# Divorce and Life Insurance | Cary Estate Planning [Call Now Click Here](tel:919-659-8433) Click [HERE](https://caryestateplanning.com/contact-us/) to speak with NC’s trusted statewide Estate Planning, Probate, and Special Needs Planning Law Firm! ![Person Comforting Another Person](https://caryestateplanning.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/pexels-juan-pablo-serrano-arenas-951290-1.jpg) # Divorce and Life Insurance Table of Contents Toggle Divorce can result in many different things: hard feelings, divided assets, kids splitting time between two houses, and lots of attorneys fees. One thing that doesn’t automatically happen, however, if changing your beneficiary designation on your life insurance policies. ## Divorce Cuts Off Inheritance North Carolina law precludes an ex-spouse from inheriting from your estate. For the purposes of inheritance, it treats an ex-spouse as a predeceased beneficiary if the ex-spouse is still named as a beneficiary of your will. So, legally speaking, it’s as if your ex is dead for the purposes of inheriting from your estate – it’s a legal impossibility. ## But Nothing Else North Carolina law does not, however, cut off your ex-spouse’s rights to receive a benefit from your death in other ways, including retirement accounts in life insurance. Unless the separation agreement states otherwise, if you were to pass without removing your ex-spouse from your life insurance beneficiary designation, they may get the entire benefit, to the detriment of your kids or extended family. ## Review Beneficiary Designations Often A crucial part of maintaining an effective estate plan is regularly reviewing and updating where needed. Divorce is a substantial life event which warrants an update to your plan, but it also requires an update to your life insurance beneficiary designations. Death can also impact your designations. Regardless of your circumstances, reviewing your designations, and the rest of your estate plan, regularly is a smart move. ### Author Bio ![James P. Kelly, ESQ](/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Paul-Yokabitus.jpg) **Paul Yokabitus** Founder & Estate Planning Lawyer Paul Yokabitus is the founder of Cary Estate Planning, where he helps North Carolina families protect what matters most through wills, trusts, probate, and special needs planning. Known for his “planning, not paperwork” approach, Paul turns complex legal concepts into clear, practical strategies so clients feel informed and confident at every step. He has been recognized as a Business North Carolina Legal Elite attorney and a Super Lawyers Rising Star, and was named to the Triangle Business Journal’s 40 Under 40. A graduate of Campbell University School of Law, Paul lives in the Triangle with his wife, Alix, and their two sons. [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulyokabitus) | [Avvo](https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/27518-nc-paul-yokabitus-4559734.html) | [SuperLawyers](https://profiles.superlawyers.com/north-carolina/cary/lawyer/paul-yokabitus/42288eac-24f6-4803-b0c2-6ea242c3a96a.html) ## Schedule a consultation 900+ Google Reviews ## How We Help North Carolina Families CARY RALEIGH [Estate Planning](https://caryestateplanning.com/) [WILLS](https://caryestateplanning.com/cary-wills-lawyer/) [TRUSTS](https://caryestateplanning.com/cary-trusts-lawyer/) [PROBATE](https://caryestateplanning.com/cary-probate-lawyer/) [ELDER LAW & MEDICAID PLANNING](https://caryestateplanning.com/cary-medicaid-planning-lawyer/) [SPECIAL NEEDS PLANNING](https://caryestateplanning.com/special-needs-trusts/) [POWER OF ATTORNEY](https://caryestateplanning.com/cary-power-of-attorney-lawyer/) [GUARDIANSHIP](https://caryestateplanning.com/cary-guardianship-lawyer/) [ESTATE ADMINISTRATION](https://caryestateplanning.com/cary-estate-administration-lawyer/) [FINANCIAL PLANNING](https://caryestateplanning.com/cary-financial-planning/) [Estate Planning](https://caryestateplanning.com/raleigh-estate-planning-lawyer/) [WILLS](https://caryestateplanning.com/raleigh-estate-planning-lawyer/raleigh-wills-lawyer/) [TRUSTS](https://caryestateplanning.com/raleigh-estate-planning-lawyer/raleigh-trusts-lawyer/) PROBATE ELDER LAW & MEDICAID PLANNING SPECIAL NEEDS PLANNING POWER OF ATTORNEY GUARDIANSHIP ESTATE ADMINISTRATION FINANCIAL PLANNING Cary Office [1255 Crescent Green, STE 200, Cary, NC 27518](https://www.google.com/maps?cid=10586265549256419209) 900+ Google Reviews [Take Our Quick Planning Quiz](https://caryestateplanning.com/contact-us/) Raleigh Office [9121 Anson Way Suite 235, Raleigh, NC 27615](https://www.google.com/maps?cid=14359503740153328567) 900+ Google Reviews [Take Our Quick Planning Quiz](https://caryestateplanning.com/contact-us/) ## Also Read: [![3 Ways to Spot a Bad Life Insurance Agent](https://caryestateplanning.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/unnamed.jpg) 3 Ways to Spot a Bad Life Insurance Agent](https://caryestateplanning.com/blog/3-ways-to-spot-a-bad-life-insurance-agent/) [![Can Creditors Come After Life Insurance Proceeds in North Carolina?](https://caryestateplanning.