Kowalski

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

HARTFORD LIFE AND ACCIDENT

INSURANCE COMPANY, Case No. 21-cv-06469-RS

Plaintiff,

ORDER ON CROSS-MOTIONS FOR

v. SUMMARY JUDGMENT

HAILI KOWALSKI, et al., Defendants.

15 I. INTRODUCTION This interpleader action turns on one central question: which of the parties is entitled to the proceeds of a $493,000 life insurance policy? Haili Kowalski and Marilyn Valois, both Co- Defendants and Cross-Claimants, have brought cross-motions for summary judgment to resolve this question. Valois argues she is entitled to the policy proceeds because she is the named beneficiary. Meanwhile, Kowalski contends her minor son, E.K., has a superior right to the funds under the terms of a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (“QDRO”), as defined by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”), 29 U.S.C. § 1001 et seq. This order concludes Kowalski’s position is correct, and as such, her motion is…