Need help for a friend

[Peggy Sue]

Hi,
although, i myself am in the insurance business, i work in Germany and therefore only know the German laws. A friend of mine lives in New York and has the following problem. Her husband of more then 10 years worked for Ford Motor Company and passed away before retirement. She receives blue cross medical coverage and legal assistance from Ford, but when she asked about the life insurance policy from Ford she was told that she was not listed as a surviving spouse and that the file has a note on it that no information is to be given without a supena. She received social security checks for her and her daughter until the child reached 18. The question that comes to my mind is wouldnt the child at least be entitled to the insurance policy?? Can anyone help me with this question and/or would it be advisable to contact a lawyer concerning the case???

Thanks in advance for any help that can be given.

 

[Attorney_Replogle]

Regarding the insurance policy, no the surving child is not entitled to it as a matter of law. The reason is that the insured (the deceased) has a right to choose his beneficiaries and to exclude those he chooses to. So in this case he excluded his wife.

To whom was the proceeds of the life insurance policy left? That is what your friend should try to discover. Since the company will only divulge that information under a court subpoena, then she needs to consult with an attorney about this matter. She may want to speak with an estate planning attorney near her. She may find one at attorneypages.com.

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Mark B. Replogle