Georgia Court Awards $492,000 to Son in Beneficiary Dispute

Michael J. Hoover
Sep 12
3 min read

This article details a significant legal victory where Nasir Taylor, the surviving son of Dominique Bowers, secured $492,000 in a life insurance beneficiary dispute. Learn how Interpleader Law’s ERISA appeal was pivotal in this Georgia federal court case, ensuring justice for the rightful claimant.

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

Case Overview

Nasir Taylor, the son of Dominique Bowers, was awarded $492,000 from a MetLife life insurance policy after a dispute with Bowers’ boyfriend, Nikolaos Zaharopoulos. The case, decided in the Middle District of Georgia, affirmed Nasir’s right as the surviving child over Zaharopoulos’ claim as a “domestic partner.”

Case Details

Author: Michael J. Hoover

Date: September 6, 2023

Court: Middle District of Georgia

Case: Nikolaos Zaharopoulos v. Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, et al., Case No. 5:22-cv-00348-MTT

Summary: Dominique Bowers, a Northrop Grumman employee, was fatally shot in August 2021, leaving a $492,000 MetLife life insurance policy without a named beneficiary. Her boyfriend, Nikolaos Zaharopoulos, claimed the death benefit as her “domestic partner,” while her son, Nasir Taylor, asserted his right as the surviving child. Interpleader Law, representing Nasir, filed an ERISA appeal that reversed MetLife’s initial approval of Zaharopoulos’ claim. Chief Judge Mark Treadwell granted summary judgment in favor of Nasir, securing the full $492,000 for him.

Legal Background

The case was governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), with interpleader law allowing MetLife to deposit the disputed $492,000 with the court for a neutral resolution. Interpleader Law’s ERISA appeal demonstrated that Zaharopoulos did not meet the plan’s definition of “domestic partner,” as he lacked a signed declaration from Bowers. The court upheld the plan’s default provision, prioritizing the surviving child when no beneficiary is named.

Key Ruling Details

Chief Judge Marc T. Treadwell’s ruling on September 6, 2023, granted summary judgment to Nasir Taylor, affirming his status as the lawful beneficiary under the plan’s terms. The court found that Zaharopoulos was not Bowers’ “domestic partner,” as he could not provide a signed domestic partner declaration, a requirement under the plan. The decision awarded the full $492,000 to Nasir, with the court also administratively terminating Bowers’ minor son, J.C., as a party after he renounced his claim.

Importance of Interpleader Law

Resolves Conflicts: Interpleader law enables courts to fairly settle disputes over life insurance proceeds, as seen in this MetLife case.
Upholds Plan Terms: It ensures adherence to ERISA plan provisions, protecting rightful beneficiaries like Nasir Taylor.
Legal Strategy: Expert representation, like Michael J. Hoover’s, is crucial in navigating ERISA appeals and securing favorable outcomes in beneficiary disputes.

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.

What happens when a life insurance policy has no named beneficiary?

Under ERISA plans, if no beneficiary is named, benefits are typically paid to a spouse or domestic partner, then to surviving children, as shown by Nasir Taylor’s recovery.

Can an ERISA appeal change a life insurance claim decision?

Yes, a well-executed ERISA appeal, as in this case, can reverse an insurer’s initial decision, ensuring benefits go to the rightful claimant.