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Estate Planning After Divorce: Why Updating Your Estate Planning Documents After a Divorce is Critical
What happens to your estate plan and your family's future after a divorce shakes everything up? If you think your estate plan is all set "because you did a will years ago," think again. Divorce doesn't just change your relationship status; it rewrites who gets your stuff, who makes decisions for you, and who looks after your kids if something happens. Missing an update could mean your ex ends up with more than memories.
In this episode, we're talking about what divorce really means for your estate planning in Georgia. If you or someone you love has gone through a big life transition like divorce, it's time to take a fresh look at your will, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and even the "easy to forget" beneficiary forms. Why? Because good planning now means your family isn't left guessing when grief or crisis strikes. You control your wishes, your people, and your peace of mind, sparing your loved ones from scrambling to fix old paperwork.
I'll walk you through the major changes divorce brings to your legal documents, how to avoid common (and expensive) mistakes, and what you need to do to make sure only the folks you want benefit from your estate. By the end of this episode, you'll know exactly what to check, update, and discuss if you want your plan to truly reflect your post-divorce life.
This episode is about ensuring your planning aligns with where your life is now.
Chapter Highlights
(00:00) Why divorce changes your estate planning—and why ignoring updates could cost your family (03:24) How Georgia law changes heirs and beneficiaries after divorce (06:40) The critical role your divorce decree plays in your new estate plan (07:40) Why you need fresh powers of attorney and healthcare directives (10:03) When should you update your will, and why the "timing" matters during a divorce (12:45) The dangerous myth about beneficiary designations—why retirement accounts and life insurance can still go to your ex (15:37) The hidden risks if you don't update who manages your assets, makes decisions, and receives distributions (16:40) How to designate guardians for your children post-divorce—and why both parents' wishes matter (20:35) Thinking about remarriage? What you need to know about prenuptial agreements and estate planning (23:53) The fastest way to ensure families follow your wishes—get it in writing and get your planning refreshed
Reserve Your Spot at Our Next Estate Planning Law Group of Georgia Workshop
https://letstalkestateplanning.com/estate-planning-workshops/
Visit our website to learn more
https://letstalkestateplanning.com/
Call Us
(770) 822-2723
Watch the Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@estateplanninglawgroupofge137
Meet Jim Miskell
Jim Miskell is the principal attorney and founder of the Estate Planning Law Group of Georgia, James M. Miskell, PC, and practices exclusively in the areas of Elder Law, Estate Planning, and Probate. Jim began his law career more than 30 years ago as an Assistant District Attorney, specializing in prosecuting crimes against children and special victims.
For the past decade, Jim has been in private practice as The Estate Planning Law Group of Georgia, James M. Miskell, P.C. and now specializes in wills, trusts, estate planning, and elder law, helping families plan for all stages of their lives.
No two families are the same and no two estate plans are the same. Jim believes that estate planning is most effective when you understand all of your options before making any major decisions. To that end, the Estate Planning Law Group of Georgia, James M. Miskell, PC, offers free educational workshops so that clients discover potential issues and options for their families. Then, in consultation, families can make informed decisions in planning for the future.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice. If you need advice about your specific situation, please consult a qualified attorney licensed to practice in your state and experienced in the relevant area of law.
View all episodes
By The Estate Planning Law Group of GeorgiaWhat happens to your estate plan and your family's future after a divorce shakes everything up? If you think your estate plan is all set "because you did a will years ago," think again. Divorce doesn't just change your relationship status; it rewrites who gets your stuff, who makes decisions for you, and who looks after your kids if something happens. Missing an update could mean your ex ends up with more than memories.
In this episode, we're talking about what divorce really means for your estate planning in Georgia. If you or someone you love has gone through a big life transition like divorce, it's time to take a fresh look at your will, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and even the "easy to forget" beneficiary forms. Why? Because good planning now means your family isn't left guessing when grief or crisis strikes. You control your wishes, your people, and your peace of mind, sparing your loved ones from scrambling to fix old paperwork.
I'll walk you through the major changes divorce brings to your legal documents, how to avoid common (and expensive) mistakes, and what you need to do to make sure only the folks you want benefit from your estate. By the end of this episode, you'll know exactly what to check, update, and discuss if you want your plan to truly reflect your post-divorce life.
This episode is about ensuring your planning aligns with where your life is now.
Chapter Highlights
(00:00) Why divorce changes your estate planning—and why ignoring updates could cost your family (03:24) How Georgia law changes heirs and beneficiaries after divorce (06:40) The critical role your divorce decree plays in your new estate plan (07:40) Why you need fresh powers of attorney and healthcare directives (10:03) When should you update your will, and why the "timing" matters during a divorce (12:45) The dangerous myth about beneficiary designations—why retirement accounts and life insurance can still go to your ex (15:37) The hidden risks if you don't update who manages your assets, makes decisions, and receives distributions (16:40) How to designate guardians for your children post-divorce—and why both parents' wishes matter (20:35) Thinking about remarriage? What you need to know about prenuptial agreements and estate planning (23:53) The fastest way to ensure families follow your wishes—get it in writing and get your planning refreshed
Reserve Your Spot at Our Next Estate Planning Law Group of Georgia Workshop
https://letstalkestateplanning.com/estate-planning-workshops/
Visit our website to learn more
https://letstalkestateplanning.com/
Call Us
(770) 822-2723
Watch the Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@estateplanninglawgroupofge137
Meet Jim Miskell
Jim Miskell is the principal attorney and founder of the Estate Planning Law Group of Georgia, James M. Miskell, PC, and practices exclusively in the areas of Elder Law, Estate Planning, and Probate. Jim began his law career more than 30 years ago as an Assistant District Attorney, specializing in prosecuting crimes against children and special victims.
For the past decade, Jim has been in private practice as The Estate Planning Law Group of Georgia, James M. Miskell, P.C. and now specializes in wills, trusts, estate planning, and elder law, helping families plan for all stages of their lives.
No two families are the same and no two estate plans are the same. Jim believes that estate planning is most effective when you understand all of your options before making any major decisions. To that end, the Estate Planning Law Group of Georgia, James M. Miskell, PC, offers free educational workshops so that clients discover potential issues and options for their families. Then, in consultation, families can make informed decisions in planning for the future.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice. If you need advice about your specific situation, please consult a qualified attorney licensed to practice in your state and experienced in the relevant area of law.