Question about beneficiaries both being dead

Before my step dad died, he told me that he had changed me to be his beneficiary since my mom had already passed. When he died, the insurance agent said that my mom was still listed as his beneficiary and his mom (who is dead as well) was the contingent. My husband is adamant that the money would go to my mom’s estate (even though she passed before my step dad). I don’t think so and don’t want to hire a lawyer and waste the money if I won’t get the pay out anyway. What do you guys think????