Can term-life life insurance proceeds by confiscated from the beneficiary?

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Can term-life life insurance proceeds by confiscated from the beneficiary?

My elderly mother has bone cancer and the prognosis is not good. She is very poor financially, but has maintained a term life policy to cover her burial and to leave a small amount to her grandchildren who are minors. As their father, I’ve been designated the beneficiary by my mom. In the event she has healthcare debts which is the only kind debt she has, can the payout proceeds of that term-policy be taken away from us to pay those unpaid health bills? She doesn’t currently own any titled property, houses, or autos, and hasn’t for 10 years or more. She has been divorced 50 years now. We are in Missouri. Thanks.

Asked on October 26, 2017 under Insurance Law, Missouri

Answers:

M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 6 years ago | Contributor

I am so sorry for your Mother's situation.  Rest assured that if you are the named beneficiary on the isnurance policy it will pass to you directly and can not be attached by anyone for your Mother's bills.  Those bills are the responsibility of her estate and you do not have any obligation to pay them.  Good luck.


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