Property & Finance Insights

One in 10 have forgotten to remove their ex as their beneficiary | Alexander Financial Solutions

Written by Admin | Apr 2, 2026, 11:00:00 PM

 

* One in 10 divorcees have forgotten to remove their former spouse as the beneficiary of their life insurance policy (10%)

* Only 7% of people who divorced discussed life insurance beneficiaries as part of their separation and only 27% have cancelled a joint life insurance policy they had when they were married

* 11% who have divorced have either delayed or forgotten to remove their ex-partner from their will


Research from Legal & General has revealed that many people are forgetting to update key financial information following a divorce, which could have serious implications for their families’ financial futures.


One in ten people who have divorced (over 815,000 – 10%) have forgotten to remove their former spouse as the beneficiary of their life insurance policy meaning, if a claim was made, their ex would receive the payout!


Meanwhile, only 7% of people who had divorced discussed life insurance beneficiaries as part of their separation and just 27% have cancelled a joint life insurance policy they had when they were married. 6% of people waived the right to their joint life insurance policy during the divorce process. 


Just 7% of people will consult a financial adviser as part of their divorce, leaving many vulnerable to financial errors which could have long-term consequences. 11% of divorcees, for instance, have either delayed or forgotten to remove their ex-partner from their will, running the risk that their ex could inherit their estate.


Once separated, many divorcees do not prioritise protection insurance with only 4% of people taking out a critical illness policy and just 3% taking out income protection.


Don't leave it too late - get in touch now to arrange your free protection review.


#divorce #lifeinsurance