The bottom line Per stirpes life insurance beneficiary meaning is this: when a named beneficiary dies before the insured, that beneficiary’s share can pass down their family branch to their descendants. A per capita designation instead divides the available share among surviving beneficiaries. The policy form controls, so read its exact wording. Life insurance beneficiary … Read more

The bottom line The answer to how should unmarried same sex partners name beneficiaries is to name each other as primary beneficiaries on life insurance and other accounts that offer designations, add a contingent beneficiary, and confirm the forms were accepted. A will may not control a beneficiary-designated asset, so review every form with the … Read more

The bottom line Who gets paid when beneficiaries disagree? The life insurance policy’s current beneficiary designation controls the starting point: the insurer reviews that record and pays the person or people named there, unless a valid legal dispute changes the result. A clear form, percentages, and current records reduce avoidable conflict. When two relatives expect … Read more

The bottom line Checking beneficiary designations are still correct can confirm that your life insurance death benefit is directed to the people or organizations you intend. Compare the policy record with your current family situation, name primary and contingent beneficiaries, and keep the insurer’s written confirmation after any change. Key facts A life insurance beneficiary … Read more