Does a life insurance beneficiary form have to be received by a insurance company before death of the insured?

Generally speaking, yes it does.  But I would inquire as to the policy requirements and possibly even request that the policy be sent to you.  If you are either the person that was previously named or the person that was named in a subsequent beneficiary form I would contact the insurance comoany and make a claim on the benefits.  Let them know that you are challenging the designation (which ever) and ask them to interplead the fund in to court.  Then check with your state law as well on the subject.  Good luck.