Your ex-spouse may not press as hard for more support or a greater slice of an ongoing pension if he or she remains the designated beneficiary on a permanent life insurance policy. Of course, you need to ensure that your policy remains a valuable asset by keeping up premium payments.However, transferring an existing cash value policy (as opposed to a term policy, may carry with it the burden of federal gift tax, unless you transfer the policy prior to divorce. Be sure to discuss this option prior to the finalization of your divorce.- Don't overlook the possibilities life insurance may provide for dealing fairly with children from your previous marriage. If you're paying alimony to your previous spouse and have a second family with your new spouse, adult children from your first marriage may sue your estate after you're gone if they aren't dealt with at least as fairly as the children from your subsequent marriage(s).A permanent life insurance policy can be an immediate "estate replacer" to children from your first marriage -- it helps you replicate accumulated assets that you wish to pass on to the children of your first family -- but can't afford to without neglecting the needs of your new family. Essentially, you purchase a permanent life insurance policy on yourself and designate your adult children as beneficiaries.

When you die, proceeds bypass the probate process and pass directly to your adult children. Your immediate spouse and any children from that marriage are left with your accumulated property and assets -- so you've provided for both families.If you're contemplating divorce, don't forget the options you may have with respect to your life insurance coverage. Divorce is tough enough -- don't overlook the flexibility and security this valuable asset can provide...