While you can name a child as your contingent beneficiary, they may not have direct or immediate access to the funds you leave behind. Be aware that if a beneficiary is a minor,  your policy may require funds to be held in trust until they are of age. Alternatively, your policy may require a court-appointed adult custodian to oversee the funds on that child’s behalf. If the beneficiary is a minor when they are named but an adult when the policyholder dies, they should be able to receive the funds directly without the need for a trust or custodian.