What happens if a person dies and they do not have a beneficiary?
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What happens if a person dies and they do not have a beneficiary?
My sister died she had a policy that did not have a beneficiary listed. She has no kids or husband. Can her sibling receive this money?
Asked on August 1, 2019 under Estate Planning, Texas
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 5 years ago | Contributor
I assume that you are referring to a life insurance policy. In a case such as this, since no beneficiary was named, the proceeds will be payable to your late sister's estate. They will then pass as per state law since your sister died "intestate", that is she did not have a Will. Since she left no spouse or children, her next heirs would be her siblings. This means that you and your other siblings, if any, will be entitled to the insurance money.
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 5 years ago | Contributor
I assume that you are referring to a life insurance policy. In a case such as this, since no beneficiary was named, the proceeds will be payable to your late sister's estate. They will then pass as per state law since your sister died "intestate", that is she did not have a Will. Since she left no spouse or children, her next heirs would be her siblings. This means that you and your other siblings, if any, will be entitled to the insurance money.
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