Hi,

Appreciate advice.

Situation:

My dad (passed away 3 months ago, lived in NY) named his 6 adult children as beneficiaries per stirpes on his IRA.

I (live in CT) would like to disclaim my portion so it passes to my only child who is a minor.

No other other beneficiaries plan to disclaim.

I believe it is fairly straightforward process to inform the large mutual fund company who holds the IRA that I am disclaiming.

I believe it should also be straightforward to establish a UTMA account for my minor child and have the custodian make a claim on behalf of my minor child.

The large mutual fund company who holds the assets will not assure me that my son will be the beneficiary if I disclaim. They indicate they will not make the determination on who benefits but state that some authority needs to make this designation. They don’t have a good answer when pressed on who this authority would be – saying I need to get a lawyer involved.

I am hesitant to simply move ahead as the disclaimer is irrevocable and i’d like to be assured that the money will go to my child before making that disclaimer.

I think I am on solid ground with my plan but would feel much better if the fund company would assure me that this will proceed as expected.

If relevant, I am the executor on the estate with my brother. I understand as a disclaiming beneficiary I can have no say in who inherits. If necessary, can my brother make that indication? (He will do so.)

And, if you got this far, any reason my spouse cannot be the custodian on the UTMA account?

Thank you.