The 3-Month Rule: Why Updating Your Will After Divorce Matters
The 3-Month Rule: Did you know that if you die within 3 months of your divorce, any bequest to your former spouse is automatically revoked?
The law presumes that you would no longer wish your ex-spouse to inherit. This provision protects against scenarios where a will is not promptly updated post-divorce. After 3 months, however, the bequest to your ex-spouse remains valid unless your will is revised to specifically exclude him or her.
Failing to update your will after divorce may result in your ex-spouse inheriting unintentionally, potentially leading to family disputes or delayed estate administration. The 3-month rule underscores the importance of reviewing estate documents following marital changes.