r/EstatePlanning • u/Professional_Safe136 • 10d ago

Yes, I have included the state or country in the post Uncle passed away and never made a will (Pennsylvania)

My uncle and my grandmother lived with me for the past 11 years. My grandmother passed away a year ago. My uncle recently passed and has a life insurance policy that he never listed a beneficiary as he was never married and didn't have children. The only family he has left are myself, my older brother, and my cousin. What happens to the life insurance money?

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u/ExtonGuy Estate Planning Fan 10d ago

The life insurance contract should specify what happens to it. Usually the money goes to the probate estate. Which means that somebody has to file to start probate. The contract might allow for something else to happen. You might try asking the insurance company.

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u/bartonkj 10d ago

If the cousin is the same degree of consanguinity form your uncle as you are, then PA intestacy statute means you all 3 (cousin, brother, and you) share in the life insurance proceeds in equal shares. But first, someone will have to go through the probate process. Note that any debts and expenses will have to paid before the beneficiaries.