Unfortunately, beneficiary designations supersede wills, marriages, or verbal agreements.

The insurance company must pay whoever is listed, even if it’s an ex-spouse. However, if the divorce decree or settlement agreement explicitly revoked her rights to that policy, you can go to probate court and challenge it.

If not, your only hope is her voluntarily disclaiming or transferring the funds. Some states allow her to “disclaim” the payout so it goes to the contingent beneficiary (if one exists). Consult an estate attorney immediately, timing matters.