A deceased policyholder, a resident of Quebec, designated their common-law partner as the sole beneficiary of their life insurance policy. Shortly before their death, they executed a new will that explicitly disinherited the common-law partner and named their adult children as the sole heirs to their entire estate. The common-law partner is now claiming the insurance proceeds. Which of the following statements is most accurate regarding the distribution of the life insurance proceeds in this scenario?

Question: A deceased policyholder, a resident of Quebec, designated their common-law partner as the sole beneficiary of their life insurance policy. Shortly before their death, they executed a new will that explicitly disinherited the common-law partner and named their adult children as the sole heirs to their entire estate. The common-law partner is now claiming the insurance proceeds. Which of the following statements is most accurate regarding the distribution of the life insurance proceeds in this scenario?

Answer options: ✅ The life insurance proceeds will be paid to the common-law partner, as a beneficiary designation in Quebec is generally irrevocable unless changed according to the policy's terms or by a specific declaration.

• The life insurance proceeds will be paid to the adult children, as the most recent will supersedes any prior beneficiary designation for all assets, including life insurance.
• The life insurance proceeds will be split equally between the common-law partner and the adult children, reflecting a compromise due to conflicting wishes.
• The life insurance proceeds will be paid into the estate, and a court will determine the appropriate distribution based on the deceased's final intentions as expressed in the will.

Correct answer: The life insurance proceeds will be paid to the common-law partner, as a beneficiary designation in Quebec is generally irrevocable unless changed according to the policy's terms or by a specific declaration.

Explanation: In Quebec, beneficiary designations for life insurance are generally governed by the Civil Code of Quebec. These designations are typically irrevocable unless the policyholder reserves the right to change the beneficiary or a formal change is made in accordance with the insurer's requirements, and a will generally does not override a valid, separately made beneficiary designation.