It is the responsibility of the person holding the life insurance policy to keep the beneficiary data updated as necessary. In the scenario in the question, the ex girlfriend was listed as the beneficiary ... and will be awarded the proceeds from the policy. Unfortunately, there is little the spouse can do to stop that. The beneficiary designation is binding and will hold up in a court of law.
The person named beneficiary is the sole recipient, the ex-spouse would not have a supportable claim to any portion of the death benefit.
The Florida Probate Code In Florida, divorce does not remove the ex-spouse as beneficiary under a life insurance policy. Florida takes the position that the life insurance policy is a contract and should not be interfered with unless fraud is involved. Check your insurance policy to be sure who you have named as beneficiary. Do not rely on the numerous statutory probate codes to determine who will get the insurance proceeds. If you want to change the beneificary of your life insurance policy and the divorce decree is final, complete a new beneficiary form, keep a copy and send it to the insurance company.
If you own the property you are an insured. The agent can't legally remove you from the policy. If he does he is subject to review by your states Insurance Licensing Bureau.
A life insurance policy is a contract and therefor no state or other entity can invalidate it. If you are the owner or irrevocable beneficiary, no one can change that but you. However, if the individual decides to stop paying on the policy it may expire.
If you have insurance through your employer, and you are the policy holder,(the insurance is in your name) this insurance will be primary for you, and your spouses insurance policy will be secondary. The insurance policy thru your spouse's employer, (your spouse is the policy holder, or the insurance is in their name), this would be primary for your spouse, and your policy would be their secondary. Here's the phamplet from Medicare http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/02179.pdf
Under normal circumstances, no. A life insurance company will pay the proceeds to the named beneficiary.
Is there an insurable interest, like child support, alimony, estate planning for the kids? Is the x-spouse willing to sign the application and take the physical?
No.. get rid of him.. Think about yourself and save money. It is better to save than to spend. If you really want to, it is legal.
No
No.
Your spouse can get a separate policy (usually cheaper) or you can contact your insurance company to get the right paperwork for adding your spouse. Adding your spouse as a beneficiary, your agent can help.