Divorced in Retirement? 20 Ways to Maintain Your Financial Independence

13. Update Your Will or Estate Documents

In most cases, particularly in community property states, spouses often name one another as their beneficiaries in wills and estate planning documents. After divorce, you’ll likely want to change those designations immediately.

But estate planning documents often go far beyond the disposition of financial assets to spouses. Some assign power of attorney for various healthcare matters to spouses, for example, including the ability to make life-or-death decisions such as whether or not to sustain life support. Examine your documents and make sure they express your current intentions.