If she died without a will who would receive the death benefit?

Mercedes is a single mother to her 5-year-old son Arthur. Arthur’s father Richard is not in his son’s life because he is a recovering drug dealer who spent the last 4 years in and out of prison. Mercedes has full custody of Arthur and cannot count on help from her family because they live in another province.

Wanting to ensure his well-being, in the event of her death, Mercedes purchases a $100,000 life insurance policy and names Arthur the sole beneficiary of the policy.

If she died without a will who would receive the death benefit?
A . Arthur
B . Richard
C . Director of youth protection
D . Mercedes’s estate

View Answer

Answer: A

Explanation:

Since Arthur is the named beneficiary on Mercedes’ life insurance policy, the death benefit will be payable to him directly. Under LLQP provisions, life insurance proceeds designated to a minor beneficiary are generally paid into a trust or managed by a legal guardian until the minor reaches the age of majority.

In this case, because Mercedes died intestate (without a will), Arthur would still receive the proceeds of the life insurance policy as the sole named beneficiary. However, since he is a minor, the Director of Youth Protection or a legal guardian may be appointed to manage the funds until Arthur becomes of age.