Caretaker Secures 76% of $262,000 in Georgia Dispute

Michael J. Hoover
Oct 5
2 min read

This article details a significant legal victory where Ronald W. DeLong, a private nurse and caretaker, secured $200,000—76% of a $262,000 life insurance death benefit—following a dispute over a policy transfer. Learn how interpleader law was pivotal in achieving a settlement in this Georgia federal court case.

Case Overview
Legal Background
Key Ruling Details
Importance of Interpleader Law
Frequently Asked Questions

Case Overview

Ronald W. DeLong, a private nurse, was awarded $200,000 from a $262,000 life insurance death benefit after the insured transferred the policy to him for medical services. The insured’s mother challenged the transaction, but a settlement was negotiated in the Northern District of Georgia, securing 76% of the benefit for DeLong.

Case Details

Author: Michael J. Hoover
Date: July 19, 2022
Court: Northern District of Georgia
Case: American General Life Insurance Company v. Ronald W. DeLong, et al., Case No. 1:21-cv-00790-JPB
Summary: When the insured transferred his life insurance policy to his private nurse, Ronald W. DeLong, for medical services, the insured’s mother contested the transfer. Through interpleader law, attorney Michael J. Hoover negotiated a settlement, securing $200,000—76% of the $262,000 death benefit—for DeLong, with the remaining amount presumably allocated to the mother or other parties.

Legal Background

The case relied on interpleader law, which allowed American General Life Insurance Company to deposit the disputed $262,000 with the court for a neutral resolution. Michael J. Hoover’s legal strategy facilitated a settlement, ensuring the caretaker’s rights as the designated beneficiary were upheld against the challenge.

Key Ruling Details

Judge J. P. Boulee approved a settlement awarding $200,000 to Ronald W. DeLong, representing 76% of the $262,000 death benefit. The ruling resolved the dispute over the policy transfer, affirming the validity of the caretaker’s claim while addressing the mother’s challenge.

Importance of Interpleader Law

Resolves Conflicts: Interpleader law enables courts to fairly settle disputes over life insurance proceeds, as seen in this American General case.
Protects Beneficiary Rights: It supports negotiated settlements in disputes involving policy transfers, safeguarding rightful beneficiaries like caretakers.
Legal Strategy: Expert representation, like Michael J. Hoover’s, is crucial in navigating complex beneficiary disputes and securing favorable settlements.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does interpleader law affect life insurance disputes?

Interpleader law allows courts to resolve competing claims to life insurance proceeds, ensuring a neutral and fair outcome, as demonstrated in this Georgia case.

Can a policy transfer to a caretaker be challenged?

Yes, such transfers can be contested, but interpleader law and settlements often resolve disputes, protecting the designated beneficiary’s interests if substantiated.