Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in New Jersey

Re: My father

Life insurance policies have to be claimed by the beneficiaries after the person dies. The life insurance companies do not come looking to pay you.

A contingent beneficiary means that if the first beneficiary has died, then the policy is paid to the "contingent beneficiary".

If your father's estate was administered, you have the right to see a copy of the will that was filed, and to seek an accounting from the Surrogate for the county where your father resided at the time of his death. This statement assumes that he resided in NJ.

This response is not legal advice, since I do not have all of the information that would be required, and I do not have a representation agreement with you.

* If the answers to your question confirm that you have a valid issue or worthwhile claim, your next step should almost always be to establish a dialog with a lawyer who can provide specific advice to you. Contact a lawyer in your county or township.

* Another reason for contacting a lawyer is that it is often impossible to give a good answer in the Internet Q&A format without having more information. The unique circumstances of your situation and things that you may not have thought to mention in your question may completely change the answer. If you want to be sure that you have a complete answer to your question and an understanding of what that answer means, establish a connection with a lawyer who practices in the area of your concern.