How to Collect Life Insurance As the Guardian of an Estate

Life insurance protects survivors from financial burdens in the event of the premature death of a loved one and breadwinner. When there is a life insurance policy for minor children, benefits will be paid to the children but must be maintained in a custodial account. Typically, a legal guardian will become the custodian of a minor child's estate benefits. This guardian must file the life insurance claim with the insurance company.

Things You'll Need

• Insurance policy
• Death certificate
• Will or trust

Instructions

1. Obtain a death certificate of the deceased. You can obtain the death certificate at the county records office if you did not receive one from the coroner or hospital. Death certificates are usually available for a nominal fee.

2. Obtain a court order that names you as the child's guardian. You may need a copy of the will or trust naming you as the guardian of the minor and the financial estate.

3. Call the insurance company where the policy was held. Provide the insurance representative with the policy number. State that you are claiming benefits for a policy on the estate of the deceased for a minor child. Request a death claim form.

4. Visit a notary public to have a copy of the guardianship court order naming you as the guardian notarized.

5. Fill out the death claim form and submit it, along with the death certificate and notarized copy of the guardianship court order, to the insurance company.

Tips & Warnings

• It may take the insurance company a week to 10 days to distribute the funds.

References

• A Guide to Death Benefits for North Carolina State Employees
• Quick Quote: How to File Life Insurance Claims

Resources

• Vital Records: Death Records