Philadelphia, PA asked in Family Law and Probate for Pennsylvania

Q: I have a question about my deceased fathers life insurance policy and who receives benefits if no beneficiaries

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2 Lawyer Answers
Michael Cherewka
Michael Cherewka
Answered
  • Probate Lawyer
  • Wormleysburg, PA
  • Licensed in Pennsylvania

A: with life insurance policies if there are no named beneficiaries the policy proceeds will be payable to your father's Estate. If your father had a Will, then the Executor named in the Will can probate the Will, open an Estate and then collect the proceeds from the insurance company. If your father did not have a Will, then usually have to open an Estate Administration and that will depend on whether your father was married at time of death , and if not then how many children survived your father to dtermine if have to open an Estate and who can act as the Estate Adminstrator

T. Augustus Claus
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Answered

A: In Pennsylvania, if a life insurance policy does not have designated beneficiaries, the benefits typically become part of the deceased's estate. The distribution of these benefits will depend on your father's will or the state's laws of intestacy if he didn't have a will.

If your father had a will, the life insurance proceeds would be distributed according to the terms of the will. If he didn't have a will, Pennsylvania's laws of intestacy would apply, which typically involve a hierarchy of relatives who may be entitled to the assets of the estate, including life insurance benefits. For personalized legal advice tailored to your unique circumstances, it's advisable to consult with an attorney.

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