Divorce/Legal Separation

If you divorce or legally separate, you may need to update or change the following information:

Remove your spouse from your health, dental and vision insurance:

  • Complete and submit the Benefits Change Form PDF Document and the first page of your divorce decree to the Benefits Division within 31 days of your divorce or legal separation.
  • You cannot change the health or dental plan in which you are enrolled.
  • If your spouse requires COBRA insurance coverage, you must notify the Benefits Division to obtain a formal offer letter within 31 days of your divorce or legal separation.
  • Insurance premiums are not prorated. Regardless of the date of divorce, you are financially responsible for the entire month of insurance premiums.

Remove your spouse from life insurance:

  • Waive your spouse life insurance using the Benefits Change Form PDF Document.
  • Please allow the Benefits Division five business days to process your Benefits Change Form before changing your life insurance beneficiaries through Self Service.
  • If your ex-spouse is incorrectly listed as “spouse”, please contact the Benefits Division before making any changes. You may also contact the Benefits Division to permanently remove your ex-spouse's record from your list of beneficiaries.

Change your personal information:

  • Update your home address in Self Service if you have moved.
  • Change your name with Northwestern University by submitting a Personal Data Form PDF Document and providing your new social security card to the payroll office.