
Primary vs. Contingent Beneficiary - LegalZoom
Jul 7, 2025 · When setting up a life insurance policy, retirement account, or living trust, you should name a primary beneficiary, or the first person or entity in line to receive those assets upon your death.
What is a Primary Beneficiary? Definition & Key Importance
Jan 2, 2026 · What Is a Primary Beneficiary? A primary beneficiary is the first individual or organization designated to receive assets or benefits from sources like a will, trust, retirement account, or...
Primary vs. Contingent Beneficiary Explained | The Motley Fool
Dec 21, 2025 · Primary beneficiaries, usually spouses and partners, are the first ones to inherit your assets when you die; contingent beneficiaries are the second ones in line to receive your assets.
Types of Beneficiaries - Ramsey
Mar 24, 2025 · Key Takeaways A beneficiary is the person or organization you name in your will or life insurance policy to get your stuff when you pass away. Primary beneficiaries are first in line to …
Who Is a Primary Beneficiary? - LegalClarity
Aug 10, 2025 · A primary beneficiary is the individual or entity designated as the first in line to receive assets from an account or policy upon the owner’s death. This designation is legally binding and …
Primary vs Contingent Beneficiary: Key Differences - LegalShield
What is a primary beneficiary? As Tarpinian explains: "A primary beneficiary is the first in line to inherit." Primary beneficiaries have the legal right to receive assets immediately upon your death, provided …
What Does It Mean to Be a Primary Beneficiary? | LegalInsights
Apr 17, 2025 · What Does It Mean to Be a Primary Beneficiary? When assets are distributed after death or from certain financial accounts, the primary beneficiary designation plays a crucial role.
What is a primary beneficiary for a will? - Policygenius
Dec 13, 2021 · A primary beneficiary of your will is who will receive assets from your estate after you die, as long as they can legally receive the assets.
What is a Primary and a Contingent Beneficiary?
Sep 5, 2024 · What Is a Primary Beneficiary? A primary beneficiary is the person or entity you choose to receive your assets first when you pass away. This could be a spouse, a child, a friend, or even a …
Contingent Beneficiary Guide: Primary vs Secondary
Jan 11, 2021 · After naming your spouse as primary beneficiary, you might designate your children, siblings, parents, or other relatives as contingent beneficiaries. Close friends or longtime companions …