Shepherd v. Pacific Mutual Life Insurance

This action was commenced at law by the mother of the insured as named beneficiary for the proceeds of a policy of life insurance issued by the defendant insurance company. Viola Mae Shepherd, divorced wife of the insured and legal guardian of Judith Anne Shepherd, minor daughter of the insured, filed an answer and cross-petition. The answer was in the nature of a general denial. • The cross-petition asserted an oral contract with the insured whereby his daughter, Judith Anne Shepherd, was named an irrevocable beneficiary under the policy. The answer to the cross-petition was in the nature of…