I am so sorry for your loss. Ok so if they were not married and she was not supporting him in any way he has no right to have an insurance policy on her life.  He has no "insurable interest" under the law.  That makes me think that it is her policy (as owner) not his.  The beneficiary designation will hold unless you can prove it was signed under duress (and the abuse may be good proof).  I would write a letter to the insurance company and copy the state Insurance Department and tell them you are challening the policy and that you would like them to "interplead" the funds in to court.  If you Mom was on the lease and you are filling out a Probate Petition to be appointed by the court as her Personal Representative list the property she owned.  Don't worry about receipts right now.  Once appointed you are entitled to "marshall" the assets meaning you can take them to safe guard them.  You may need the Sheriff to help you but I would not go alone and I would call the landlord and ask for access. You need to pursue the charges against him as well. Take your family with you for support.  You all need eachother right now.  Good lukc.