Standard Insurance v. Schwalbe

This case involves the efficacy of a beneficiary change on a life insurance policy in violation of a temporary restraining order. The trial court voided the change. We reverse.

William R. Schwalbe filed a petition for dissolution of his marriage to Joanne Schwalbe in Spokane County Superior Court on September 18, 1985. Later, an agreed temporary order was entered which provided, in part:

Neither party shall:(x) Assign, transfer, borrow, lapse, surrender or change entitlements to any insurance policies of either or both parties whether medical, health, life or auto insurance.

At that time, Mr.…