Our Tennessee interpleader lawyers handle all life insurance interpleader cases and beneficiary disputes.
A life insurance interpleader case is a legal action that occurs when there are conflicting claims to the proceeds of a life insurance policy. The insurance company files an interpleader complaint with the court and deposits the policy proceeds with the court, asking the court to decide who is entitled to receive the money. The insurance company then names all the potential beneficiaries as defendants in the suit and is usually discharged from further liability.
Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance interpleader Tennessee: the insurance company filed an interpleader action in Henry County to determine the rightful beneficiary of a term life insurance policy after the insured, Robert Leon Corley, died. The primary beneficiary was his wife, Patricia Lee Futrell Corley, but the insured had changed the beneficiary to another woman, Cheryl Ann Jones Patterson, before his death. The court of appeals reversed the trial court’s denial of Patterson’s motion to dismiss the interpleader action, based on the doctrine of prior suit pending, because Patterson had already filed a complaint in Humphreys County against the insurance company seeking payment of the policy proceeds. TransAmerica Premier Life interpleader Tennessee: the insurance company filed an interpleader action in Louisiana to determine the rightful beneficiary of two accidental-death insurance policies issued to Joel Michael Guy, Sr. and his wife, Lisa Guy, who were both murdered by their son, Joel Michael Guy, Jr. The son was the sole beneficiary under both policies, but he was disqualified from receiving the benefits under Louisiana’s slayer statute. The court granted partial summary judgment to two pairs of contingent beneficiaries related to Joel Sr. and Lisa, declaring that they were entitled to their respective portions of the interpleaded funds.
The Prudential Insurance interpleader Tennessee: the insurance company filed an interpleader action in Tennessee to determine the rightful beneficiary of a group life insurance policy issued to Jesse Reed, who died in March 2018. The primary beneficiary was his wife, Mary Ellen Reed, but she was under investigation as a suspect in his homicide. The court denied Ellen Reed’s motion for summary judgment, finding that there were genuine issues of material fact as to whether she feloniously and intentionally killed her husband and forfeited her right to the policy proceeds under Tennessee’s slayer statute. Prudential interpleader Tennessee: the insurance company filed an interpleader action in Tennessee to determine the rightful beneficiary of a life insurance and accidental death policy issued to John Paul Wilty, Sr., who was murdered in his driveway in Mississippi. The primary beneficiary was his wife, Angela Wilty, but she was arrested and charged with his murder. The court granted summary judgment to the contingent beneficiaries, John Paul Wilty, Jr. and Crystal Michelle Dennison (the insured’s children), declaring that they were entitled to the policy proceeds under Mississippi’s slayer statute. Reliance Standard interpleader Tennessee: the insurance company filed an interpleader action in Tennessee to determine the rightful beneficiary of a group life insurance policy issued to James Murchison III, who died in June 2018. The primary beneficiary was his wife, Rita Murchison, but she was indicted for first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder in connection with his death. The court granted summary judgment to the contingent beneficiaries, James Murchison IV and Jada Murchison (the insured’s children), declaring that they were entitled to the policy proceeds under Tennessee’s slayer statute.
A Tennessee Interpleader Case Background:
Mr. Anderson, a successful business owner, held a substantial life insurance policy with Life Insurance Company such as First Capital Life, Lincoln Memorial Life or American Chambers Life. Unfortunately, he passed away unexpectedly. The life insurance policy listed two potential beneficiaries: his sister, Lisa, and his business partner, Alex.
Beneficiary Dispute:
Both Lisa and Alex claimed to be the rightful beneficiary of the life insurance proceeds. Lisa argued that Mr. Anderson had verbally expressed his intention to make her the sole beneficiary, while Alex insisted that they had a written agreement that entitled him to the proceeds as a key person in the business.
Interpleader Claim Initiation:
In light of the conflicting claims, Life Insurance Company decided to file a life insurance interpleader claim in the appropriate court. They deposited the policy proceeds with the court and submitted the necessary documentation, naming Lisa and Alex as defendants in the interpleader action.
Court Proceedings:
The court would then summon Lisa and Alex to present their cases. Lisa would have the opportunity to provide any evidence supporting her claim, such as witness statements or any documentation suggesting Mr. Anderson’s verbal intent. On the other hand, Alex would present the written agreement and argue that it supersedes any verbal communication.
Resolution:
The court, in its role as a neutral party, would evaluate the evidence presented by both parties. The goal is to determine the rightful beneficiary of the life insurance proceeds. If the court cannot definitively decide, the funds deposited by Life Insurance Company would be distributed equitably or as determined by the court.
Conclusion:
Life insurance interpleader claims are essential in cases of beneficiary disputes, ensuring a fair and impartial resolution while protecting the insurance company from potential legal repercussions. This hypothetical scenario illustrates the complexity and importance of such interpleader claims in navigating beneficiary conflicts.