorce agreement? Like, make it official that the girls are the beneficiaries?
That’s a good idea! I wasn’t sure if that was possible, but I’ll definitely bring it up with my lawyer.
Wren said:
Can you include this in your divorce agreement? Like, make it official that the girls are the beneficiaries?
You can absolutely add it as part of the divorce settlement. Just make sure your lawyer drafts it in the agreement.
Hey, do you know if he has other life insurance policies on you? That’s something you should look into.
Adi said:
Hey, do you know if he has other life insurance policies on you? That’s something you should look into.
I have no idea, honestly. I’m going to ask HR for the insurance company info and check with them.
Adi said:
Hey, do you know if he has other life insurance policies on you? That’s something you should look into.
Yeah, definitely check with the insurance company. They’ll tell you what policies exist if you ask.
If the HR person is friends with him, they might not give you all the info. Just a heads-up.
gergerbin said:
If the HR person is friends with him, they might not give you all the info. Just a heads-up.
Ugh, yeah, that’s what I was worried about. I’ll see if I can bypass HR and go straight to the insurer.
gergerbin said:
If the HR person is friends with him, they might not give you all the info. Just a heads-up.
Smart move. HR can be helpful, but in cases like this, going straight to the source is better.
Can he legally keep the policy if he’s the beneficiary? That feels so wrong to me.
Jody said:
Can he legally keep the policy if he’s the beneficiary? That feels so wrong to me.
He probably can if he’s paying for it. But you can ask for it to be canceled as part of the divorce.
Jody said:
Can he legally keep the policy if he’s the beneficiary? That feels so wrong to me.
Thanks, that’s helpful. I’ll definitely make sure to bring this up with my lawyer.