2007 California Corporations Code Chapter 5. Death Benefit Payments By Fraternal Societies

CA Codes (corp:21400-21401)

21400.  Whenever any fraternal society or lodge, other than a
society subject to supervision by the Insurance Commissioner, pays
benefits contingent on the death of a member, beneficiaries other
than the following relatives by blood, marriage, or adoption shall be
paid only the excess of the amount of the benefits over the expense
of burial of the member:  Spouse, relative by blood to the fourth
degree, father-in-law, mother-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law,
stepfather, stepmother, stepchildren, children by legal adoption, and
parents by legal adoption.



21401.  Any fraternal society or lodge which makes any payment in
violation of this chapter is liable for the expense of burial of the
member to the extent of the amount paid in violation thereof.