
<p><span>Divorce turns Melanie’s life upside down (as big <a href="https://simplytrust.io/topics/life-stages/">life changes </a>do). Once she signs papers and settles logistics, she realizes her estate plan no longer matches her new reality. Revising estate plans post-divorce becomes her top priority. Here are the nine updates she makes, and why each one matters. (Melanie is fictional, by the way.)</span></p>



<div class="schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block"><div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1750202450648"><strong class="schema-faq-question"><span>When should someone revise their estate plans post-divorce?</span></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer"><span>Right after finalizing the divorce is the best time. But if not right after, then anytime after still works—it’s never too late. Just as long as you do it. Making those changes now can avoid problems later.</span></p> </div> </div>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-she-replaces-her-joint-revocable-trust-nbsp"><span>1. She Replaces Her Joint Revocable Trust&nbsp;</span></h4>



<p><span>Melanie and her ex have a joint revocable trust. After the divorce, she creates her own individual trust. That gives her complete control over how to manage and distribute her assets. She chooses relatives as trustee and beneficiary rather than her ex.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-she-changes-beneficiary-designations-nbsp"><span>2. She Changes Beneficiary Designations&nbsp;</span></h4>



<p><span>Melanie checks all her retirement accounts, insurance policies, and bank accounts. Her ex still appears as the beneficiary on several of them. She updates each one, choosing her children and her sister instead.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-she-reassigns-power-of-attorney-nbsp"><span>3. She Reassigns Power of Attorney&nbsp;</span></h4>



<p><span>Previously, her ex holds financial power of attorney. Melanie doesn’t want him managing her finances under any circumstances. She chooses her cousin, someone responsible and financially savvy, to take over.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-she-picks-a-new-health-care-proxy-nbsp"><span>4. She Picks a New Health Care Proxy&nbsp;</span></h4>



<p><span>Melanie also replaces her health care proxy. She doesn’t want her ex making medical decisions for her. She names her close friend Mia, who understands her values and preferences.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-she-retitles-shared-assets-nbsp"><span>5. She Retitles Shared Assets&nbsp;</span></h4>



<p><span>A vacation home and a rental property still list both Melanie and her ex. She works with the title company to remove his name (according to the divorce terms).</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-she-adds-her-children-to-her-trust"><span>6. She Adds Her Children to Her Trust</span></h4>



<p><span>Melanie wants no delay or confusion about who should receive her assets. She adds language to her new revocable trust for her children. Funds will get managed properly until they come of age.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-she-names-a-backup-guardian-nbsp"><span>7. She Names a Backup Guardian&nbsp;</span></h4>



<p><span>Her ex remains the default guardian for their kids, but Melanie wants a backup in place. She names her brother and his wife as secondary <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/christinefletcher/2020/01/29/10-tips-for-choosing-a-guardian-for-your-minor-child/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">guardians</a> in case something changes.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-8-she-organizes-her-digital-assets-nbsp"><span>8. She Organizes Her Digital Assets&nbsp;</span></h4>



<p><span>Melanie goes through every shared digital account—from cloud storage to streaming services. She changes passwords, closes joint accounts, and documents her digital life in her new revocable trust.</span></p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-9-she-updates-her-estate-inventory-nbsp"><span>9. She Updates Her Estate Inventory&nbsp;</span></h4>



<p><span>Melanie revises her asset list. She adds new belongings and removes what no longer belongs to her. Now her trustee has a clear, updated roadmap of her estate.</span></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-revising-estate-plans-post-divorce-is-smart"><span>Why Revising Estate Plans Post-Divorce Is Smart</span></h2>



<p><span>Melanie’s old plan no longer reflects her life. If she skips these changes, her ex could gain control or inherit assets unintentionally. She wants to protect her children, preserve her wishes, and simplify things for everyone involved. Melanie remembers her friend Carla, who passed unexpectedly. Carla didn’t change her life insurance after her divorce. Her ex received everything, and her kids got nothing. Melanie refuses to let that story repeat.</span></p>



