Revocation-upon-Dissolution Statute

Found in A.R.S. § 14-2804, it rescinds, upon divorce, beneficiary designations naming one’s spouse as beneficiary. This statute applies to things such as wills, trusts, and individually purchased life insurance policies. To keep their former spouse as a beneficiary, a person must re-execute the documents post-divorce. But benefits provided by an employer are likely governed by ERISA, not A.R.S. § 14-2804, and the plan administrator will distribute the benefits to the person designated to receive them, including a former spouse. To change the beneficiary, a divorced person should contact the plan administrator and execute new paperwork.