Women who are going through financially complex divorces are often in states of emotional distress and confusion about what the future may hold. If you are getting divorced from your spouse, you need to be sure to consult your attorney and the financial advisers who are working on your behalf. Your insurance policies are probably not uppermost in your mind. Your advisors will remind you, however, that insurance coverage for yourself and your children, if you have any, should not be overlooked in the final divorce agreement. It can be financially significant.

• You can stay on your ex-husband’s health insurance using COBRA coverage, but COBRA lasts only 36 months. It’s a good idea to buy your own health insurance before it runs out.

• If your ex is the higher earner and paying alimony and child support, these payments will end with his death. You would be wise to buy a life insurance policy on him in order to secure this important income. According to an adviser writing in Forbes, “If your husband refuses to cooperate in getting the required medical exam or if he is uninsurable due to health or other reasons, you need to know this before the divorce is finalized, so you can find an alternate way of securing your divorce settlement payments.”

• Your ex’s social security is a form of insurance, and you can receive half of the payments if you are older than 62 and were married for more than 10 years. If your ex predeceases you, you are eligible for the entire benefit, as well as any of his children under the age of 18.

• It’s a good idea for you to purchase disability insurance in case you become unable to work (or your ex, if you are relying on him for support). “If you are relying on employment income for yourself, or your ex-spouse for maintenance and/or child support, a disability policy can be essential should an employment income source no longer be available due to disability,” advises the Association of Divorce Financial Planners.

• After one spouse moves out of the joint residence, that person is no longer covered for liability by her former homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. Be sure you are the “Named Insured,” and if you are not, you need to ensure that you are covered. When you purchase your own policy, you can reduce the cost by buying “replacement cost coverage” or increasing the amount of your deductible.

• When you divorce, your vehicle is no longer covered by your ex’s car insurance. Be sure you have your own coverage. Women who have relied on their exes for taking care of their vehicle may want to be sure to purchase insurance for towing and roadside assistance.

The seasoned family law and divorce lawyers at the McGrath Law Firm, founded by attorney Peter McGrath, will walk you through every step of the challenging divorce process to address your concerns and achieve your goals as efficiently as possible.  From spousal support, child support, fault, and equitable division of property and debt to valuations, pre-nuptial agreements, and restraining orders, the experienced attorneys at McGrath Law Firm have a successful track record in all aspects of divorce law