Money and accounts
Do life insurance payouts go through probate?
Short answer
No, if there is a named beneficiary. Life insurance with a named beneficiary passes directly to that person outside of probate. If the estate is named as beneficiary — or no beneficiary is listed — it may go through probate.
What this usually means
No, if there is a named beneficiary. Life insurance with a named beneficiary passes directly to that person outside of probate. If the estate is named as beneficiary — or no beneficiary is listed — it may go through probate.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.