# Mont. Code Ann. § 19-20-1008: 19-20-1008 Changes to beneficiary designations -- limitations on changing spouse beneficiary interest

> Montana · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T19_C20_P10_S19-20-1008

## Section

- **Citation:** Mont. Code Ann. § 19-20-1008
- **Heading:** 19-20-1008 Changes to beneficiary designations -- limitations on changing spouse beneficiary interest
- **Jurisdiction:** Montana
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** MT Code / Title 19 / Chapter 20 / Part 10 / Section 19-20-1008

## Text

19-20-1008 . Changes to beneficiary designations -- limitations on changing spouse beneficiary interest. (1) Once accepted by the retirement system, a beneficiary designation may be changed only by the member submitting to the retirement system a new effective beneficiary designation record. No other action, process, or provision of law may invalidate, revoke, terminate, or otherwise modify the beneficiary designation record. Divorce, annulment, or other circumstances resulting in the termination of a valid or invalid marriage does not void the member's designation of the former spouse or purported spouse as a beneficiary.

(2) (a) Except as provided in subsection (3), a member may change the member's beneficiary designation at any time by filing with the retirement system a new beneficiary designation record.

(b) The new beneficiary designation must meet all requirements specified in 19-20-1007 to be effective.

(c) A new effective beneficiary designation invalidates all prior beneficiary designations.

(3) (a) A member may not reduce or revoke the beneficiary interest of a designated beneficiary identified as the member's spouse if a divorce is pending, except with a signed and notarized waiver of beneficiary interest made by the spouse or pursuant to an order of the court in which the divorce is pending.

(b) If a change resulting in a reduction or revocation of a spouse beneficiary's interest is made by the member, the member shall establish the member's right to reduce or revoke the spouse beneficiary's interest by completing a certification of marital status.

## Nearby sections

- [Mont. Code Ann. § 19-20-1001 19-20-1001 Payments upon death of member prior to retirement](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T19_C20_P10_S19-20-1001.md)
- [Mont. Code Ann. § 19-20-1002 19-20-1002 Payments on death of retiree](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T19_C20_P10_S19-20-1002.md)
- [Mont. Code Ann. § 19-20-1003 19-20-1003 Payment of death benefits](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T19_C20_P10_S19-20-1003.md)
- [Mont. Code Ann. § 19-20-1004 19-20-1004 Compliance with federal act](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T19_C20_P10_S19-20-1004.md)
- [Mont. Code Ann. § 19-20-1005 19-20-1005 Alternate beneficiaries](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T19_C20_P10_S19-20-1005.md)
- [Mont. Code Ann. § 19-20-1006 19-20-1006 When beneficiaries designated -- eligible beneficiaries -- right to renounce](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T19_C20_P10_S19-20-1006.md)
- [Mont. Code Ann. § 19-20-1007 19-20-1007 Requirements for beneficiary designation to be effective](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T19_C20_P10_S19-20-1007.md)
- [Mont. Code Ann. § 19-20-1008 19-20-1008 Changes to beneficiary designations -- limitations on changing spouse beneficiary interest](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T19_C20_P10_S19-20-1008.md)
- [Mont. Code Ann. § 19-20-1009 19-20-1009 Payment to minor child -- opportunity to name custodian](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T19_C20_P10_S19-20-1009.md)
- [Mont. Code Ann. § 19-20-1013 19-20-1013 Supremacy of retirement system provisions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T19_C20_P10_S19-20-1013.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T19_C20_P10_S19-20-1008. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.