Children from Multiple Marriages Fact Sheet

Christian Lassen, Esq. | Quoted in The Wall Street Journal | 25 Years Experience Helping beneficiaries nationwide resolve life insurance disputes involving children from different marriages.

What Are Disputes Involving Children from Multiple Marriages?

Life insurance disputes often arise when the insured has children from different marriages or relationships. Conflicts occur when multiple heirs claim entitlement to policy proceeds, especially if beneficiary designations are unclear, outdated, or contested.

These disputes can delay payment, trigger interpleader lawsuits, or result in outright denial of benefits until the court decides who is entitled.

Why Conflicts Among Heirs Arise

Common scenarios include:

• Beneficiary designation lists one child but excludes others
• Multiple conflicting beneficiary forms filed over time
• Disputes between children of current and prior marriages
• Allegations of undue influence or fraud in changing designations
• Employer or insurer errors in updating group policy records
• Confusion when no beneficiary is listed and proceeds default to the estate
• Stepchildren or adopted children contesting entitlement
• Deathbed changes to beneficiary designations challenged by heirs

What To Do If You Face a Dispute

1. Gather all beneficiary forms and policy documents.
2. Request a complete copy of designation records from the insurer or employer.
3. Collect marriage, divorce, and adoption records to establish legal relationships.
4. Avoid direct communication with competing heirs without legal advice.
5. Contact an experienced life insurance attorney immediately to protect your rights.

Your Legal Rights

• Courts determine entitlement based on valid beneficiary designations and applicable law.
• Children from prior marriages may have rights if properly designated or if state law applies.
• Beneficiaries can challenge improper claims and defend rightful designations in court.

Case Example

We helped two children recover $400,000 in life insurance benefits after a dispute with stepchildren from a later marriage. By proving the beneficiary designation was valid and properly executed, we secured full payment for the rightful heirs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do all children automatically share life insurance proceeds? 

A: No, only those listed as beneficiaries or entitled under state law.

Q: What if multiple forms exist? 

A: Courts decide which designation is valid. Attorneys can help prove your claim.

Q: Can stepchildren or adopted children claim benefits? 

A: Yes, if designated or recognized under applicable law.

Q: Do I need an attorney? 

A: Yes, disputes among heirs are complex and often involve litigation.

How We Help

• Investigate beneficiary designations and family records.
• Challenge improper claims by competing heirs.
• Defend rightful beneficiaries in interpleader lawsuits and court proceedings.
• Secure payouts for families nationwide.

Contact Us

If you are involved in a life insurance dispute involving children from multiple marriages, don’t wait. Early legal action often determines the outcome. Call 800‑330‑2274 for a free consultation. No fees unless we win.

Key Takeaways

• Disputes among children from different marriages are common in life insurance claims.
• Conflicts arise from unclear designations, multiple forms, or competing heirs.
• Beneficiaries have strong legal rights to challenge improper claims.
• Prompt legal action increases the chance of success.

Written & Reviewed by Christian Lassen, Esq., Nationally recognized life insurance lawyer: 25 years experience, hundreds of millions recovered.  Quoted in The Wall Street Journal ( May 17, 2025).

Last reviewed: Dec 7, 2025 | Contact 800-330-2274