Who is entitled to life insurance proceeds?

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Who is entitled to life insurance proceeds?

In my father’s Will, he stated that his assets were to be distributed equally among his 3 daughters and wife. My stepmom received my father’s life insurance policy but she never told the daughters. It has been a year since my

father’s death. Are we 3 daughters still entitled to our portion of the life insurance policy? If so, how do we start the process?

Asked on June 23, 2018 under Estate Planning, Alabama

Answers:

M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 5 years ago | Contributor

Life insurance proceeds are not part of a deceased's person's estate. This means that they pass directly to the person who is named as the beneficiary of the policy. Accordingly, the beneficiaries listed in the Will have no right to them; they are only entitled to asssets of the estate. Bottom line, the proceeds of the policy are your stepmother's to keep.

M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 5 years ago | Contributor

Life insurance proceeds are not part of a deceased's person's estate. This means that they pass directly to the person who is named as the beneficiary of the policy. Accordingly, the beneficiaries listed in the Will have no right to them; they are only entitled to asssets of the estate. Bottom line, the proceeds of the policy are your stepmother's to keep.


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