Life Insurance & Divorce
Why You Should Be Talking About Life Insurance During Your Divorce
When a divorce includes provisions for alimony or child support, it is a common practice to include an agreement stating that the supporting spouse should have a life insurance policy. This can guarantee that the child will still be provided for in the event that the supporting parent suffers an untimely death.
You can also include a provision in your divorce agreement stating that, if your ex-spouse changes the beneficiary designation or they allow the policy to lapse, you and/or your children would be entitled to a portion of your ex-spouse’s estate equal in value to the death benefit of the insurance policy.
How Long Will the Life Insurance Policy Be Maintained?
The amount of time the policy is maintained will depend on what the policy is intended for. If the life insurance policy is meant to provide financial security for a minor child, it can usually be terminated once the dependent child reaches the age of 21 in New York.
The supporting parent can maintain the policy beyond their child’s formative years if they so choose. If the life insurance policy is meant to guarantee alimony or a property settlement, it can be maintained for as long as the alimony payments are required, or until the business value is transferred.
Call Lois M. Brenner, Esq. to Learn More About Your Options
Lois M. Brenner, Esq., a highly acclaimed divorce lawyer, seasoned litigator, accredited mediator and psychologically trained medical professional, has been serving and protecting families throughout New York for more than three decades. She has even been featured as a family law expert on television programs like Good Morning America, The Oprah Winfrey Show, and CNN – just to name a few.
If you need help protecting your family’s financial security, call our team at Lois M. Brenner, Esq. today. You can schedule your initial consultation by calling (646) 663-4546.
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I utilized Lois's services for divorce. She was most helpful in all aspects. First, she explored reconciliation, which was the right thing to do. Absence of that, her suggestion of what to negotiate for, how to do it without unnecessary anger & hostility to the ex & how to expedite the process was invaluable. Timewise she was excellent & sympathetic to what I was going through. She was always available & her fees were very reasonable. I would strongly recommend her as a divorce /representative attorney.
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I had read about Lois’ unusual divorce method in one of her blog posts. It was refreshing to see someone was working with the psychological issues in divorce. My husband is bipolar and getting him to agree to a divorce and commit to the process was tough. When we met with Lois she really understood him. She immediately identified his mental health issues, and because she has a psych background, she was empathetic to his needs and was skillful at guiding him through her divorce mediation process. It took a while but she really got us to a point where we could actually discuss things without my husband blowing up. Her method is unique and it really helped in our situation. She actually recommended a great psychiatrist who changed my husband’s meds at her urging (she has a medical degree too), and my husband is coping much better. We can’t thank her enough for her compassion and advice! If you need a divorce attorney, especially if mental illness is a part of the fabric of your marriage, go see Lois! Thanks Lois - Beena T.
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I met with Lois Brenner nine months ago, and my life has been changed for the better! She and her legal team really encouraged me to leave a very abusive husband. They gave me the knowledge and courage to take the necessary legal steps. My parents were helping me and found Lois to be smart, and compassionate. My whole family felt really comfortable having her handle my case. I am finally divorced, away from an abusive man and ready to start a new life. I can’t thank Lois and her legal team enough for all the support I received. I got a much better settlement than I expected because they were relentless in locating money my husband had hidden. Thank you so much!- Kim B.
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“We are forever grateful!”- Donna and Frank
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Everything you said about mediation was true. My husband and I really connected in a positive way working out the details of our divorce in mediation with you. The arguing was endless but we finally heard each other. You have a lot of patience. The property discussions made everything so emotional. You kept us focused and stopped us from rehashing the past. We tell everyone about you. Hopefully none of our friends will divorce but if they do we will tell them they need you.- Tom & Philip R.
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“Keep up the good work!”- Jonathan
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- Lois M. Brenner, Esq.
"My medical and legal training allow me and my team to look beyond the surface conflict of a divorce and understand the emotional and psychological dynamics often shaping it. When you understand what is truly driving the dispute, you are better equipped to protect your family, make sound decisions, and move forward with dignity."
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Finding my way to Lois was the best thing that could have happened during my very contentious divorce. Lois took on my case with a level of care that has been above and beyond. She has been an incredible advocate for me, both legally, guiding me through this difficult process with knowledge and wisdom, and also personally, helping give me strength and support to stand up to my very aggressive ex husband. Lois is a gift, and I am so grateful to her and for the future she is helping to make possible to myself and for my son.- SC