After My Husband’s Death, His Mother Took Everything — Until The Final Hearing Changed It All

accounts: a 401(k) with $152,000 and a Roth IRA with $58,000. Named beneficiary receives directly, outside probate, outside the estate. Another $210,000 beyond Carla’s reach.

This isn’t a loophole. It’s how life insurance and retirement accounts work in every state. Financial advisers tell you to check your beneficiary designations every year. Joel continue reading …