<p><span>For Melanie, revising estate plans post-divorce isn’t just about removing her ex. It means building a plan that fits her life now—one that looks out for her kids and reflects her values. She takes control, and now she rests easier knowing her future is secure. And if she remarries? She’ll update her estate plan again if she remarries. New relationships mean new goals, and her plan needs to reflect that.</span></p>


Revising Estate Plans Post-Divorce Is Smart, Necessary


<p><span>Having a health care proxy ensures that your medical wishes are followed—even if you’re unable to communicate them yourself. This legal document gives someone you trust the power to make medical decisions on your behalf. Without it, your loved ones may face confusion, stress, and even legal obstacles during critical moments.</span></p>



<div class="schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block"><div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1738811234185"><strong class="schema-faq-question">What is a health care proxy?</strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer"><span>A health care proxy is a legal document that allows you to designate someone—often called an agent or proxy—to make medical decisions for you if you become unable to do so. This could happen due to illness, injury, or unconsciousness.</span></p> </div> </div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-important-decision">An Important Decision</h2>



<p><span>Choosing a proxy is an important decision. The person you select should understand your values and be willing to advocate for the care you want. Most people choose a close family member or friend, but you can name anyone you trust to carry out your wishes.</span></p>



<p><span>Once you establish a health care proxy, it becomes active only if you’re unable to make medical decisions yourself. As long as you can communicate your preferences, doctors will follow your instructions directly. However, if you are incapacitated, your proxy steps in and works with medical professionals to ensure you receive the treatment you would have chosen.</span></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-it-works-in-real-life"><strong>How It Works in Real Life</strong></h2>



<p><span>Consider this scenario: Emma, a 68-year-old woman, suffers a severe stroke that leaves her unable to speak. Before the stroke, she named her daughter, Sarah, as her health care proxy. When doctors recommend treatments, Sarah can make informed decisions based on what her mother previously expressed. Sarah can act without delays or legal complications because her mother named her as a legally recognized health care proxy.&nbsp;</span></p>



<p><span>In another case, David, a 45-year-old father, is in a car accident that puts him in a coma. His wife, Maria, assumes she has the right to make medical decisions for him, but the hospital requires legal documentation. Because David never set up a health care proxy, his family has to go through the courts to determine who can act on his behalf. This causes unnecessary delays and stress during an already emotional time.</span></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happens-without-a-health-care-proxy"><strong>What Happens Without a Health Care Proxy?</strong></h2>



<p><span>If you don’t have one, your loved ones may not have the authority to make medical decisions for you. In many states, doctors will turn to the closest legal relative, but if family members disagree, the situation can become complicated. In some cases, a court may need to appoint a legal guardian, delaying critical medical decisions.</span></p>



<p><span>Not having a designated proxy can also lead to confusion about your wishes. Without clear guidance, family members might struggle to make the right choice, leading to guilt and uncertainty about whether they honored your preferences.</span></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-to-set-one-up"><strong>How to Set One Up</strong></h2>



<p><span>Setting up a health care proxy is a straightforward process. Start by choosing someone who understands your values and will respect your decisions. Discuss your medical preferences with them so they feel confident advocating for your wishes.</span></p>



<p><span>Next, complete a health care proxy form, which varies by state. Most states require your signature and either witness signatures or notarization. Once the document is final, share copies with your proxy, your doctors, and close family members to ensure everyone is aware of your choice.</span></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-health-care-proxy-means-control"><strong>A Health Care Proxy Means Control</strong></h2>



<p><span><a href="https://simplytrust.io/3011/advance-health-care-directives-a-quick-overview/">Advance health care directives</a> like a health care proxy gives you control over your medical care—even when you can’t speak for yourself. By naming someone you trust, you can prevent confusion, delays, and legal hurdles in times of crisis. Preparing now ensures that your health care decisions align with your wishes, making things easier on your loved ones.</span></p>


Asset Management

Real-time Updates

Digitally Establish

#Health Care Proxy

Revising Estate Plans Post-Divorce Is Smart, Necessary

What Is a Health Care Proxy and How Does It Work?