{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/20-111.1.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/20-111.1.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/20-111.1.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/20-111.1.html"}],"law_id":79932,"edition_id":1,"section_id":79932,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-111.1","catch_line":"Revocation of death benefits by divorce or annulment","history":"1993, c. 417; 2007, c. 306; 2012, c. 493.","full_text":"A\n\nExcept as otherwise provided under federal law or law of this Commonwealth, upon the entry of a decree of annulment or divorce from the bond of matrimony on and after July 1, 1993, any revocable beneficiary designation contained in a then existing written contract owned by one party that provides for the payment of any death benefit to the other party is revoked. A death benefit prevented from passing to a former spouse by this section shall be paid as if the former spouse had predeceased the decedent. The payor of any death benefit shall be discharged from all liability upon payment in accordance with the terms of the contract providing for the death benefit, unless the payor receives written notice of a revocation under this section prior to payment.B\n\nThe term &#8220;death benefit&#8221; includes any payments under a life insurance contract, annuity, retirement arrangement, compensation agreement or other contract designating a beneficiary of any right, property or money in the form of a death benefit.C\n\nThis section shall not apply (i) to the extent a decree of annulment or divorce from the bond of matrimony, or a written agreement of the parties provides for a contrary result as to specific death benefits, or (ii) to any trust or any death benefit payable to or under any trust.D\n\nIf this section is preempted by federal law with respect to the payment of any death benefit, a former spouse who, not for value, receives the payment of any death benefit that the former spouse is not entitled to under this section is personally liable for the amount of the payment to the person who would have been entitled to it were this section not preempted.E\n\nEvery decree of annulment or divorce from the bond of matrimony entered on or after July 1, 2012, shall contain the following notice in conspicuous, bold print:\n\t\t\tBeneficiary designations for any death benefit, as defined in subsection B of &#xA7; 20-111.1 of the Code of Virginia, made payable to a former spouse may or may not be automatically revoked by operation of law upon the entry of a final decree of annulment or divorce. If a party intends to revoke any beneficiary designation made payable to a former spouse following the annulment or divorce, the party is responsible for following any and all instructions to change such beneficiary designation given by the provider of the death benefit. Otherwise, existing beneficiary designations may remain in full force and effect after the entry of a final decree of annulment or divorce.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":286281,"text":"Except as otherwise provided under federal law or law of this Commonwealth, upon the entry of a decree of annulment or divorce from the bond of matrimony on and after July 1, 1993, any revocable beneficiary designation contained in a then existing written contract owned by one party that provides for the payment of any death benefit to the other party is revoked. A death benefit prevented from passing to a former spouse by this section shall be paid as if the former spouse had predeceased the decedent. The payor of any death benefit shall be discharged from all liability upon payment in accordance with the terms of the contract providing for the death benefit, unless the payor receives written notice of a revocation under this section prior to payment.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":286282,"text":"The term &#8220;death benefit&#8221; includes any payments under a life insurance contract, annuity, retirement arrangement, compensation agreement or other contract designating a beneficiary of any right, property or money in the form of a death benefit.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":286283,"text":"This section shall not apply (i) to the extent a decree of annulment or divorce from the bond of matrimony, or a written agreement of the parties provides for a contrary result as to specific death benefits, or (ii) to any trust or any death benefit payable to or under any trust.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":286284,"text":"If this section is preempted by federal law with respect to the payment of any death benefit, a former spouse who, not for value, receives the payment of any death benefit that the former spouse is not entitled to under this section is personally liable for the amount of the payment to the person who would have been entitled to it were this section not preempted.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"E"},"4":{"id":286285,"text":"Every decree of annulment or divorce from the bond of matrimony entered on or after July 1, 2012, shall contain the following notice in conspicuous, bold print:\n\t\t\tBeneficiary designations for any death benefit, as defined in subsection B of &#xA7; 20-111.1 of the Code of Virginia, made payable to a former spouse may or may not be automatically revoked by operation of law upon the entry of a final decree of annulment or divorce. If a party intends to revoke any beneficiary designation made payable to a former spouse following the annulment or divorce, the party is responsible for following any and all instructions to change such beneficiary designation given by the provider of the death benefit. Otherwise, existing beneficiary designations may remain in full force and effect after the entry of a final decree of annulment or divorce.