Over a decade ago, Lisa divorced her husband. Through the divorce, she was awarded sole custody of their disabled six-year-old daughter. The judge, to provide a benefit for the child’s future, ordered Lisa’s ex-husband to take out a life insurance policy, naming their child as the beneficiary.
While Lisa’s ex-husband did take out a life insurance policy, he named his new wife as the beneficiary of that policy instead of his daughter. When he died, Lisa rightfully felt that the proceeds from this life insurance policy should go to benefit their daughter.
At the Jewish United Fund (JUF) Clinic, Lisa met with volunteer attorneys from Aronberg Goldgehn Davis & Garmisa. Her case was handled by Alex Benigni and Elizabeth Lazzara through something called an interpleader action. Interpleader actions can be used when two or more parties have a claim to some asset controlled by someone else. In Lisa’s case, the life insurance company asked the court to determine who has what rights to the proceeds from the life insurance policy.
Alex and Elizabeth were able to negotiate a settlement that Lisa felt was appropriate. She was awarded $66,000, which will go a long way toward financial security for her daughter.
