Generally the named beneficiary of life insurance contracts, IRAs, pension plans, and tax-deferred annuities will receive the assets at the death of the insured. When the beneficiary has attained the age of majority and is a natural person, not an estate, the beneficiary will receive the assets without any probate action. Problems generally arise when there is no beneficiary designation or if the beneficiary designation is outdated or improper. Here are some general guidelines to designating beneficiaries: