What happens to my mother’s life insurance money if the beneficiary was her husband and he was sentenced and convicted of her murder 11 years ago?
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What happens to my mother’s life insurance money if the beneficiary was her husband and he was sentenced and convicted of her murder 11 years ago?
Asked on August 1, 2014 under Insurance Law, New York
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 9 years ago | Contributor
In New York - as well as pretty much every other state - the beneficiary designation is invalidated under the "slayer rule." If there is an alternate beneficiary they would get the proceeds. If not then the policy probably has a general back up clause to pay out to the "estate of" the decedent. The insurance company may wish to "interplead" the funds in to court so that the court can rule the designation as void. Please seek legal help. Good luck.
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