Usually not, unless it falls into one of the circumstances outlined below. However, if you think there may be a problem, or the policy is very large (or the estate is subject to Federal Estate Tax in which case it may be wise to ask tax counsel if a "disclaimer" might help reduce estate taxes before filing the claim) consulting a lawyer who knows insurance law would be wise.

Also, instead of taking large amounts of proceeds in a "lump sum" -- whether through the insurer's "checkbook instead of a check" program now used to pay larger sums of benefits by most life insurers in the United States (the concept was invented by the Chairman of FreeAdvice.com in 1983) or in a single check -- you may want to ask an attorney to find a neutral financial planner who could honestly explain some of the valuable settlement options that may be available to you as a beneficiary.

The checkbook instead of a check programs (and other settlement options) usually pay higher rates, with no commissions or fees (which is why some agents and brokers do not like people to consider them), and in some states also protect the proceeds from possible claims of creditors.