Does the wife automatically become beneficiary?

No, a wife does not automatically become a beneficiary unless explicitly designated in legal documents such as a will, trust, or insurance policy. Beneficiary designations are specific and must be clearly stated to ensure that assets are transferred according to the individual's wishes. In the absence of such designations, the distribution of assets may follow state intestacy laws, which could differ from the individual's intentions. It's essential to review and update beneficiary designations regularly to reflect current relationships and wishes.