18. All proceedings in which the insolvent insurer is a party or is obligated to defend a party in any court in this State shall, subject to full or partial waiver by the association in specific cases involving covered claims, be stayed for 120 days and such additional time thereafter as may be determined by the court from the date of the order of liquidation or any ancillary proceeding initiated in the State, whichever is later, to permit proper defense by the association of all pending causes of action. Public notice of the stay shall be by publication in three newspapers of general circulation in this State within 10 days of the order of liquidation. With respect to any covered claims arising from a judgment under any decision, verdict or finding based on the default of the insolvent insurer or its failure to defend an insured, the association either on its own behalf or on behalf of such insured may apply to have such judgment, order, decision, verdict or finding set aside by the court in which such judgment, order, decision, verdict or finding is entered and shall be permitted to defend against such claim on the merits.

L.1974,c.17,s.18; amended 1979, c.448, s.8; 2004, c.175, s.8.