How Is Money in a Will Distributed if the First Listed Beneficiary is Deceased?

The Will language itself should provide the instruction on how and to whom the assets should be distributed.

If the Will provides for the passing of the deceased beneficiaries “per stirpes,” the gift could pass to the deceased person’s children.

If the will provides for “per capita” distribution, the gift would be shared with the other named beneficiaries.

If no designation is prescribed in the Will itself, state law may apply to provide for the estate’s distribution.

In any case, Standard Legal would strongly suggest that competent legal counsel be obtained to carefully review the Will, so that the proper administration of the estate can be had; you can find a local attorney for FREE at Standard Legal’s Attorney Find page.

To easily create a Will of either type listed above, see Standard Legal’s Last Will and Testament legal forms software page.