Beneficiary Designation vs Will: Which One Wins?

Your will says the kids split everything. Your 401(k) form still names your ex. In most cases the form wins. John Konrad, the Financial Architect at Numeratus.us, splits what you own into two lanes: what your will controls, and what the beneficiary form controls. Retirement accounts, life insurance, and payable-on-death or transfer-on-death accounts generally pass by the form, outside your will and outside probate. Want someone to build your account map and read it next to your will? Book a Call at numeratus.us 00:00 Will Versus Forms 01:00 Two Lanes Explained 02:13 Why Forms Win 03:02 Ex Spouse Trap 03:20 ERISA And Divorce 04:28 State Law Exceptions 05:02 Spousal Consent Rules 05:27 Minors As Beneficiaries 06:28 Secure Act Tax Rules 07:12 Naming The Estate 07:47 Estate Tax Hit 09:16 Primary And Contingent 10:23 One Sitting Checklist 12:06 Wrap Up And Next Steps