A California insured is divorced but never changes the beneficiary designation on his life policy, which still names his ex-spouse. When he dies, the ex-spouse:

Why A is correct

Unlike some states, California has no statute automatically revoking an ex-spouse's beneficiary designation on a life insurance policy at divorce. The designation remains effective unless the policyowner affirmatively changes it. This is a frequent trap: after a divorce, the policyowner must file a change-of-beneficiary form. Community property and divorce-decree issues may create separate claims - for example, a judgment may require maintaining coverage for a former spouse - but the general rule is that the named ex-spouse receives the proceeds if still designated at death.

Why the other options are wrong

• B) Automatic revocation exists in some states and for some plans, but California law does not revoke life insurance beneficiary designations at divorce.
• C) A contingent beneficiary takes only if the primary cannot. The ex-spouse, as the named primary, still receives the proceeds.
• D) Community property principles may divide the policy interest at divorce, but they do not automatically split proceeds with a later spouse.

Memory hook

In California, divorce does not delete the ex from the beneficiary line.