Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Illinois
Claiming life insurance
I am a beneficiary on my father's life insurance policy. I have seen a copy of the beneficiary card so I know that it is legit. I signed all paperwork to submit to the life insurance company to claim the money. However, the problem arrose when my father's wife at the time of his death thinks that the money should be hers. Can they deny the payout to me bacuase she's trying to investigate how to get the money?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Claiming life insurance
If it is a regular type of policy as opposed to a employee beneift of some kind, such as a 40lk or pension plan benefit where the benefit must go to the surviving spouse the policy proceeds should be yours without the insurance company hesitating. You should demand payment just as i suspect the spouse is demanding they delay payment.
Re: Claiming life insurance
You haven't indicated the time frame. They don't want to pay you and find she's entitled to it -- they'd have to pay.
On the other hand, they should be able to resolve the matter quickly. If it goes more than a week you should demand paymeent and if necessary retain an attorney to file suit.