The Slayer's Rule

The Scenario

A grandson, in a moment of violence, killed his grandparents. The grandparents had life insurance policies.

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The Question

Can someone inherit from the person they killed?

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The Complexity

In most jurisdictions, the "Slayer Rule" prevents a beneficiary from profiting from intentionally causing the insured's death. But implementation is rarely automatic.

• Has there been a conviction?
• Is the case still pending?
• Are there contingent beneficiaries?
• What if the policy owner is different from the insured?
• What if probate is involved?

Claims teams must coordinate with law enforcement, attorneys, and courts — often for months or years — before determining payout eligibility. Meanwhile, other family members may be waiting.

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The Takeaway

Some claims sit at the intersection of criminal law and contract law — and examiners must remain neutral arbiters of policy language even when the circumstances are emotionally charged.