Matters of Life and Death 

The article warns against naming minor children as direct beneficiaries on financial accounts and life insurance policies, as this practice can create significant legal complications rather than avoiding them. While such designations bypass probate initially, financial institutions typically require courts to appoint a conservator to manage funds for minors, resulting in court supervision, delays, and restricted access until the child turns eighteen. The author illustrates this problem through the example of Jill, a single mother whose sudden death leaves her children with substantial benefits that her mother cannot access without court involvement.