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D"}},"ancestry":[{"id":12712,"edition_id":1,"name":"Divorce, Affirmation and Annulment","identifier":"6","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12711,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","permalink":{"id":178931,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12712,"identifier":"6","token":"20\/6","url":"\/20\/6\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12711,"edition_id":1,"name":"Domestic Relations","identifier":"20","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","permalink":{"id":178075,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12711,"identifier":"20","token":"20","url":"\/20\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":69694,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-100","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/20-100\/","token":"20\/6\/20-100","metadata":false},{"id":85663,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-101","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/20-101\/","token":"20\/6\/20-101","metadata":false},{"id":78351,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-102","catch_line":"When not necessary to allege or prove offer of reconciliation","url":"\/20-102\/","token":"20\/6\/20-102","metadata":false},{"id":84768,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-103","catch_line":"Court may make orders pending suit for divorce, custody or visitation, etc","url":"\/20-103\/","token":"20\/6\/20-103","metadata":false},{"id":70919,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-104","catch_line":"Order of publication against nonresident defendant","url":"\/20-104\/","token":"20\/6\/20-104","metadata":false},{"id":59840,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-104.1","catch_line":"Orders of publication may be combined","url":"\/20-104.1\/","token":"20\/6\/20-104.1","metadata":false},{"id":86285,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-105","catch_line":"Permissible form for orders of publication","url":"\/20-105\/","token":"20\/6\/20-105","metadata":false},{"id":72909,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-105.1","catch_line":"Alternative procedures","url":"\/20-105.1\/","token":"20\/6\/20-105.1","metadata":false},{"id":79519,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-106","catch_line":"Testimony may be required to be given orally; evidence by affidavit","url":"\/20-106\/","token":"20\/6\/20-106","metadata":false},{"id":66535,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-107","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/20-107\/","token":"20\/6\/20-107","metadata":false},{"id":72435,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-107.1","catch_line":"Court may decree as to maintenance and support of spouses","url":"\/20-107.1\/","token":"20\/6\/20-107.1","metadata":false},{"id":60714,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-107.1:1","catch_line":"Court may decree as to maintenance of life insurance policy","url":"\/20-107.1_1\/","token":"20\/6\/20-107.1_1","metadata":false},{"id":59975,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-107.2","catch_line":"Court may decree as to custody and support of children","url":"\/20-107.2\/","token":"20\/6\/20-107.2","metadata":false},{"id":69531,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-107.3","catch_line":"Court may decree as to property and debts of the parties","url":"\/20-107.3\/","token":"20\/6\/20-107.3","metadata":false},{"id":75906,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-108","catch_line":"Revision and alteration of such decrees","url":"\/20-108\/","token":"20\/6\/20-108","metadata":false},{"id":86162,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-108.1","catch_line":"Determination of child or spousal support","url":"\/20-108.1\/","token":"20\/6\/20-108.1","metadata":false},{"id":78437,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-108.2","catch_line":"Guideline for determination of child support; quadrennial review by Child Support Guidelines Review Panel; executive summary","url":"\/20-108.2\/","token":"20\/6\/20-108.2","metadata":false},{"id":53938,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-109","catch_line":"Changing maintenance and support for a spouse; effect of stipulations as to maintenance and support for a spouse; cessation upon cohabitation, remarriage, or death; effect of retirement","url":"\/20-109\/","token":"20\/6\/20-109","metadata":false},{"id":73881,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-109.1","catch_line":"Affirmation, ratification and incorporation by reference in decree of agreement between parties","url":"\/20-109.1\/","token":"20\/6\/20-109.1","metadata":false},{"id":78343,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-110","catch_line":"Maintenance and support for a spouse to cease on remarriage","url":"\/20-110\/","token":"20\/6\/20-110","metadata":false},{"id":56256,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-111","catch_line":"Decree of divorce from bond of matrimony extinguishes contingent property rights","url":"\/20-111\/","token":"20\/6\/20-111","metadata":false},{"id":79932,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-111.1","catch_line":"Revocation of death benefits by divorce or