What to do if beneficiary of a life insurance policy is refused death certificates?

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What to do if beneficiary of a life insurance policy is refused death certificates?

Upon death of my foster mother, I asked the funeral home for death certificates. I was informed “they were given to family” but since the executor of mom’s estate does not consider me a daughter to his grandmother, he informed the funeral home that I was only “raised” by said grandmother, so they refused to give me any certificates. I need at least 6 for being named beneficiary on her life insurance policies. The grandson doesn’t know this, so should I contact him and let him know or (as the funeral home suggested), go on line and pay for them?

Asked on February 13, 2012 under Estate Planning, Pennsylvania

Answers:

Catherine Taylor / Broadbent & Taylor

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

As a named beneficiary on life insurance policies, you are entitled to copies of the death certificate. I would tell him that you are a named beneficiary and show him the paperwork proving that you are. He has no legal right to bar you from obtaining a death certificate. 


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