Is a life insurance beneficiary entitled to an entire estate or only the life Insurance?
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Is a life insurance beneficiary entitled to an entire estate or only the life Insurance?
My father died with no Will and only a $2000 life insurance policy listed to cover his funeral expenses. My brother was named the beneficiary of the life insurance policy and now believes he is entitled to all of dad’s estate, including checking, savings and retirement accounts. Is this true? If not, what can I do to ensure things are divided up evenly and fairly?
Asked on August 28, 2018 under Estate Planning, Florida
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 6 years ago | Contributor
A beneficiary of a life insurance policy is only entitled to the proceeds of that policy. They have no claim to any assets of the deceased's estate unless they are also the named beneficiary in the Wiil or are legal heirs if the event there is no Will. At this point, you should contact a local attorney and consult with them directly.
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 6 years ago | Contributor
A beneficiary of a life insurance policy is only entitled to the proceeds of that policy. They have no claim to any assets of the deceased's estate unless they are also the named beneficiary in the Wiil or are legal heirs if the event there is no Will. At this point, you should contact a local attorney and consult with them directly.
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