annulment","url":"\/20-111.1\/","token":"20\/6\/20-111.1","metadata":false},{"id":80489,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-112","catch_line":"Notice when proceedings reopened","url":"\/20-112\/","token":"20\/6\/20-112","metadata":false},{"id":66604,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-113","catch_line":"Procedure when respondent fails to perform order for support and maintenance of child or spouse or owes support and maintenance or additional support and maintenance","url":"\/20-113\/","token":"20\/6\/20-113","metadata":false},{"id":73222,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-114","catch_line":"Recognizance for compliance with order or decree","url":"\/20-114\/","token":"20\/6\/20-114","metadata":false},{"id":66046,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-115","catch_line":"Commitment and sentence for failure to comply with order or decree","url":"\/20-115\/","token":"20\/6\/20-115","metadata":false},{"id":54704,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-116","catch_line":"Effect of divorce from bed and board and what court may decree","url":"\/20-116\/","token":"20\/6\/20-116","metadata":false},{"id":82954,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-117","catch_line":"Divorce from bond of matrimony after divorce from bed and board","url":"\/20-117\/","token":"20\/6\/20-117","metadata":false},{"id":79255,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-118","catch_line":"Prohibition of remarriage pending appeal from divorce decree; certain marriages validated","url":"\/20-118\/","token":"20\/6\/20-118","metadata":false},{"id":84439,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-119","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/20-119\/","token":"20\/6\/20-119","metadata":false},{"id":83952,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-120","catch_line":"Revocation of decree from bed and board","url":"\/20-120\/","token":"20\/6\/20-120","metadata":false},{"id":82889,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-121","catch_line":"Merger of decree for divorce from bed and board with decree for divorce from bond of matrimony","url":"\/20-121\/","token":"20\/6\/20-121","metadata":false},{"id":71713,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-121.01","catch_line":"Decree of divorce from bonds of matrimony without decree from bed and board","url":"\/20-121.01\/","token":"20\/6\/20-121.01","metadata":false},{"id":86231,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-121.02","catch_line":"Decree of divorce without amended bill or amended cross-bill","url":"\/20-121.02\/","token":"20\/6\/20-121.02","metadata":false},{"id":59482,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-121.03","catch_line":"Identifying information confidential; separate addendum","url":"\/20-121.03\/","token":"20\/6\/20-121.03","metadata":false},{"id":72590,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-121.1","catch_line":"Reinstatement of suit","url":"\/20-121.1\/","token":"20\/6\/20-121.1","metadata":false},{"id":80991,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-121.2","catch_line":"Validation of absolute divorce granted where no decree from bed and board","url":"\/20-121.2\/","token":"20\/6\/20-121.2","metadata":false},{"id":82422,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-121.3","catch_line":"Validation of certain divorces granted prior to April 23, 1962","url":"\/20-121.3\/","token":"20\/6\/20-121.3","metadata":false},{"id":62175,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-121.4","catch_line":"Restoration of former name","url":"\/20-121.4\/","token":"20\/6\/20-121.4","metadata":false},{"id":68639,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-122","catch_line":"Advertising offer to obtain divorces","url":"\/20-122\/","token":"20\/6\/20-122","metadata":false},{"id":65664,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-123","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/20-123\/","token":"20\/6\/20-123","metadata":false},{"id":82012,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-124","catch_line":"Sequestration of record","url":"\/20-124\/","token":"20\/6\/20-124","metadata":false},{"id":72384,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-89","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/20-89\/","token":"20\/6\/20-89","metadata":false},{"id":78456,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-89.1","catch_line":"Suit to annul marriage","url":"\/20-89.1\/","token":"20\/6\/20-89.1","metadata":false},{"id":77176,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-90","catch_line":"Suit to affirm marriage","url":"\/20-90\/","token":"20\/6\/20-90","metadata":false},{"id":82064,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-91","catch_line":"Grounds for divorce from bond of matrimony; contents of decree","url":"\/20-91\/","token":"20\/6\/20-91","metadata":false},{"id":72418,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-92","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/20-92\/","token":"20\/6\/20-92","metadata":false},{"id":70318,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-93","catch_line":"Insanity of guilty party after commencement of desertion no defense","url":"\/20-93\/","token":"20\/6\/20-93","metadata":false},{"id":54956,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-94","catch_line":"Effect of cohabitation after knowledge of adultery, sodomy or buggery; lapse of five years","url":"\/20-94\/","token":"20\/6\/20-94","metadata":false},{"id":84107,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-95","catch_line":"Grounds for divorces from bed and board","url":"\/20-95\/","token":"20\/6\/20-95","metadata":false},{"id":78621,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-96","catch_line":"Jurisdiction of suits for annulment, affirmance or divorce","url":"\/20-96\/","token":"20\/6\/20-96","metadata":false},{"id":71732,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-96.