I want to update my beneficiary. How?
Submit a beneficiary change form to the carrier — usually a one-page form, processed in 1–2 weeks. Updates are critical after major life events: marriage, divorce, birth or adoption, death of a named beneficiary. Two common pitfalls: (1) failing to update after divorce — many states do not automatically remove an ex-spouse as beneficiary, so the policy pays as last designated regardless of who's currently family. (2) Naming a minor child directly — the death benefit can't be paid directly to a minor, so funds get held in court-supervised guardianship until age 18. Better practice: name a trust or adult guardian who can manage funds for the minor.
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