Mount Washington, KY asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Kentucky

Q: My father had a life insurance policy that I saw copies of having paid out to g.parent guardians. They kept it.

I was listed as only beneficiary but was 6. I lost the copies of correspondences and of the name of insurance co. I dont believe they thought I d ever know about it. I m now 40 and they have kept it. How do I proceed?

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Estate Planning Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA

A: To address the issue of a life insurance policy where you were the beneficiary but the funds were kept by your grandparents, you should start by gathering as much information as possible about the policy. If you don't remember the name of the insurance company, you might try to retrieve this information through bank records, old family documents, or by contacting any family members who might have knowledge of the policy.

Once you have identified the insurance company, reach out to them to request information about the policy and explain the situation. If the policy was indeed paid out to your grandparents when you were a minor, and you were the sole beneficiary, you may have a claim to those funds.

Since a significant amount of time has passed, it's important to act quickly. You might also consider seeking legal advice to understand your rights and the best course of action, particularly if the amount involved is substantial or if you anticipate resistance from your grandparents.

Legal avenues could include filing a claim in court or mediation if the parties are open to it. Remember, statute of limitations laws may impact your ability to pursue legal action, so prompt action is advisable.

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