Contesting a Life Insurance Beneficiary

Everyone experiences life changes. But those life changes are not always accurately reflected in who are the named beneficiaries named on a life insurance policy. When this happens, it can lead to surviving family members contesting the named beneficiaries on the life insurance policy of the deceased.

When Could You Contest a Life Insurance Beneficiary?

Many people who purchase life insurance do so in the middle stages of life, when they are getting married, having children and buying homes. The beneficiaries named on their insurance policy are those people that are close to them at the time. Later in life, policyholders may get divorced, remarry, acquire stepchildren, become estranged from their own children, have more children or many other possibilities that can shake up family dynamics.

It's possible that a policyholder can go through a major life change — like getting remarried — but he or she doesn't update their life insurance policy. A former spouse could still be listed as the beneficiary. On the other hand, if a policyholder remarries, he or she could update their beneficiary to the new spouse, but remove a former spouse or others from the policy.

Either situation could lead to a dispute. And there are countless other scenarios, too.

What Happens When a Beneficiary Is Contested?

Contesting a life insurance beneficiary is difficult and may result in a legal battle. It can consume a lot of time, energy and money. The final decision rests in the hands of the courts, not in those of the insurance companies. And it's simply difficult for someone to challenge a life insurance policy contract.

Avoiding a Contest for Life Insurance Benefits 

The last thing you would want to experience while grieving the loss of a loved one is a dispute over a life insurance beneficiary. And you certainly wouldn’t want to put the people you care about in that position if you were to pass away.

Taking the proper steps to avoid having a dispute over life insurance beneficiaries will help ensure that your loved ones will receive the financial support they need without causing additional legal disputes. Always review your policy, especially after a major life change, to ensure your beneficiaries are reflected accurately. Document these changes and make them known to your loved ones.

Connect with a licensed life insurance agent who can help answer your questions about life insurance. Call 1-855-303-4640 today.

 

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Applications for life insurance may be subject to acceptance by insurer. Issuance of the policy may depend upon answers to health questions. Rates and coverage amounts depend upon the carrier selected. Your policy may be subject to underwriting approval. You will receive only the benefit amount in the policy issued.