§ 33-10-38 — Unclaimed and withheld funds; termination of proceedings

(a) All unclaimed funds subject to distribution remaining in the liquidator's hands when he or she is ready to apply to the court for discharge, including the amount distributable to any creditor, shareholder, member or other person who is unknown or cannot be found, shall be deposited with the state Treasurer and shall be paid without interest to the person entitled thereto or his or her legal representative upon proof satisfactory to the state Treasurer of his or her right thereto. Any amount on deposit not claimed within six years from the discharge of the liquidator shall be considered to have been abandoned and shall be escheated to the State of West Virginia without formal escheat proceedings and be deposited with the General Fund.

(b) When all assets justifying the expense of collection and distribution have been marshaled and distributed under this article, the liquidator shall petition the circuit court to terminate the liquidation proceeding and to close the estate and for other relief as may be appropriate. Subject to approval of the circuit court, after the completion of all post-closure activities for which moneys were reserved, the liquidator is authorized to deposit any remaining assets reserved for administrative expenses incurred in the closing of the estate that may not be practicably or economically distributed to claimants into a segregated account to be known as the closed estate fund account. The commissioner may thereafter use moneys held in the account to fund the administrative expenses of proceedings against insurers subject to this article that lack sufficient assets to fund administration.

Legislative History

2004 Reg. Sess., HB2914; 2003 Reg. Sess., SB475; 1990 Reg. Sess., HB4195