Can You Buy Life Insurance on an Ex-Spouse, and What Are the Costs, Benefits and Legal Considerations?


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You can get life insurance on an ex-spouse under certain conditions. This can protect financial interests and ensure dependents are cared for, especially if the ex-spouse pays alimony or child support. Life insurance after divorce or separation also provides financial security by covering debts, education costs and more at an affordable monthly rate.

Before purchasing life insurance on an ex-spouse, understand the legal requirements, such as court orders for life insurance or beneficiary rules after divorce. Researching top insurance companies helps you find the right policy to meet your needs.

Key Takeaways

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Buying life insurance on an ex-spouse is possible if you have their consent and there's an insurable interest, often for the financial protection of dependents and other financial obligations.

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Common reasons for buying life insurance on an ex-spouse include ensuring child support and alimony, as well as protecting business interests and dependents' financial future.

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Legal considerations for life insurance in divorce include obtaining the ex-spouse's consent and understanding life insurance beneficiary rules after divorce to ensure proper coverage and compliance.

Benefits and Reasons for Buying Life Insurance on an Ex-Spouse

Many people buy life insurance on their ex-spouse to protect their finances and provide security for their dependents.

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    Child support and alimony

    Getting life insurance on an ex-spouse ensures child support and alimony payments continue if the ex-spouse passes away. This provides financial stability for dependents and aligns with divorce-related beneficiary rules.

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    Financial protection for children

    Parents can protect their children's financial future by buying life insurance on an ex-spouse. The death benefit can help cover childcare, education and other essential needs, especially in divorce settlements.

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    Protecting business interests

    When former spouses have shared business interests, life insurance can provide a financial solution after divorce. It ensures that the surviving ex-spouse has the necessary funds to maintain or buy out the deceased ex-spouse's share, preventing potential conflicts or business disruptions.

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    Covering outstanding debts

    Life insurance can help cover any debts an ex-spouse leaves behind, protecting the surviving ex-spouse from facing these financial obligations alone. This is particularly important when considering life insurance in a divorce.

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    Estate planning considerations

    Buying life insurance on an ex-spouse can also be part of comprehensive estate planning. It helps preserve assets, ensures equitable distribution of inheritance and minimizes potential tax liabilities.

Depending on your situation, purchasing life insurance on an ex-spouse can be a strategic decision that extends beyond personal protection to cover broader financial responsibilities and future obligations.

Legal Considerations: Simplified Explanations

Several legal aspects must be considered when buying life insurance on an ex-spouse.

Ex-Spouse's Consent

You need your ex-spouse’s consent to purchase a life insurance policy on them. This ensures they know and agree to the policy being taken out.

Discussing life insurance after divorce may be the most straightforward approach if you have an amicable relationship. Explain your reasons and address any concerns. Open communication can help foster understanding.

However, if consent isn't easily obtained, certain legal avenues may allow you to include it in the divorce agreement. For instance, if you have financial obligations like child support or alimony, the court might order that your ex-spouse maintain a life insurance policy with you or your children as beneficiaries. This ensures financial protection in case of their death.

In difficult communication or legal constraints, seeking legal advice or mediation can help navigate the process.

Insurable Interest

Insurable interest, a fundamental principle in life insurance, means the policyholder must have a financial or emotional stake in the insured person’s life. The policyholder must face a direct financial loss if the insured person dies.

Establishing insurable interest is crucial when purchasing life insurance on an ex-spouse. It ensures the policy is valid and you have a legitimate reason to insure their life. This is particularly important in complying with life insurance beneficiary rules in divorce settlements.

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COURT-ORDERED LIFE INSURANCE

Court-ordered life insurance may sometimes be required during divorce proceedings to ensure ongoing financial support. This mandate often obligates one party to maintain a life insurance policy after a divorce to secure alimony or child support payments. It helps protect the financial future of dependents in case of unexpected events.

Factors Affecting Life Insurance Costs

Determining the exact cost of a life insurance policy on your ex-spouse depends on several unique factors. Insurance companies consider various aspects when calculating premiums, including the following:

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    The insured's age

    Your ex-spouse's age significantly impacts premiums. Younger adults typically face lower premiums due to a lower risk profile.

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    Health and medical history

    An ex-spouse's health and medical background play a significant role. Pre-existing conditions or risky health behaviors can increase premiums.

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    Lifestyle and occupation

    Engaging in high-risk activities or working in dangerous environments can greatly affect insurance rates. These factors should be carefully considered when applying for life insurance after divorce.

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    Coverage amount and term length

    The coverage amount and the policy's duration are key factors in determining insurance costs. More coverage and longer terms typically result in higher premiums.

