Can my creditors go after a disclaimed life insurance policy in Philadelphia?

From our “Ask a Question” mailbag: Last year, my mother died in Philadelphia and named me as beneficiary of her life insurance. As my children were the contingent beneficiaries, I decided to disclaim the inheritance, and the insurance money passed to my children. I was recently in a car accident. If I am sued can they claim that life insurance money?

No one can force you to take an inheritance. If you properly disclaimed your interest in the life insurance, then you never received it. If you never received it, then any future creditor that you may have cannot claim the asset. From your description of the facts, your car accident came after the disclaimer. If so, and if you properly disclaimed, the plaintiff cannot reach the insurance proceeds.

If you have questions about Estate Planning or Asset Protection in Philadelphia County, feel free to contact our office for a free consultation.