I should probably know this, but it has not previously been an issue I've considered. Does the designation of a beneficiary other than the spouse of an employer sponsored life insurance policy require the spouse's consent? Does the answer change if it is a community property state?

If it is an ERISA-governed plan, then it should depend on what the plan document says.

If not, then state law dictates, and generally speaking, would be more likely to be required in a community property state than in non-community property states.

J simmons,

If the corporate office is in a state that does not recognize community property but the employees lives in a state with community property (like Louisiana) does that mean the life insurance is also subject to the community property laws at the time of distribution? The life insurance policy we work with does not require the spouse to be the primary beneficiary. The employee can leave all their money to their boyfriend/girlfriend and neighbors kid