What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Virginia
My wife of 25 years recently passed away while still employed by the city of Norfolk, Virginia.She was employed by the city for 30 years.
Her pension plan was through the Virginia Retirement System. When she first started working with the city, before we were married, she named her father as the beneficiary of her pension plan. Her father passed away 17 years ago.
My wife simply forgot to change her plan to name me as beneficiary. The whole family knew this to be her wish.
The city has denied me award of any portion of her monthly pension. They have offered me an insubstantial lump sum payout, relieving the system of any further financial responsibility.
I have been given and read a copy of the state code on this issue and I believe the code is at best unclear on this issue and can be interpreted to favor my position.
I do not want to accept this lump sum and I believe I am entitled to a monthly benefit.
Do I have any legal recourse to reverse this decision? Am I entitled to her pension?
My wife of 25 years recently passed away while still employed by the city of Norfolk, Virginia.She was employed by the city for 30 years.
Her pension plan was through the Virginia Retirement System. When she first started working with the city, before we were married, she named her father as the beneficiary of her pension plan. Her father passed away 17 years ago.
My wife simply forgot to change her plan to name me as beneficiary. The whole family knew this to be her wish.
The city has denied me award of any portion of her monthly pension. They have offered me an insubstantial lump sum payout, relieving the system of any further financial responsibility.
I have been given and read a copy of the state code on this issue and I believe the code is at best unclear on this issue and can be interpreted to favor my position.
I do not want to accept this lump sum and I believe I am entitled to a monthly benefit.
Do I have any legal recourse to reverse this decision? Am I entitled to her pension?