You may not have planned to get divorced, but perhaps you made arrangements to provide for your family or attend to your personal affairs in the event of accident, illness or death. If you are dissolving your marriage, it is critical to alter those arrangements to reflect your new realities and priorities. Our divorce lawyers will help you do just that.
The attorneys at Bentley, Kopecki, Smith, P.C., can help you update your will and other estate planning documents in the context of divorce. Our lawyers can also revise your will to synchronize with a prenuptial agreement.
Your Will Should Reflect Your Post-Divorce Wishes
It is common for married couples to list each other as the primary beneficiary and designate powers of attorney to each other. In the aftermath of divorce, you want to make sure that your new wishes are followed, and that your ex-spouse does not inherit unintended property or have control over your legal or financial matters.
Our family law attorneys can assist in making the appropriate updates to your estate plan:
- Your will — With a change in your life such as divorce, you may have also changed your wishes regarding who should receive your personal property.
- Powers of attorney — You may need to designate a new person to manage your affairs in the event of mental or physical incapacity.
- Health care directives — What are your wishes regarding life support and end-of-life care, and who should be empowered to make medical decisions on your behalf?
- Beneficiary designations — Is your spouse listed on your retirement accounts or life insurance policies?
- Insurance coverage — If you are sponsoring a spouse on your employer-paid health insurance, do you want that coverage to continue after divorce?
- Guardianship — Who would you nominate as guardian(s) of your minor children in your absence? Is there someone who should not be designated?
Making these estate planning changes at the time of divorce can avoid protracted litigation or heartache for your family members. We can give you peace of mind that all your documents are in alignment, including taking steps to make your will concurrent with a premarital agreement.
Contact Our Family Law Attorneys
You cannot take it for granted that a probate court will honor your intentions. Updating your estate plans in divorce means putting it in writing in no uncertain terms. Bentley, Kopecki, Smith, P.C., serves clients in Berks and Lebanon counties through three convenient office locations. Call (610) 685-8000, or contact us online, to arrange a free consultation.
