Now that more people are starting to host and attend in-person events, it seems (based on the number of invitations I’ve received) like many couples who had been putting off their nuptials are now moving ahead and scheduling their weddings. But once these individuals turn their attention from the wedding event itself to living together as a married couple and planning their financial futures together, I doubt that many of them are contemplating a possible divorce. Yet a divorce can have a big impact on a couple’s financial and estate planning. That’s where the articles in this month’s Domestic Relations Committee Report come in. In “Title and Beneficiary Designations,” p. 68, Sandra D. Glazier explains the importance of anticipating and addressing titling and beneficiary designation issues following the termination of a relationship. Failure to do so can ultimately lead to litigation at the first party’s death. And in “Preventing Marriage or Divorce From Derailing Careful Estate Planning,” p. 56, Ashley M. Silberfeld shows why it’s necessary for practitioners to periodically review certain documents with their clients to stave off unintended consequences in the event of a divorce. Finally, things can get complicated for a divorcing couple with a child with special needs. The parents need to consider and plan for certain issues, like child support, school selection and government benefits. “Legal Considerations for Divorcing Parents of Special Needs Children,” p. 62, by Nicole A. Kobis and Elizabeth Candido Petite addresses these issues and provides guidance to practitioners.
