Related Definitions
What is a Beneficiary?
A beneficiary is any individual in line to inherit assets like money or property from a deceased individual. A beneficiary can be determined by state law or named in a will or trust document.
An individual or entity designated to receive assets or benefits from a will, trust, insurance policy, bank account, or retirement account upon the death of the grantor or policyholder. Beneficiaries can be individuals, charities, or organizations, and their rights to the assets depend on the terms of the governing document. Understanding the role of beneficiaries is crucial in estate planning, as it ensures that the grantor’s wishes regarding asset distribution are fulfilled.
Are You a Beneficiary of a Trust or Estate?
RMO offers personalized legal support to ensure your inheritance is protected.
Serving clients across California and Texas
Related Articles
Insights and advice on trust and probate estate litigation from our blog.
- Probate Litigation
- 3 min read
How to Contest a Will in California
Key Takeaways Understanding Will Contests A will contest is the legal process of challenging the validity of the legal document stating how a person, [...]
- Probate Litigation
- 3 min read
How to Handle Undisclosed or Hidden Assets in Probate Litigation
Executive Summary Introduction The probate administration process is the court process by which a decedent’s creditors are paid and their remaining assets are distributed [...]
- Conservatorships
- 3 min read
Is Conservatorship the Same as Power of Attorney? Key Differences
Key Takeaways Introduction Whether a person experiences mental incapacity or has a temporary travel arrangement, there are many situations that can arise and prevent [...]
- Executor of a Will
- 3 min read
How Long Do You Have To Sue an Executor?
Executive Summary Introduction Executors are an integral part of the probate process, as they ensure that estate assets are distributed to beneficiaries and that [...]
- News
- 3 min read
Stephanie K. Delaney and Phillip J. Szachowicz Named San Diego Super Lawyers 2025 Rising Stars
- News
- 3 min read
Uzzell S. Branson IV Named 2025 San Diego Super Lawyer
- Will Contest
- 3 min read
Essential Evidence Needed to Successfully Contest a Will
Executive summary Introduction A will contest is a common practice during probate if there are concerns about the document or the estate plan. However, [...]
- Creditors
- 3 min read
Protecting Inherited Wealth from Creditors and Litigation
Executive summary Introduction For estates of high-net-worth individuals, protecting wealth for their heirs and successors is paramount. Some of the biggest threats to inherited [...]
- Probate Litigation
- 3 min read
Tax Implications in High-Value Probate & Trust Litigation
Executive summary Tax implications in high-value probate If you are an interested party in a high-value estate, then it’s important that you understand the [...]
- Inheritance Disputes
- 3 min read
What Is a Child Entitled to When a Parent Dies With a Will
Executive summary Introduction Upon the death of a parent, children face an extremely difficult time having to grieve the loss of a parent but [...]
- Trust Litigation
- 3 min read
How Recent Legal Changes Affect High-Value Estate and Trust Litigation
Executive Summary Introduction Estate and trust litigation involves issues such as disputes surrounding trust distributions, contests concerning the validity of a trust, or concerns [...]
- Probate Litigation
- 3 min read
Understanding the Probate Process: A Step-by-Step Guide for High-Net-Worth Individuals
Executive summary Introduction Probate is the process of managing, administrating, and distributing the assets of an estate, either with or without a will. It [...]