Prudential Insurance v. Weatherford

Under a stipulated order of interpleader plaintiff paid into court the full amount of its term life insurance policy on the life of Grant Weatherford (Grant). The litigation proceeded as an action at law between Karma Wea-therford (Karma), decedent’s ex-wife, and the personal representative of Grant’s estate to determine the right to the policy proceeds.

Grant and Karma were married in June, 1977, and shortly thereafter Grant named Karma as the beneficiary of the group life insurance policy maintained by his employer. The marriage ended in divorce on July 10,1978. A property settlement…