If the divorce occurred while the policy was in force, the state jurisdiction will determine how or if the divorce impacts the ex-spouse’s eligibility as a beneficiary. In some states, the beneficiary designation of an ex-spouse is automatically revoked at the time of divorce. In this situation, if the member wants the ex-spouse to remain the named beneficiary, they would need to complete a new beneficiary designation form after the divorce was finalized.

In some cases, the court may mandate that the ex-spouse remain the beneficiary of the policy, even if the member has updated their beneficiary designation to name a different beneficiary. Copies of the divorce decree and/or property settlement may be needed to determine eligibility of the ex-spouse or any other named beneficiary(ies) before the death benefits can be processed.