Aetna Life Ins. Co. of Hartford v. Bush

BOWEN, Chief Judge.

Prior to December 29, 1950, the insured’s mother was the unquestioned beneficiary of his life insurance policy. On that date he attempted to change such beneficiary from his mother to his estate in the manner described below. He died on January 7, 1951, and both his mother and his estate claim the policy proceeds. Hence, this action to determine the rightful beneficiary.

The pertinent policy provision was in substance that the beneficiary could be changed effective upon “receipt at the Home Office of the Company * * * of a request signed by the life beneficiary (the insured)…