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HB 5441

AN ACT CONCERNING REVOCATION OF NON-PROBATE TRANSFERS AND APPOINTMENTS BY DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE.

2026 Regular Session

Connecticut bill automatically revokes beneficiary designations to ex-spouses upon divorce unless explicitly preserved in settlement agreements.

PUBLIC HEARING 0316
#divorce #trustsandtrustees
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Bill Summary · HB 5441

Legislative bill overview

HB 5441 would revise Connecticut law to automatically revoke certain non-probate transfers and appointments (such as beneficiary designations on life insurance, retirement accounts, and payable-on-death accounts) when a marriage is dissolved by divorce or annulment. This aligns Connecticut law with the Uniform Probate Code framework, which aims to prevent unintended transfers of assets to ex-spouses.

Why is this important

Without such provisions, people who divorce may inadvertently leave substantial assets to ex-spouses if they forget to update beneficiary designations—a common oversight that can create significant family disputes and financial complications. This bill protects individuals' likely intent while reducing litigation over estate matters following marital dissolution.

Potential points of contention

  • Retroactivity concerns: Whether the law applies only to divorces occurring after enactment or also to prior divorces, affecting already-settled estates
  • Religious marriage complexities: How the law treats annulments and whether it adequately addresses various marriage dissolution scenarios recognized under Connecticut law
  • Account custodian burden: Implementation questions about whether banks, insurance companies, and financial institutions have clear procedures and liability protections for processing revocations
  • Exceptions and override mechanisms: Whether individuals should have the ability to opt-out or explicitly preserve beneficiary designations to ex-spouses in divorce settlements

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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