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Typically, a person chooses their life insurance beneficiaries, and those individuals receive the death benefit. However, there are situations where you can legally challenge and stop someone from receiving it. This process is known as contesting the beneficiary, but it is subject to specific legal requirements.
Understanding Standing
To contest a beneficiary, you must have "standing," which means proving that you have a valid legal interest in the policy. This includes individuals who are heirs or beneficiaries to other assets, such as a trust. An insurance company like McCormick Insurance Inc. can help you learn more about heirs and their rights.
A current spouse may also file a lawsuit, especially if a former spouse is named as the beneficiary and they believe the designation is unfair. It’s crucial to establish standing, as a lawsuit without it will likely be dismissed in a Pembroke Pines, FL court.
Reasons to Contest a Beneficiary
To successfully contest a beneficiary, you must prove that the listed individual was not the policyholder’s true choice. For example, you may demonstrate that the policyholder was pressured, abused, or under distress when naming the beneficiary. If the policyholder lacked the mental capacity to make decisions, you can argue that they were unable to express their wishes accurately.
Forgery is another reason to contest a beneficiary, but you must provide evidence to support this claim. In some states, technical errors, such as mistakes on the beneficiary form, can also be grounds for a legal challenge.
Working with the Insurance Company
Many of these situations require collaboration with the life insurance company. Companies like McCormick Insurance Inc. maintain detailed records of every policy, ensuring that documents are completed correctly and dates are verified. To learn more, contact us today. We proudly serve the Pembroke Pines, FL area and are here to assist with your insurance needs.