Inherited annuity

[Tahoe Ray]

So as far as they are concerned, they have given me ownership of my share (documented by a will and other communication with the estate's attorney and executor) of the plan.

Lol...ok.

IRAs and retirement accounts have beneficiary designations that bypass the will and don't go through probate. (unless the bene was missing, listed as "estate", or the primary bene is dead.)

Maybe you're getting tripped up on the word owner. Call it whatever you want.

A non-spouse can't inherit an IRA and treat it as their own. It is dictated by a different set of rules. This is the whole point of this thread and others discussing the SECURE act and its effect on inherited IRAs. A spouse doesn't need to "inherit" an IRA. Generally, they can just take it over as their own.

Retirement Topics - Beneficiary | Internal Revenue Service

 

[LostDollar]

This did not go through probate and ownership is the custodian's term, not mine.

My only reason for posting what I did is to suggest that the 3rd option caltc posted in his "upon death" quote may be a real procedure which is available and will be explained to him in paperwork he has not yet received.