Beneficiaries
Discover how to name beneficiaries in your trust or will. Learn about primary vs contingent beneficiaries, per stirpes distributions, and common mistakes to ...
What happens if I don't name contingent beneficiaries in my trust?
Without contingent beneficiaries, your assets could end up in probate if your primary beneficiaries predecease you or cannot inherit. This means a court would decide how to distribute your assets according to state intestacy laws, potentially giving them to relatives you didn't intend. Naming contingent beneficiaries ensures your assets go where you want them, even if your first choices aren't available. Many people name their children as primary beneficiaries and grandchildren as contingent beneficiaries to keep assets in the family line.
