Sometimes divorce is not a simple matter of lost interest. Things get complicated, words get exchanged and one spouse may try to take matters into their own hands instead of waiting for the court to guide financial matters. Cancelling insurance policies and changing beneficiaries during a divorce can do irreparable harm to your soon to be ex-spouse and children. Not only is it dangerous when it comes to health and life insurance but it can also be illegal.

Some spouses may try to cause damage to the other's property. Although this may seem extreme, it can and does happen. One man in New York even blew up the townhouse him and his wife lived in. Spouses should be certain to change their locks and security codes, including garage door openers, when a couple splits. Damage caused to property could not only cost you the insurance deductible, but also possible cancellation when it comes time to renew the insurance.

Life insurance is a necessity in making sure your family is provided for if you pass away. Sometimes spouses going through a divorce think they should immediately change their insurance policy to reflect new beneficiaries. Making sure insurance policies are maintained can help prevent disaster when you are in an emergency situation.

In some states, it is illegal for you to change insurance policies while a divorce is pending unless you have consent from the other spouse. One way to avoid your insurance being cancelled by the other spouse without your notice would be to send a notice to your insurance company telling them not to cancel any policy or make any changes because a divorce is pending.

These legal matters often get complicated. Consulting an experienced family law attorney can help you sort through legal matters, including insurance during divorce proceedings.

Source: Fox Business, "How to Protect Yourself From 'Insurance Revenge' During Divorce," Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, Dec. 14, 2011