Some accounts have no designated beneficiary. Rarely, the same thing occurs with insurance
policies. This is usually an oversight. In exceptional circumstances, it is a choice. What happens
to these accounts and policies when the original owner dies? 
  
The investment or insurance firm gets the first chance to determine what happens. On many
retirement plans, for example, a spouse is often the default beneficiary, even if not named on a
beneficiary form. If the deceased has no spouse, then the plan assets may just become part of
that person’s estate. Brokerage accounts without any designated beneficiaries are also poised
to become part of the estate of the decedent. The next stop for these assets could be probate. 1
  
The state may end up deciding where the assets go when beneficiary forms are blank. If the
deceased failed to name account or policy beneficiaries but had a valid will or other valid estate
documents, this will influence the path from here – but it may not exempt the assets from
probate court.  
  
If no legally valid estate documents exist, then the deceased party dies intestate, and the state
determines the destiny for the assets. Most states go by the same ladder of potential inheritors
– surviving spouse at the top, then kids, then grandkids, then parents, grandparents, siblings,
nephews or nieces. If absolutely no legitimate heir can be found, then the assets become
property of the deceased’s state of residence. 
    
What about life insurance policies? A life insurance policy usually has at least two levels of
designated beneficiaries, and it is rare when a policyholder outlives them and even rarer when
a policy has none. In such a circumstance, the proceeds of the life insurance policy become part
of the estate of the policyholder upon the policyholder’s death. 

Several factors will affect the cost and availability of life insurance, including age, health, and
the type and amount of insurance purchased. Life insurance policies have expenses, including
mortality and other charges. If a policy is surrendered prematurely, the policyholder also may
pay surrender charges and have income tax implications. You should consider determining
whether you are insurable before implementing a strategy involving life insurance. Any
guarantees associated with a policy are dependent on the ability of the issuing insurance
company to continue making claim payments. 

What if a person simply lacks possible heirs, or sees no worthy heirs? Occasionally, this
happens. Some people remain single for life, and others are estranged from relatives or heirs
who would otherwise be beneficiaries. 

A person in this situation has a choice: charity. Perhaps a charitable or non-profit organization
deserves the assets. Perhaps a college or university would be a worthwhile destination for
them. Choices exist, and those who are single can explore them as they consider their estate.
It’s a good idea to periodically review the beneficiary designations on your accounts and policies
to make sure they align with your goals and wishes.

This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment.

Citations

1. Kiplinger, June 6, 2022

2. Schwab.com, September 24, 2021

3. SmartAsset, April 28, 2022