Going through a divorce is tough, and it can turn your whole world upside down. Through all the emotional turmoil, it is important not to neglect the practical matters, like updating your estate plan. If you have recently divorced, make sure to review and revise your estate planning documents with an Illinois estate planning lawyer who understands how divorce can affect estate plans.
Why Updating Your Estate Plan Is Essential
Under Illinois law, divorce automatically revokes any provisions in your will that benefit your former spouse. However, this automatic revocation does not apply to other estate planning documents, such as trusts, beneficiary designations, or powers of attorney. If you do not update these documents, your ex-spouse may still have control over your assets or healthcare decisions, even after your divorce is finalized.