Death at work complication on who receives compensation

[Mardy]

A relative recently, unfortunately died at work.

Prior to his death he signed some kind of agreement, that should he die at work, his daughter should be the sole person to receive any compensation.

He has a wife, who is asking for this to be signed over to her name, the daughter is dubious about doing so, if solicitors were to get involved, does the wife have a chance on this?

Thanks in advance

[Manxman]

Are you talking about some kind of death in service benefit at work? Will depend on the terms of the scheme. Any benefit may only be payable to a spouse or it may be possible to nominate somebody else. Depends on the scheme. (It may also be necessary to know if this "compensation" - as you call it - forms part of the deceased's estate or not).

[des8]

It could also be paid into a discretionary trust, so the trustees would have the final say on who gets what in spite of his wishes.

Do you know whom he worked for? It might be possible to access the T&Cs of the scheme on line.

[ostell]

When I was working and had* this benefit the trustees took nominations for the distribution of the benefit but this was only a suggestion and it was in the rules that the trustees could pay the benefit to who they wished.