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Do I have to divorce my insurance, too?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Jan 19, 2017 | Divorce |

When reviewing your finances in preparation for a divorce, you’ll no doubt remember all the big expenses: mortgage or rent, car payment, child care or education costs, utilities, student loans and even cellphone bills. But you shouldn’t overlook one major part of your financial responsibilities: insurance.

Whether you pay it monthly or annually, it probably adds up to more than you realize-and you’ll need to make arrangements to revise your policies as you separate from your spouse. That can have advantages-and disadvantages. Let’s look at each type of insurance that will change after your divorce. 

Car insurance

Getting an individual policy for your own car shouldn’t be difficult, but you’ll lose some of the discounts you likely got for being married and insuring multiple cars. Don’t automatically stick with your current insurer; do some shopping around to find the best rates. Also, if you have teen drivers at home who are on your joint policy, they’ll need to be added as drivers on your new, individual policy. That could be more expensive than you’re expecting.

Health insurance

If you’re splitting off from being a dependent on your spouse’s plan, and are able to get health insurance through work, great – but it not, the cost of your insurance could go way, way up. It could also be unavailable to you, given that the Affordable Care Act (also known as “Obamacare”) is being threatened with repeal, without a replacement plan in place. That’s a big unknown and could become a major expense going forward. You might want to choose to continue on your ex-spouse’s plan with COBRA insurance, but that’s also extremely expensive.

Life insurance

Whether you’ve had one before or not, having a life insurance policy that will directly benefit your ex-spouse and your shared children should be a part of your divorce agreement. It’s a safety net, rarely used, but important because the surviving spouse will need the financial support to meet your children’s future needs. In effect, it will replace child support.

Homeowners or renters insurance

If one of you is staying in the house, then the homeowner policy will need to be switched to that one person only. Again, this can have an effect on your rates, if you are uncoupling it from your car insurance. If you move into an apartment or a new house, you will be responsible for insuring those properties (or possessions) on your own.

As the saying goes, the devil is in the details. You’ll need to carefully track all of these policies and expenses, being careful to factor them into your divorce agreement. You don’t want any financial surprises during the difficult time of divorce. There’s already more than enough to deal with. Consult an experienced family attorney to assist you with this and other aspects of your divorce, and make sure you cover all the bases.

I’ve been served divorce papers that include false allegations: what do I do?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Jun 6, 2025 | Domestic Violence

Receiving divorce papers is already overwhelming. When false allegations are part of the paperwork, the situation can feel even more difficult. It’s essential to stay calm and know how to address the issue. Here’s what to do if you receive divorce papers containing...

Do domestic partnerships affect divorce rights?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Apr 14, 2025 | Divorce

Domestic partnerships offer many of the same rights and responsibilities as marriage, but they can complicate the divorce process. If you're ending a domestic partnership, your legal path may differ from that of a traditional divorce, especially in California....

Moore / Marsden calculations in California divorce

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Apr 10, 2025 | Divorce

In California, Moore/Marsden calculations determine how to divide property when one spouse’s separate property has contributed to the acquisition or improvement of community property. These calculations ensure a fair division of property in divorce cases, particularly...

How can you document SP for asset protection?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Apr 3, 2025 | Family Law

When you're about to get married, it's important to think about how to protect your assets, including spousal support (SP) money. If you've received spousal support in the past or expect it during your marriage, you may worry about documenting its use—especially if...

What to expect during child support enforcement actions

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Mar 23, 2025 | Child Support

Child support represents the financial contributions a non-custodial parent makes towards their child's upbringing. It ensures a parent meets the child's basic needs, such as food, housing, and education. It also supports a child's wellbeing, especially when parents...

Can you reimburse expenses before child support orders take effect?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Mar 17, 2025 | Child Support

After a separation, managing child-related expenses can become a challenging task, especially before any official child support orders take effect. Many parents wonder if they can reimburse child expenses during this interim period. Understanding your rights and...

Do mothers have more rights than fathers in custody cases?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Mar 11, 2025 | Custody & Visitation

When it comes to custody cases, it is a common misconception that mothers have more rights than fathers. This often stems from historical trends and societal assumptions about parenting roles. Whether you are a mother concerned about maintaining your relationship with...

Why should you update your advanced directives during a divorce?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Feb 28, 2025 | Divorce

Going through a divorce is challenging. One crucial aspect that often gets overlooked is updating your advanced directives. These legal documents play a vital role in ensuring others respect your wishes, even when you cannot speak for yourself. Protecting your...

Can you protect yourself and your children without a divorce?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Feb 25, 2025 | Domestic Violence

Domestic violence creates a terrifying and dangerous situation. You may feel trapped, believing divorce is your only option for safety. The good news is that California law provides legal alternatives if your moral beliefs prevent you from getting a divorce. Let us...

What can California parents do if their child refuses to visit the other parent?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Feb 14, 2025 | Child Custody

Dealing with a child who does not want to see their other parent can create stress for everyone involved. California courts expect parents to follow custody orders while being sensitive to their children's feelings. Parents can struggle to balance their legal...

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Recent Posts

  • I’ve been served divorce papers that include false allegations: what do I do?
  • Do domestic partnerships affect divorce rights?
  • Moore / Marsden calculations in California divorce
  • How can you document SP for asset protection?

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