What does the spendthrift provision allow for in a life insurance policy?

The spendthrift provision in a life insurance policy is specifically designed to protect the policy's beneficiaries from creditors and to ensure that the benefits are not mismanaged. It prevents beneficiaries from assigning or giving away their rights to the policy proceeds, thus shielding the funds from creditors who might attempt to seize them for debts owed by the insured.

By including a spendthrift provision, a policy guarantees that the insurance payout will be distributed according to the terms of the policy and will be paid out in a structured manner, often through installments. This means that beneficiaries cannot alter the method of payout or change the specific installment arrangement, which helps ensure the financial security intended by the policyholder.

This structure supports the policyholder's intention to protect the beneficiaries from squandering the proceeds or from outside claims against them, ensuring they receive the financial support meant for them. The correct option reflects this protective and restrictive nature of the spendthrift provision in life insurance.