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Home→Tools→Beneficiary Checker→Alabama

Are Beneficiary Designations Protected in Alabama?

Check how divorce, creditors, and state laws affect your life insurance, retirement accounts, and other beneficiary designations.

Select all that apply

West Dakota: $999,999 (99.9%)East Montana: $888,888 (88.8%)

This tool provides general information about state beneficiary designation laws. It does not constitute legal advice. ERISA-governed plans are subject to federal law which may differ from state law. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.Data verified 2026-01-21

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Protect your beneficiaries

Frequently Asked Questions

Alabama automatically revokes beneficiary designations to an ex-spouse upon divorce for most asset types including life insurance and retirement accounts. This is codified at Ala. Code § 30-4-17. ERISA-governed employer plans (like 401(k)s) are subject to federal law and require manual updates.

No. Alabama does not provide explicit creditor protection for inherited IRAs. The Supreme Court's Clark v. Rameker decision (2014) held that inherited IRAs are not protected in bankruptcy. See Ala. Code § 19-3B-508(g).

No. Per stirpes is not the default in Alabama. If a beneficiary dies before you without a named contingent beneficiary, the proceeds typically go to your estate and through probate. Explicit per stirpes designation or contingent beneficiaries are needed.

How Do Beneficiary Designations Work in Alabama?

Beneficiary designations on life insurance, retirement accounts, and payable-on-death accounts determine who receives these assets when you die. These designations override your will, making it critical to keep them updated.

Alabama is one of the states that automatically revokes beneficiary designations to an ex-spouse upon divorce. This applies to: life insurance, retirement accounts, pod accounts, tod accounts, annuities. However, ERISA-governed employer plans (401k, pension) are subject to federal law and must be updated manually.

Alabama does not have specific creditor protection for inherited IRAs. Following the Supreme Court's Clark v. Rameker decision, inherited IRAs are generally not protected in bankruptcy proceedings.

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