There are two types of beneficiary designations: revocable or irrevocable. Certain designations such as spouse and children are mandated by law to be irrevocable based on the issue date of the contract. The policy owner cannot change the beneficiary without their consent. The signature of the irrevocable beneficiary is also required on policy assignments, loans and surrenders in order for these to be processed. A revocable beneficiary can be changed by the policy owner at any time without the consent of the beneficiary by completing a change of beneficiary form. Changes should be requested on relevant forms provided by Family Guardian and when filed and recorded the change will take effect on the date of the request provided no death claim payment was made before the change was recorded.