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/creditors-life-insurance-proceeds.jpg) Can Creditors Come After Life Insurance Proceeds in North Carolina?](https://caryestateplanning.com/can-creditors-come-after-life-insurance-proceeds/) [![How to Make a Claim for Life Insurance](https://caryestateplanning.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/unnamed.jpg) How to Make a Claim for Life Insurance](https://caryestateplanning.com/blog/how-to-make-a-claim-for-life-insurance/) Puja Paul and his team at Cary Estate Planning are fully committed to creating a personalized experience to develop thorough and comprehensive estate plans. They value their clients and go above and beyond to make sure that no details are missed. I would highly recommend Paul to anyone looking to create an estate plan. Marylin I was referred to Paul by my Real Estate Attorney and I could not say enough about how exceptional the client service has been from everyone I spoke to. The communication is prompt and I feel like they really took the time to answer all my questions and set things up exactly as I wanted, but also recommended things to make it easier on my family down the line. Lee After attending one of Paul’s estate planning seminars, my husband and I knew we wanted Paul to assist us with our estate planning. His honest, professional approach to this necessary part of life put us at ease with the process. We will continue to recommend Paul and Cary Estate Planning. Jon We had a great experience working with Paul Yokabitus and the team at Cary Estate Planning to set up our Will and Estate Plan. The process was clear and easy, and in the age of COVID, our signing session was very well done, easy, and safe. Tamara The Cary Estate Planning team will make sure that you have the information you need to be confident in your estate planning decisions. I learned so much from videos, a one-on-one in-person consultation, the website, emails, and a newsletter mailed the old fashioned way. The fee is very reasonable given the importance of estate planning. No matter the size or number of your assets, don’t procrastinate like I did! Tony Paul is a masterful attorney. He’s very good at taking your intentions and defining that into a durable Trust and Will. Best of all he is as simple and plain-spoken as you like. Or as fast as intellectual as you may be. It’s all about your your speed and your desired outcomes. Would strongly recommend this firm. ## Trusted Estate Planning Attorney Offices in Cary and Raleigh Serving all of North Carolina Cary Office 1255 Crescent Green, STE 200, Cary, NC 27518 [Get Directions](https://www.google.com/maps?cid=10586265549256419209) Raleigh Office 9121 Anson Way Suite 235, Raleigh, NC 27615 [Get Directions](https://www.google.com/maps?cid=14359503740153328567) Capability to meet virtually to help all NC residents [919-659-8433](tel:919-659-8433) [Contact Us Now](https://caryestateplanning.com/contact-us/) DISCLAIMER: The law firm of Cary Estate Planning cannot and does not represent you until our client intake process is completed. Further, we reserve the right to accept or decline to represent any person or organization in any matter. Nothing on this website should be considered legal advice. Copyright © 2026 Cary Estate Planning. All Rights Reserved. [Disclaimer](https://caryestateplanning.com/disclaimer/) [Privacy Policy](https://caryestateplanning.com/privacy-policy/) [Sitemap](https://caryestateplanning.com/sitemap/) [Get Started](/contact-us/) × 4.9 Based on 900+ reviews 900+ Google Reviews ### What best describes your current situation? I don’t have an estate plan yet and want to get started I have an estate plan but need to update it A loved one has passed away and I need help with probate or estate administration I’m looking for help with a specific issue (guardianship, special needs, Medicaid, etc.) Other ### What’s most important to you right now? Making sure my kids or family are taken care of if something happens to me Protecting my assets from taxes, creditors, or unnecessary costs Planning for a loved one with special needs or a disability Navigating probate or settling a loved one’s estate Updating my plan after a major life change (marriage, divorce, new child, retirement) ### Which of these applies to you? (Select all that apply) I own a home or real estate I own a business I have investments, retirement accounts, or life insurance I have children under 18 I have a child or loved one with special needs I’m caring for aging parents (sandwich generation) I’m approaching or in retirement None of the above / just getting started ### Where are you located? Cary / Western Wake County Raleigh / Central Wake County Chapel Hill / Orange County Elsewhere in North Carolina Outside North Carolina --- Source: https://caryestateplanning.com/blog/divorce-and-life-insurance/