Life Insurance policies and beneficiaries

Dear Len & Rosie,

A friend of mine had been married for about one year. Her husband just died tragically. At the time of his passing, he had not yet changed the beneficiary on his life insurance policy to his wife. His parents are still named as the beneficiary. Does the surviving wife have any claim on the life insurance, or is she out of luck? It's certain that some of premium payments would have been paid with community property funds.

Randy

Who gets life insurance payout

Dear Len & Rosie,

I have a $100,000 life insurance policy. I also have a twenty-four year old son from a previous marriage. He's in drug rehab. Originally my son was the beneficiary of the policy, but since I found out about his drug use I thought it best to leave it to my wife. She has agreed to dole out money to my son as he needs it.

If my wife and I pass away tomorrow who will get my life insurance? Is there some document I can draw up that would allow my son to benefit from the insurance without being able to spend it all on drugs?

Barry