NJSBA Family Law Section

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  • 1.  Divorced 2/2015, Deceased 8/2015

    Posted 09-03-2015 11:01 AM

    Hello,

    Client's divorce was effectuated in 2/2015.  Client passed in 8/2015.  A letter from an unknown life insurance company comes to decedent's home and is received by new wife with old wife's name on the envelope.

    I was unaware of this policy at time of divorce representation. Perhaps an insurance company merged with this new named one? Client's current wife has not opened the letter and is awaiting my instruction. This is new territory for me.  Any advice on the next step please?

    On another note, my bill for this client has an outstanding balance. I know I file with probate.  Is there a form online? Union County.

    Thank you.

    [email protected]
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    Mechelle Buksar Esq.
    Woodbridge NJ
    (732)713-4339
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  • 2.  RE: Divorced 2/2015, Deceased 8/2015

    Posted 09-03-2015 11:08 AM

    Who is or will be appointed executor under client's will or administrator of the estate if no will?  It is the estate's representative that will need to deal with life insurance, debts, etc.  You have no obligation to do anything, but should be self-interested to see who is the estate's representative to seek payment of your bill.

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    Debra Guston Esq.
    Glen Rock NJ
    (201)447-6660
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  • 3.  RE: Divorced 2/2015, Deceased 8/2015

    Posted 09-03-2015 11:12 AM


    Thank you for the reply.  The new wife is executor... so she can open the letter.  Client was adamant that every asset have former wife's name removed and for him to miss this seems unlikely.  
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    Mechelle Buksar Esq.
    Woodbridge NJ
    (732)713-4339                 
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  • 4.  RE: Divorced 2/2015, Deceased 8/2015

    Posted 09-03-2015 11:25 AM
    Mechelle: See N.J.S.A. 3B:3-1 and N.J.S.A. 3B:3-14 which indicate life insurance beneficiary designations of a former spouse are void upon the entry of a Final Judgment of Divorce. See also Hadfield v. The Prudential Insurance Co., 408 N.J. Super. 48 (App. Div. 2009).

    _____________________________________
    Brian G. Paul, Esq.
    Certified Matrimonial Law Attorney
    Szaferman, Lakind, Blumstein & Blader, P.C.
    101 Grovers Mill Road
    Lawrenceville, New Jersey 08648
    Phone: 609-275-0400
    Direct Fax: 609-779-6065
    [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>

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  • 5.  RE: Divorced 2/2015, Deceased 8/2015

    Posted 09-03-2015 11:59 AM
    there is a statute in NJ that terminates the ex-spouses right to inherit and also as life insurance beneficiary etc. Here is the law:

    N.J.S.A. 3B:3-14 states in pertinent part that:
    In the event of a divorce or annulment, provision of
    a governing instrument are given effect as if the former
    spouse and relatives of the former spouse disclaimed all
    provision revoked by this section.

    Read in conjunction with N.J.S.A 3B:5-3, the resulting law is that upon a divorce of the parties, all intestacy rights of the spouse are automatically extinguished including rights of inheritance and those bestowed by a governing instrument such as a life insurance policy. See N.J.S.A. 3B:3-14 and Hadfield v. Prudential, 408 N.J. Super. 48 (App. Div. 2009); See also Vasconi v. Guardian Life Insurance Company, 124 N.J. 338 (1991)


    Alice M. Plastoris, Esq.
    82 Speedwell Avenue
    Morristown, New Jersey 07960
    973-538-7070
    973-538-7088 Fax
    [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>