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/20-96.1\/","token":"20\/6\/20-96.1","metadata":false},{"id":84801,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-97","catch_line":"Domicile and residential requirements for suits for annulment, affirmance, or divorce","url":"\/20-97\/","token":"20\/6\/20-97","metadata":false},{"id":87223,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-98","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/20-98\/","token":"20\/6\/20-98","metadata":false},{"id":58423,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-99","catch_line":"How such suits instituted and conducted; costs","url":"\/20-99\/","token":"20\/6\/20-99","metadata":false},{"id":73767,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-99.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/20-99.1\/","token":"20\/6\/20-99.1","metadata":false},{"id":84506,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-99.1:1","catch_line":"How defendant may accept service; waive service","url":"\/20-99.1_1\/","token":"20\/6\/20-99.1_1","metadata":false},{"id":64766,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-99.2","catch_line":"Service in divorce and annulment cases","url":"\/20-99.2\/","token":"20\/6\/20-99.2","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":56256,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-111","catch_line":"Decree of divorce from bond of matrimony extinguishes contingent property rights","url":"\/20-111\/","token":"20\/6\/20-111","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":80489,"structure_id":12712,"section_number":"20-112","catch_line":"Notice when proceedings reopened","url":"\/20-112\/","token":"20\/6\/20-112","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/20-111.1\/","history_text":"<p>This law was first created in 1993. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 417 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1993 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 2 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 2007, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?071+ful+CHAP0306\">306<\/a>; in 2012, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?121+ful+CHAP0493\">493<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":79932,"section_number":"20-111.1","catch_line":"Revocation of death benefits by divorce or annulment","order_by":null,"url":"\/20-111.1\/"},{"id":68773,"section_number":"38.2-305","catch_line":"Contents of policies","order_by":null,"url":"\/38.2-305\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":79932,"section_number":"20-111.1","catch_line":"Revocation of death benefits by divorce or annulment","order_by":null,"url":"\/20-111.1\/"}],"permalink":{"id":179017,"object_type":"law","relational_id":79932,"identifier":"20-111.1","token":"20\/6\/20-111.1","url":"\/20-111.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/20-111.1\/","token":"20\/6\/20-111.1","dublin_core":{"Title":"Revocation of death benefits by divorce or annulment","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 20-111.1","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">A.<\/span> Except as otherwise provided under federal <span class=\"dictionary\">law<\/span> or <span class=\"dictionary\">law<\/span> of this Commonwealth, upon the entry of a <span class=\"dictionary\">decree<\/span> of <span class=\"dictionary\">annulment<\/span> or divorce from the <span class=\"dictionary\">bond<\/span> of matrimony on and after July 1, 1993, any revocable beneficiary designation contained in a then existing written <span class=\"dictionary\">contract<\/span> owned by one <span class=\"dictionary\">party<\/span> that provides for the payment of any <span class=\"dictionary\">death benefit<\/span> to the other <span class=\"dictionary\">party<\/span> is revoked. A <span class=\"dictionary\">death benefit<\/span> prevented from passing to a former spouse by this section shall be paid as if the former spouse had predeceased the decedent. The payor of any <span class=\"dictionary\">death benefit<\/span> shall be discharged from all liability upon payment in accordance with the terms of the <span class=\"dictionary\">contract<\/span> providing for the <span class=\"dictionary\">death benefit<\/span>, unless the payor receives written notice of a <span class=\"dictionary\">revocation<\/span> under this section prior to payment. <a id=\"paragraph-286281\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/20-111.1\/#A\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">B.<\/span> The term &#8220;<span class=\"dictionary\">death benefit<\/span>&#8221; includes any payments under a life insurance <span class=\"dictionary\">contract<\/span>, annuity, retirement arrangement, compensation agreement or other <span class=\"dictionary\">contract<\/span> designating a beneficiary of any right, property or money in the form of a <span class=\"dictionary\">death benefit<\/span>. <a id=\"paragraph-286282\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/20-111.1\/#B\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"C\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">C.