Seitz v. Metropolitan Life Insurance

This case arises from a dispute between an insured’s first wife and second wife over the proceeds of a life insurance policy. The insured’s first wife and son were named primary and contingent beneficiaries, respectively, and the insured never changed these beneficiary designations after his divorce and second marriage.

The specific issue we address is whether the proceeds of a life insurance policy should be paid to the contingent beneficiary or to the estate of the insured when the policy designates the contingent beneficiary as taking in the event the primary beneficiary predeceases the…