In most states, a surviving spouse automatically inherits community property assets. This generally includes all property, such as the couple's home, bank accounts, and cars, that the couple comes to own during their marriage. However, property owned before the marriage, gifts, and inheritances are still separate.
Generally, an ERISA plan participant can select just about anyone to be their beneficiary. Typically, a plan participant selects their spouse, children, or other family members.
More In Retirement Plans Many plans require that the spouse is the primary beneficiary, unless the spouse gives written consent to an alternative beneficiary. A plan participant should review and possibly change his or her beneficiaries when his or her spouse dies.
The Spouse Is the Automatic Beneficiary for Married People A federal law, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), governs most pensions and retirement accounts.
You can name almost anyone as your beneficiary. such as your children, your parents, siblings, a friend, or your favorite charity. If you are married, your spouse is assumed to be your beneficiary. You will need their permission to designate a different primary beneficiary.
The Newlywed Game and Beyond. The retirement plan rules specify that for a married participant, the default beneficiary is his or her spouse.
A beneficiary is generally any person or entity the account owner chooses to receive the benefits of a retirement account or an IRA after they die. The owner must designate the beneficiary under procedures established by the plan.
Spouse benefit provisions of private pension plans reflect the influence of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) . Pension plans are not required by law, but once established, ERISA requires that they provide for annuities to spouses of deceased employees.