Find a Life Insurance Attorney in Your State


Denied a life insurance claim? Your state's laws may determine the outcome. Rules about beneficiary disputes, interpleader lawsuits, community property, divorce, and employer-provided policies vary widely from state to state. Some states revoke ex-spouses after divorce, others don’t. Some follow community property laws that give a spouse rights to the policy—even if they’re not named. And if the policy is through a job, federal ERISA law may override local rules altogether.

We handle denied life insurance claims in all 50 states. Click your state below to learn how we can help you recover the full payout.

Choose Your State Below

🔹 Northeast

Life insurance disputes in the Northeast frequently involve contested beneficiary designations, particularly after divorce or separation. Insurers often initiate interpleader actions when multiple parties claim entitlement to the same policy benefits.

🔹 Midwest

Midwestern cases often center on automatic revocation statutes and disagreements between relatives and designated beneficiaries. Interpleader filings are common when insurers face uncertainty about who is legally entitled to the proceeds.

🔹 South

The South sees a high volume of beneficiary conflicts tied to outdated policies or family disputes. Many cases lead to interpleader lawsuits, especially when surviving spouses and former partners assert competing claims.

🔹 West

In the West, beneficiary disputes often arise in blended families and policies with multiple revisions. Insurers regularly resort to interpleader lawsuits to avoid liability when beneficiaries are in conflict or court intervention is needed.

Why State Laws Matter in Denied Life Insurance Claims

Some of the most common reasons for denied claims—like misrepresentation, policy lapse, or disputed beneficiaries—are heavily influenced by your state’s laws. In community property states, for example, a surviving spouse might still be entitled to benefits, even if a different person is listed as beneficiary. In other states, a divorce may automatically revoke an ex-spouse’s rights—unless the policy was updated to keep them.

Federal law, especially ERISA, also plays a role in employer-provided policies. We understand how to navigate both state and federal systems to recover benefits that insurers try to deny.

We’ve handled life insurance disputes in every region of the country. Whether your case involves an accidental death, missed premiums, a reinstatement issue, or a beneficiary change, we know how to fight back and win.

FAQs About Denied Life Insurance Claims, State Laws ANd beneficiary Rights

Can a life insurance claim be denied because of state law?
Yes. State laws often determine whether a beneficiary is valid, especially after divorce, remarriage, or when community property rules apply. Some states revoke an ex-spouse’s rights automatically, while others do not. These differences can result in a denied or disputed claim.

What is an interpleader lawsuit in a life insurance dispute?
An interpleader lawsuit happens when an insurer receives claims from multiple people for the same policy. Instead of deciding who is right, the insurance company deposits the funds with the court and asks the parties to litigate. This is common in cases involving divorced spouses, children from prior relationships, or conflicting beneficiary forms.

What should I do if I’m involved in a beneficiary dispute?
If you’re in a dispute over life insurance proceeds—whether you're the named beneficiary or a surviving spouse—you should contact an attorney immediately. Legal deadlines apply, and insurers often delay or deny payment when there’s uncertainty. A qualified lawyer can protect your rights and work to recover the full benefit.