We often hear about divorce rates and high-profile divorce battles; however, little is ever mentioned about various other financial aspects of divorce, such as inheritance. Formal estate planning assists those who wish to make inheritances, but without it, inheritance laws generally follow bloodlines, which may not reflect the needs and values of modern families. Specifically, studies show that divorce might not necessarily break kin ties with feelings of obligations to provide further inheritance or care. Using wills or trusts can provide straightforward ways to transfer wealth, allowing people to make specific inheritances even in the event of divorce.
See Naomi Cahn & Amy Zeittlow, Inheritance and Divorce, Family Studies, September 6, 2016.
