Who should she name as a beneficiary?

Svetlana is a 45-year-old single mother with two children: Georgi 17; and Ingrid 13. The children’s father, Vladimir, has a serious gambling problem and only visits them sporadically. Vladimir’s younger brother Sergei, on the other hand, is a dependable and helpful uncle who helps Svetlana regularly with the children. Svetlana meets with Robert, an insurance agent to review her life insurance needs because she wants to make sure that her children are taken care of if she were to die prematurely. Robert suggests that she purchase a $200,000 policy.

Who should she name as a beneficiary?
A . Georgi and Ingrid but name Vladimir as a trustee.
B . Georgi and Ingrid but name Sergei as a trustee.
C . Sergei
D . Vladimir

View Answer

Answer: B

Explanation:

Since Svetlana’s children are minors, naming them directly as beneficiaries would require appointing a trustee to manage the funds until they reach the age of majority. Given that Vladimir is unreliable, Sergei―who is dependable and supportive―is the most suitable choice to act as trustee. Naming him as trustee ensures that the funds are managed responsibly for the benefit of Georgi and Ingrid until they can access them. Therefore, Option B is the most appropriate choice.