How to Buy a Life Insurance Policy on Your Ex-Spouse (Step-by-Step Guide)
Last Updated: February 13, 2026 | Written by President of Term Life Online – AU, AAI, ARM
Divorce doesn’t always end financial responsibility.
If you rely on child support, alimony, shared debt payments, or college funding from your former spouse, their unexpected death could create serious financial hardship.
That’s why many divorced individuals ask:
Can I buy a life insurance policy on my ex-spouse?
The answer is "Yes" — but only under specific legal conditions.
This guide explains exactly how to buy a life insurance policy on your ex-spouse, what you need to qualify, and how to protect yourself and your children.
Can You Legally Buy Life Insurance on an Ex-Spouse?
Yes — but you must prove insurable interest.
Insurable interest means you would suffer a financial loss if your ex-spouse dies.
Courts and insurance companies typically recognize insurable interest when:
- You receive child support
- You receive alimony (spousal support)
- Your ex is responsible for shared debts
- Divorce decree requires life insurance coverage
- You depend on them for college funding or other financial obligations
Without insurable interest, the application will be denied.
When Is Life Insurance Required After Divorce?
Many divorce agreements require the paying spouse to maintain life insurance to secure:
- Child support payments
- Alimony obligations
- Mortgage or shared debt
- College expenses
If your divorce decree requires coverage, you may:
- Be named owner of the policy
- Be named beneficiary
- Require proof of coverage annually
If your ex refuses to comply, courts can enforce the order.
Step-by-Step: How to Buy a Life Insurance Policy on Your Ex-Spouse
Step 1: Confirm Insurable Interest
Review your divorce decree or support agreement. If financial obligations exist, you likely qualify.
Step 2: Get Your Ex-Spouse’s Consent
You cannot secretly insure someone.
Your ex must:
- Sign the application
- Consent to coverage
- Complete medical underwriting (if required)
Without consent, no policy can be issued.
Step 3: Choose the Right Policy Type
The two most common options are:
Term Life Insurance (Most Popular)
- Covers 10–30 years
- Lower premiums
- Ideal for child support duration
- Designed for temporary obligations
Best if you need coverage until:
- Kids turn 18 (or 21)
- Alimony ends
- Mortgage is paid off
Permanent Life Insurance
- Lifetime coverage
- Higher premiums
- Builds cash value
- Useful for long-term financial guarantees
Most divorced individuals choose term life insurance because it’s affordable and aligns with support timelines.
👉 Want to compare term policy options?
Request your free life insurance quote now and see rates instantly.
Who Should Own the Policy?
Ownership matters.
If your ex owns the policy:
- They can change the beneficiary
- They can cancel it
- You lose control
If YOU own the policy:
- You control beneficiary designation
- You receive lapse notices
- You ensure payments stay active
For protection, it’s often best for the financially dependent ex-spouse to own the policy.
How Much Coverage Do You Need?
Calculate coverage based on:
- Remaining child support owed
- Remaining alimony owed
- College funding obligations
- Outstanding shared debts
- Inflation
Example:
If $2,000/month child support remains for 10 years:
$2,000 × 12 × 10 = $240,000 minimum coverage
Add college and debts, and you may need $300,000–$500,000.
👉 Not sure how much coverage you need?
Get a free personalized quote today.
What If Your Ex Has Health Issues?
If your ex has medical conditions:
- Standard underwriting may increase premiums
- No-medical-exam policies may be available
- Simplified issue policies can help in certain cases
Rates depend on:
- Age
- Gender
- Health history
- Smoking status
- Medications
- Family health history
- Type of policy
- Duration of policy
Even with health conditions, coverage is often still possible.
What If Your Ex Refuses to Cooperate?
You cannot force a policy unless:
- It’s required by court order
- It’s included in the divorce decree
If required and they refuse:
- Consult your attorney
- File a motion for enforcement
Courts can compel compliance.
Common Questions About Insuring an Ex-Spouse
1. Can I buy a policy without them knowing?
No. Life insurance requires consent and signature.
2. Can I stay beneficiary after divorce?
Only if:
- The policy allows it
- State law permits it
- It wasn’t automatically revoked in divorce
Some states automatically remove ex-spouses as beneficiaries unless specifically reaffirmed.
3. What if my ex already has a policy?
You can:
- Request proof of coverage
- Request to be named beneficiary
- Ask to become owner (if agreed)
Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Not verifying policy ownership
❌ Letting the paying ex own the policy
❌ Underinsuring future obligations
❌ Failing to monitor active status
❌ Ignoring inflation
Why Buying Life Insurance on an Ex-Spouse Is Smart Financial Protection
Divorce creates separate lives — but financial ties often remain.
If your ex-spouse dies unexpectedly:
- Child support stops
- Alimony stops
- Debt responsibility may shift to you
- Your children’s stability may suffer
Life insurance replaces that income.
It’s not about control.
It’s about protection.
How to Get Started Today
If you need life insurance on your ex-spouse, the process is straightforward:
- Confirm insurable interest
- Get their consent
- Compare term options
- Choose coverage amount
- Lock in affordable rates
The sooner you apply, the lower the premiums (especially if your ex is in good health).
👉 Click here to request your free, no-obligation life insurance quote now.
It takes just minutes to compare rates from top carriers.
Final Thoughts
Buying life insurance on your ex-spouse is completely legal — when done correctly.
If financial obligations exist, protecting yourself and your children isn’t optional. It’s responsible planning.
Don’t wait for something unexpected to create financial chaos.
👉 Secure your financial future today.
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Resources:
- What is a Level Term Life Insurance Policy?
- Level Term Life Insurance Pros and Cons
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- Term Life vs. Whole Life Comparison
- A.M. Best Company: Compare financial strength ratings of life insurance companies
- Life Happens.org: Learn about life insurance and review facts.
- Investopedia: Learn more about financial planning with term life insurance.
About Our Methodology
Reviewed By: President of Term Life Online – AU, AAI, ARM
- 30+ years of experience in insurance planning
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Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only. Consult a licensed professional for advice.
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