Massachusetts § 36 - Designation of beneficiary; deferred compensation or retirement plans
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 36 — Designation of beneficiary; deferred compensation or retirement plans, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 36. Designation of beneficiary; deferred compensation or retirement plans
Section 36. Any designation of any beneficiary in connection with and as provided by an instrument intended to establish a pension, profit-sharing or other deferred compensation or retirement plan, trust or custodial account described in one or more of the following sections of the Internal Revenue Code of the United States, and in effect from time to time, shall be effective according to its terms, notwithstanding any purported testamentary disposition allowed by statute, by operation of law or otherwise to the contrary; section four hundred and one (a), section four hundred and one (f), section four hundred and three (b)(7), section four hundred and five (a), section four hundred and eight (a), and section four hundred and eight (h). Nothing in this section is intended to limit, by implication or otherwise, any nonstatutory right of an employee to designate one or more beneficiaries in the employees' interest under any retirement plan not described in this section or under any other employee benefit plan.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 36
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 36 cover?
Section 36 ("Designation of beneficiary; deferred compensation or retirement plans") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Massachusetts § 36?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 36" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
How does Massachusetts § 36 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.