It has been said that the chief object for which insurance offices exist is to pay claims. Whether this is true or not it is certain that the payment of claims is an important part of the business of life offices. Before, however, claims can be paid it is necessary to ascertain who is the proper person to receive payment and in view of the troubles in which an office may be involved if payment is made incorrectly it is essential that those who aspire to official positions in life offices should have some knowledge of law.

As under the rules of this Society this paper must be read in 20 minutes it will only be possible to deal with a few of the points which arise, but it is hoped that it will give a bird's-eye view of the subject and so enable those who are about to consider it more fully to do so with advantage.

In the following notes English law is referred to in the absence of any statement to the contrary.