Ohran v. Sierra Health and Life Ins. Co.

OPINION

In this case, we must determine whether a divorce terminates a former husband’s right to receive life insurance benefits as the named beneficiary of the former wife’s life insurance policy. For the reasons discussed below, we hold that a divorce decree must contain explicit language to divest a former spouse of his or her rights as a designated beneficiary of a life insurance policy. We reverse the district court order and remand the case for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.

Katherine I. Ohran was employed by Regional Emergency Medical Services Authority (REMSA) as an…