Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in New Jersey

Re: Life Insurance

If the beneficiary is alive, he or she must notify the insurance company of the death and submit a request for payment. If there is no living beneficiary (primary or contingent) the proceeds must be claimed by the Estate.

Re: Life Insurance

Rarely do insurance companies send information to anyone but the owner of the policy, unless someone notifies them of an insured's death. If they have not been notified, nothing will happen except, perhaps, a notice that premiums have not been paid. If you are a beneficiary or an estate representative and know who is the insurance company, write them and send them a copy of the insured's death certificate. If you need more information, contact me directly.

Re: Life Insurance

Unless someone [e.g. the beneficiary or the estate] notifies the insurance company of the policyholder's death, the insurance company has no way of knowing that the policyholder has died and the policy should be paid out. So the policy will continue remain in force.

Someone with knowledge of the facts should notify the insurance company of the policyholder's death and inquire as to the beneficiary [or the default beneficiary if there are no surviving beneficiaries].