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    Policy type

    The type of life insurance policy, whether term life or permanent life insurance, affects the premium. Term life policies are usually more affordable than permanent life policies.

Understanding these factors helps navigate life insurance and divorce, ensuring you select a policy that meets your needs and financial objectives.

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WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU HAVE A LIFE INSURANCE POLICY ON YOUR SPOUSE AND YOU GET DIVORCED?

If you have a life insurance policy on your spouse and get divorced, the policy may remain active, but changes to the beneficiary are often necessary. Addressing your concerns about life insurance in the divorce proceedings can help prevent conflict and ensure it continues to protect financial interests.

Sample Term Life Quotes for Ex-Spouse Coverage

The table below shows the average monthly costs of 10-year term life insurance policies with various coverage amounts.

30-Year-Old$14$20$35
40-Year-Old$18$29$53
50-Year-Old$37$65$117
60-Year-Old$76$141$271
70-Year-Old$204$410$719

Below are the average monthly costs of 20-year term life insurance policies by coverage amounts.

30-Year-Old$17$28$50
40-Year-Old$26$44$83
50-Year-Old$58$106$203
60-Year-Old$150$286$556
70-Year-Old$752$1481$2988
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TERM VS. PERMANENT LIFE INSURANCE AFTER DIVORCE

Opting for term life insurance after divorce is a cost-effective way to ensure financial obligations, like alimony or child support, are met for a set period. This policy is ideal for coverage that matches the duration of financial commitments to your ex-spouse.

Permanent life insurance may be better if you seek lifelong protection for long-term financial responsibilities and estate planning. This is useful when addressing comprehensive life insurance policies and divorce scenarios, where long-term financial security is crucial.

Evaluating the Best Insurance Company

When buying life insurance on an ex-spouse after a divorce, choose a reputable insurance company that fits your needs. Here are some tips to guide your choice:

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    Research reputable insurance companies

    Conduct thorough research to identify insurers with a strong reputation and solid financial standing.

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    Check financial stability and ratings

    Evaluate insurance companies' financial stability by examining their ratings from independent rating agencies. A financially secure company ensures the timely payment of claims.

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    Review policy options and coverage

    Assess the policy options and coverage provided by insurance companies. Look for policies that align with your specific needs, including coverage amount, term length and additional riders or benefits.

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    Compare premiums

    Compare premiums from different insurance companies to find a policy within your budget. When determining premiums, consider factors such as age, health and lifestyle.

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    Consider customer service and claims process

    Check the customer service reputation of insurance companies, focusing on their responsiveness, support and claims process. A company that puts customers first can offer valuable help during tough times.

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    Read reviews and seek recommendations

    Read reviews and ask for recommendations from trusted sources — such as friends, family or financial advisors — to gain insights into other customers' experiences with different insurance companies.

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NO-EXAM LIFE INSURANCE

No-exam life insurance can be a good choice when getting consent for a medical exam is difficult. This type of policy speeds up approval by removing the need for a medical exam, offering a quick and easy way to insure an ex-spouse while still providing financial protection.

Determining the Right Coverage Amount When Buying Life Insurance on an Ex-Spouse

The right life insurance coverage amount for an ex-spouse depends on their needs and circumstances. Here are key factors to consider when determining how much life insurance is needed:

  • Financial obligations: Assess existing commitments like mortgages, debts, or education expenses for dependents. Ensuring these are covered can prevent financial strain on dependents if the ex-spouse passes away.
  • Income replacement: If the ex-spouse provides child support or alimony, consider the amount needed to replace this income. This helps maintain the financial stability of dependents.
  • Future financial goals: Consider long-term goals, such as funding higher education or other major milestones planned during the marriage.
  • Dependents' age: The ages of your dependents affect how long financial support will be needed. Younger children may require support for a longer period, influencing the coverage amount.

Consider these factors to choose a policy that secures your dependents' financial well-being.

How to Buy a Life Insurance Policy on an Ex-Spouse

Once you've considered the legal aspects and benefits and evaluated insurance companies, you can buy a life insurance policy for your ex-spouse.

  1. 1

    Gather the necessary information

    • Ex-spouse's details: Collect accurate personal information about your ex-spouse, including their full name, date of birth and contact details. This information is needed during the application process.
    • Coverage needs: Assess your coverage needs based on outstanding financial obligations, child support, alimony requirements and potential future expenses for your children. This will help determine the appropriate coverage amount.
    • Beneficiaries: Determine the beneficiaries, such as your children, yourself or other dependents who may face financial hardship if your ex-spouse passes away. Familiarize yourself with life insurance beneficiary rules after divorce to ensure the policy aligns with your intentions and legal requirements.
  2. 2

    Contact insurance companies

    Reach out to the providers you've shortlisted based on your research. Contact their representatives or use their online platforms to inquire about life insurance policies on ex-spouses. Discuss your specific needs and gather information about their offerings.

