The beneficiary(ies) named on each of your retirement plans will be the recipient(s) of your money — even if your will gives different instructions. To ensure you've named the right people and provided the necessary information, you should regularly perform a beneficiary review of your accounts.  This review will encompass Federal laws, identification of and/or removal of beneficiaries.  Updates due to Estate Planning, analysis of whether a spousal consent form is necessary.  Considerations for using trustees, trust where applicable and transfer on death registration are also part of this review. Naming of a contingent, secondary beneficiary (ies) and the use of custodial account will be reviewed where applicable.  Removal of ex-spouse or primary beneficiary due to death is also considered.  This review process will ensure prudent asset transfer to beneficiary(ies).