beneficiary vs. will

[Nancy E]

My mother died this past May 2007. I received a letter in the mail from her VALIC account giving me their condolences about her death along with a "death claim" form to fill out saying that I also had to send in a death certificate which I did. The form also said that if there were other beneficiaries, they would be notified to file their claims also. I called the number that was listed on the paperwork to make sure that I filled out the paperwork correctly. I went away for a week and when I returned, I had a check from the company made out to me. If I was not a beneficiary, they would not have sent me the paperwork to fill out and, they surely would not have sent me a check is this right? What happens if, per say, that my mother left it to someone in her will? Does being the beneficiary overrule the will? I need an answer as soon as possible, PLEASE I received the paperwork to fill out 2 months after her passing. I live in the state of Florida

[judg4]

It depends what was the account but many pass independent of probate; you should call the company to confirm.