  3. 3

    Get quotes and compare policies

    Request quotes from multiple insurance companies based on your required coverage amount and duration. Compare the quotes, considering factors such as premiums, policy features, riders and exclusions. This will help you identify the most suitable policy for your needs.

  4. 4

    Complete the application process

    Start the application process once you've selected an insurance company and a policy that meets your requirements. Provide all the necessary information about your ex-spouse, including their personal details and medical history. Be transparent and truthful to ensure the policy remains valid.

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    Undergo underwriting and medical exams

    The insurance company will assess the risk associated with insuring your ex-spouse through a process called underwriting. Depending on the coverage amount and your ex-spouse's age, medical exams or access to medical records may be required. Cooperate with these requirements to help the underwriting process move smoothly.

  6. 6

    Finalize the policy

    Once underwriting is complete, the insurance company will issue the policy. Review the terms carefully, including the coverage amount, premium, policy duration and any riders or additional features. If everything looks good, sign the policy documents and pay the initial premium to activate the coverage.

Purchasing life insurance on an ex-spouse requires careful planning and understanding of both legal and personal needs. By following these steps and choosing the right policy, you can ensure financial protection for those who depend on you, aligning with your goals and the complexities of life insurance and divorce.

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CAN YOU GET A JOINT LIFE INSURANCE POLICY AFTER DIVORCE?

Getting a joint life insurance policy after divorce is possible, but it requires mutual consent and cooperation between ex-spouses. This policy helps ensure financial commitments, like child support or shared debt obligations, are met if one ex-spouse dies. Implementing life insurance during divorce negotiations allows both parties to secure their financial futures and protect shared dependents.

Ex-spouses must agree on terms, such as how premiums are split and who the beneficiaries will be, to establish a joint life insurance policy when separated.

Overcoming Potential Challenges When Buying Life Insurance on an Ex-Spouse

Taking out life insurance for someone else, such as an ex-spouse, involves navigating unique challenges like obtaining consent, establishing insurable interest and choosing the right policy. Thoughtful approaches and careful planning can help manage these hurdles. Here are some helpful strategies:

  1. 1

    Keep an open communication

    A transparent and respectful dialogue with your ex-spouse involves discussing the need for life insurance after divorce and obtaining their consent, which is often required for the policy.

  2. 2

    Consult with a lawyer

    Seeking legal advice can help in understanding and establishing insurable interest. Legal professionals can offer insights into navigating life insurance and divorce. They can assist in dealing with court-ordered insurance requirements and ensuring legal compliance.

  3. 3

    Consider flexible policy options

    Exploring various policy types, like no-exam life insurance policies, provides alternatives when traditional policies are unsuitable. These options can be more accessible and quicker, especially when health exams are a barrier.

  4. 4

    Choose the right beneficiary

    Thoughtfully choosing life insurance beneficiaries ensures the benefits are used as intended. This is crucial for protecting dependents and meeting financial obligations outlined in divorce settlements.

Life insurance after divorce can be complex but is manageable with the right strategies and preparations.

FAQ: Buying Life Insurance on an Ex-Spouse

Explore answers to common queries about purchasing life insurance for an ex-spouse.

Can you buy a life insurance policy on someone else?

Am I legally allowed to buy life insurance on my ex-spouse?

Can I get life insurance on my ex-husband without him knowing?

Can you keep a life insurance policy on an ex-spouse?

Do I always need my ex-spouse's consent to take out a life insurance policy on them?

If my ex-spouse already has life insurance, should I still consider getting an additional policy on them?

Is a life insurance policy a marital asset?

Are life insurance proceeds marital property?

What happens to life insurance in divorce?

How will a life insurance beneficiary designation naming a spouse be changed by divorce?

Can you change life insurance beneficiary during divorce?

Can an ex-wife be a beneficiary on a life insurance policy?

Can you still collect life insurance benefits on an ex-spouse?

Can my husband remove me from his life insurance?

What happens to the life insurance policy if my financial obligations to my ex-spouse (like alimony or child support) end before the policy term does?

How do I approach the conversation about life insurance with my ex-spouse if we don't have a cordial relationship?

What can I do if my ex-spouse refuses to agree to a life insurance policy?

How can I ensure that the life insurance payout will be used for the intended purposes, such as supporting my children or paying off shared debts?

Does a divorce decree override a named beneficiary?

Can I cancel a life insurance policy someone has on me?

What happens to a joint life insurance policy after divorce?

About Mark Fitzpatrick


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Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.