Recently, the LA Times took note of The Captain and Tennille, a famous 70’s pop star couple that is now divorcing. Now, this sort of thing does happen often, and here in LA, sometimes celebrity splits are considered practically family news if you’re a big fan. As an estate planning attorney, I’m a big fan of having your personal legal directives up to date and in order.  One of the reasons for that is because life events like divorce can change everything.  Another way of putting it could be that  divorce might make you want to change everything. Here are some of the things that can, or should, be legally changed upon finalizing one’s divorce:

• Bypass trusts for home/real estate
• Guardianships for children (of the person, of the estate, also temporary guardianships)
• Trusteeships for other trusts
• Power(s) of Attorney
• Executorships
• Beneficiary designations in wills and/or trusts

Of course many divorces are amicable and exes can, and do, remain part of each other’s lives.  In fact, the article mentioned above that the divorce settlement included special considerations for health care provisions.  That is an example of another potential legal change to consider at the time a marriage is dissolved. Unfortunately, real life doesn’t always imitate love song lyrics.  Should you find yourself facing a divorce, I can help make a lot of complicated legal changes a lot less stressful.  That’s what I do.  Please bring me your questions and issues, and we’ll work together to put your estate plans in the best shape they’ve ever been.  To schedule a consultation, please contact us at 818.956.9200. Glendale Location 616 E. Glenoaks Boulevard, Suite 203 Glendale, CA 91207 Sherman Oaks Location 15303 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 900 Sherman Oaks, CA 91403