Can ex spouse be held in contempt of court for not providing a life insurance policy to ex and not paying amount awarded to ex spouse in retirement funds?

Yes - if the insurance company will allow it. Some medical insurance companies will not.

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?

You can name anyone as beneficiary.

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...

You can apply for it and pay for it but you must get the ex's signature on the application. Usually this is written into the divorce agreement if kids are involved. If there is child support payments...