Death with no beneficiary form

[cpc0506]

Hello.

Particpant passes away. Did not have a beneficiary form. The deceased is not married and has no children.

What happens to the money? Is there a next in line?

Thanks.

[rcline46]

Your plan document should list the default beneficiaries - usually it is spouse, children, parents, estate.

[Guest SloWorker]

Agreed. I can't imagine the plan doc not having it. Though I haven't come across parents in the list before.

[masteff]

Can someone confirm that if the plan doc is silent then applicable state law would govern? If you can't find it in the plan then your next phone call should be to a lawyer.

[QDROphile]

And then the lawyer would sue the plan document provider?