I am trying to find out if a policy I had is still in effect or if it was canceled.  I have the policy number. I also know it was taken out in 1997.  I'm trying to find this out because my wife passed away and I found these papers in her belongings. 

Answer:

The only way that the policy is still in effect is if it was a "whole life" policy. These types of policies become "paid up" and remain in effect even after you stop paying premiums. However, if it is any other type of life insurance, it's quite possible that the policy has been defaulted.

You'll need to contact the insurance company directly in order to know more.

If you need to review or change your existing life insurance, please consider taking a look at the companies that sponsor this page. You can find them at: http://www.insuranceguide101.com/search.aspx?keywords=life+insurance&submit.x=0&submit.y=0