I'll never forget one of my friends years ago became a widow suddenly, unexpectedly and was left with three children under age 10 to raise. Her husband had carried no life insurance. Dad in this case may get life insurance as a benefit of his job; he can make sure mom/child are the beneficiaries. People who are "active parents" of minor children should have life insurance in my opinion. And just about anything can be made a "requirement" if both parties agree to it and the court allows it.