Find a Life Insurance Attorney in Your State

Experienced Life Insurance Lawyers Serving Every State

The Lassen Law Firm is a national practice focused exclusively on life insurance disputes. With over 25 years of experience and hundreds of millions recovered for clients, we represent beneficiaries in all 50 states. Whether your case involves misrepresentation, interpleader litigation, ERISA group policies, or disputes after divorce, we know how to win life insurance claims under your state’s laws. You pay nothing unless we recover money for you.

Denied a life insurance claim? Your state's laws may determine the outcome. Rules about beneficiary disputes, interpleader lawsuits, community property, divorce, and employer-provided policies vary widely from state to state. Some states revoke ex-spouses after divorce, others don’t. Some follow community property laws that give a spouse rights to the policy—even if they’re not named. And if the policy is through a job, federal ERISA law may override local rules altogether.

We handle denied life insurance claims in all 50 states. Click your state below to learn how we can help you recover the full payout.

Choose Your State Below

🔹 Northeast

Life insurance disputes in the Northeast frequently involve contested beneficiary designations, particularly after divorce or separation. Insurers often initiate interpleader actions when multiple parties claim entitlement to the same policy benefits.

🔹 Midwest

Midwestern cases often center on automatic revocation statutes and disagreements between relatives and designated beneficiaries. Interpleader filings are common when insurers face uncertainty about who is legally entitled to the proceeds.

🔹 South

The South sees a high volume of beneficiary conflicts tied to outdated policies or family disputes. Many cases lead to interpleader lawsuits, especially when surviving spouses and former partners assert competing claims.

🔹 West

In the West, beneficiary disputes often arise in blended families and policies with multiple revisions. Insurers regularly resort to interpleader lawsuits to avoid liability when beneficiaries are in conflict or court intervention is needed.

Why State Laws Matter in Denied Life Insurance Claims

Some of the most common reasons for denied claims—like misrepresentation, policy lapse, or disputed beneficiaries—are heavily influenced by your state’s laws. In community property states, for example, a surviving spouse might still be entitled to benefits, even if a different person is listed as beneficiary. In other states, a divorce may automatically revoke an ex-spouse’s rights—unless the policy was updated to keep them.

Federal law, especially ERISA, also plays a role in employer-provided policies. We understand how to navigate both state and federal systems to recover benefits that insurers try to deny.

We’ve handled life insurance disputes in every region of the country. Whether your case involves an accidental death, missed premiums, a reinstatement issue, or a beneficiary change, we know how to fight back and win.

Common Questions About Life Insurance Denials and State Laws

How do state laws affect denied life insurance claims?
State laws often determine whether a beneficiary is valid, especially after divorce, remarriage, or when community property rules apply. Some states automatically revoke an ex-spouse’s rights, while others require an updated beneficiary form. These differences can result in denied or disputed life insurance claims.

Why do life insurance companies file interpleader lawsuits?
When multiple people claim the same life insurance policy, insurers often file an interpleader lawsuit. Rather than deciding who should receive the money, the insurer deposits the funds with the court and lets the parties litigate. This commonly happens in disputes involving ex-spouses, stepchildren, or conflicting beneficiary forms.

What should I do if I’m involved in a life insurance beneficiary dispute?
You should contact an attorney right away. Insurers often delay or deny payment when there’s uncertainty, and strict legal deadlines apply. A life insurance lawyer can protect your rights and help you recover the full benefit—especially if you’re a surviving spouse, child, or named beneficiary facing a competing claim.

Can a surviving spouse receive benefits even if not named on the policy?
In certain states, especially community property states, a surviving spouse may have a legal claim to the life insurance proceeds—even if someone else is named as beneficiary. These cases often require legal action to enforce spousal rights.

Does ERISA override state law in employer-provided life insurance?
Yes. If the life insurance policy was provided through an employer, ERISA—a federal law—may control the outcome. This can override state-specific rules about beneficiaries, divorce, or spousal rights. An experienced attorney can help navigate the interaction between state law and federal ERISA rules.