Beneficiary is “Estate of Insured” but no Estate exists

Hello,

I’m looking for some advice and help filing an Life Insurance claim after the recent passing of my Mother. My Brother and I have completed work with our family Lawyer to finalize our Mother’s Living Trust and I am now the Trustee of her Trust. The Trust basically divided her ownership of our house of residence to be 50/50 between my brother and I. Previously, this was 50/25/25. From what I understand, the beneficiary designation of the Life Insurance policy is “Estate of the Insured”. The email that I have also says that “if no Estate was established, please also complete the Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property section”. I have an idea of what I need to fill out in the Claim Form but I wanted to see if anyone can confirm that I’m correct.

The Claim Form has 5 sections: Insured Info, Federal Tax Withholding, Beneficiary Info, Surviving Children Statement, and Affidavit for Collection of Property.

Insured Info is straightforward as well as Federal Tax Withholding as it says “Annuity Products only” so I am assuming that I will check the box that says “do not withhold taxes”. Beneficiary section says “if the beneficiary is the estate and there is no estate, complete the Affidavit for Collection of Property below” so I’m assuming that I will leave this section blank. Surviving Children Statement states “complete only if multiple children are designated as beneficiaries” so I’m assuming that this section will also remain blank. Affidavit for Collection of Property section: “I, name, as Affiant, hereby attest, to the best of my knowledge:” then it has 3 checkboxes -1: I am entitled to the decendent’s remaining personal property -2: The value of the entire estate, wherever located, less liens and encumbrances does not exceed the maximum statutory amount for the use of an affidavit to transfer property -3: No application or petition for appointment of a personal representative is pending or has been granted in any jurisdiction Then it states “I further agree to indemnify and hold harmless said insurance company from any and all cost, action, losses or damages which it may suffer by virtue of payment of any proceeds under the above described policies and agree to join into litigation concerning the payment of said proceeds and furnish proofs, if requested”. I did notice that “decedent” is spelled incorrectly there. But, I’m not sure if I would check one box, which I think is box 1, or if all three boxes need to be checked.

As a review I’m planning to fill my mom’s info in part one, select “do not withhold taxes” in part two, leave part three and part four blank, then in part five I think I need to fill it in and check box 1 and sign the form. Does anyone see us needing to have additional documentation or “court orders” for anything? Per the email it just requests to fill the form and return with a copy of death certificate and a copy of the paid in full receipt from the funeral home. Any advice or thoughts would be greatly appreciated! Thank you! -LG