Does the Surviving Spouse Automatically Become the Beneficiary of a Life Insurance Policy? Usually, there is no requirement in the policy itself that only a spouse be named as the beneficiary. The policy owner has the right to choose any beneficiary they wish.

Can a spouse name a beneficiary who is not another spouse without obtaining a spousal waiver generally?

The answer is usually no. So, in general, you can name anyone as the IRA beneficiary without having to get your spouse’s permission. However, your state’s law may give your spouse rights to some or all of your IRA or require spousal consent to name a non-spouse IRA beneficiary.

What happens to your life insurance policy if your spouse dies?

If your primary beneficiary — your spouse — dies before you, your insurance policy proceeds will go to your secondary beneficiary, your sister. But if you don’t have a secondary beneficiary listed (that is, only your spouse is listed on your life insurance policy) then there is essentially no beneficiary.

What happens if there is no beneficiary on a life insurance policy?

A life insurance policy also sets out rules about what happens when there is no named beneficiary. In many policies, the surviving spouse automatically receives the life insurance proceeds when no beneficiary is named at the time of the insured’s death.

Can a spouse be named as a beneficiary on life insurance?

There is no hard and fast rule that only your spouse or children can be named as your life insurance beneficiaries. There is always a possibility to make changes if life throws a situation. Life insurance is a contract, and like all contracts, it has some rules that are to be followed. Let an expert review your insurance needs…

Can a spouse waive their rights to a life insurance policy?

If a spouse wishes to waive his or her right to a certain life insurance policy, the couple may sign an agreement specifying the policy will be considered separate (not community) property. Usually the insurance company needs to be put on notice of such waiver of spousal rights.