<\/span> This section shall not apply (i) to the extent a <span class=\"dictionary\">decree<\/span> of <span class=\"dictionary\">annulment<\/span> or divorce from the <span class=\"dictionary\">bond<\/span> of matrimony, or a written agreement of the parties provides for a contrary result as to specific <span class=\"dictionary\">death benefits<\/span>, or (ii) to any trust or any <span class=\"dictionary\">death benefit<\/span> payable to or under any trust. <a id=\"paragraph-286283\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/20-111.1\/#C\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"D\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">D.<\/span> If this section is preempted by federal <span class=\"dictionary\">law<\/span> with respect to the payment of any <span class=\"dictionary\">death benefit<\/span>, a former spouse who, not for value, receives the payment of any <span class=\"dictionary\">death benefit<\/span> that the former spouse is not entitled to under this section is personally liable for the amount of the payment to the person who would have been entitled to it were this section not preempted. <a id=\"paragraph-286284\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/20-111.1\/#D\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"E\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">E.<\/span> Every <span class=\"dictionary\">decree<\/span> of <span class=\"dictionary\">annulment<\/span> or divorce from the <span class=\"dictionary\">bond<\/span> of matrimony entered on or after July 1, 2012, shall contain the following notice in conspicuous, bold print:\n\t\t\tBeneficiary designations for any <span class=\"dictionary\">death benefit<\/span>, as defined in subsection B of &#xA7; <a class=\"law\" title=\"Revocation of death benefits by divorce or annulment\" href=\"\/20-111.1\/\">20-111.1<\/a> of the Code of Virginia, made payable to a former spouse may or may not be automatically revoked by operation of <span class=\"dictionary\">law<\/span> upon the entry of a final <span class=\"dictionary\">decree<\/span> of <span class=\"dictionary\">annulment<\/span> or divorce. If a <span class=\"dictionary\">party<\/span> intends to revoke any beneficiary designation made payable to a former spouse following the <span class=\"dictionary\">annulment<\/span> or divorce, the <span class=\"dictionary\">party<\/span> is responsible for following any and all instructions to change such beneficiary designation given by the provider of the <span class=\"dictionary\">death benefit<\/span>. Otherwise, existing beneficiary designations may remain in full force and effect after the entry of a final <span class=\"dictionary\">decree<\/span> of <span class=\"dictionary\">annulment<\/span> or divorce. <a id=\"paragraph-286285\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/20-111.1\/#E\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nREVOCATION OF DEATH BENEFITS BY DIVORCE OR ANNULMENT (\u00a7 20-111.1)\n\nA. Except as otherwise provided under federal law or law of this Commonwealth,\nupon the entry of a decree of annulment or divorce from the bond of matrimony on\nand after July 1, 1993, any revocable beneficiary designation contained in a\nthen existing written contract owned by one party that provides for the payment\nof any death benefit to the other party is revoked. A death benefit prevented\nfrom passing to a former spouse by this section shall be paid as if the former\nspouse had predeceased the decedent. The payor of any death benefit shall be\ndischarged from all liability upon payment in accordance with the terms of the\ncontract providing for the death benefit, unless the payor receives written\nnotice of a revocation under this section prior to payment.\n\nB. The term &#8220;death benefit&#8221; includes any payments under a life\ninsurance contract, annuity, retirement arrangement, compensation agreement or\nother contract designating a beneficiary of any right, property or money in the\nform of a death benefit.\n\nC. This section shall not apply (i) to the extent a decree of annulment or\ndivorce from the bond of matrimony, or a written agreement of the parties\nprovides for a contrary result as to specific death benefits, or (ii) to any\ntrust or any death benefit payable to or under any trust.\n\nD. If this section is preempted by federal law with respect to the payment of\nany death benefit, a former spouse who, not for value, receives the payment of\nany death benefit that the former spouse is not entitled to under this section\nis personally liable for the amount of the payment to the person who would have\nbeen entitled to it were this section not preempted.\n\nE. Every decree of annulment or divorce from the bond of matrimony entered on or\nafter July 1, 2012, shall contain the following notice in conspicuous, bold\nprint:\n\t\t\tBeneficiary designations for any death benefit, as defined in subsection B of\n&#xA7; 20-111.1 of the Code of Virginia, made payable to a former spouse may or\nmay not be automatically revoked by operation of law upon the entry of a final\ndecree of annulment or divorce. If a party intends to revoke any beneficiary\ndesignation made payable to a former spouse following the annulment or divorce,\nthe party is responsible for following any and all instructions to change such\nbeneficiary designation given by the provider of the death benefit. Otherwise,\nexisting beneficiary designations may remain in full force and effect after the\nentry of a final decree of annulment or divorce.\n\nHISTORY: 1993, c. 417; 2007, c. 306; 2012, c. 493.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}