changing beneficiary of life insurance

[calciorp]

Oregon
My father is in critical condition. In a coma. New wife may be interested only for his insurance. Can she change beneficiaries of insurance? If so, how?

 

[ALawyer]

Not legally, at least unless she holds a durable Power of Attorney from him. BUT sometimes on remarriage a state's laws give rights to a spouse to part of the proceeds from life policies and federal law may give spousal rights to a 401(k). Further, even if he is in critical condition, if he has mental competence he could sign NEW beneficiary forms and give them to her to file with the insurer.