Ohio Code 3903.10 – Complaint – court may issue ex parte seizure or other order
(A) The superintendent of insurance may file in the court of common pleas a complaint alleging, with respect to a domestic insurer all of the following:
Terms Used In Ohio Code 3903.10
- Chambers: A judge's office.
- Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
- Contract: A legal written agreement that becomes binding when signed.
- Person: includes an individual, corporation, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, and association. See Ohio Code 1.59
- Property: means real and personal property. See Ohio Code 1.59
(1) That there exist any grounds that would justify a court order for a formal delinquency proceeding against an insurer under sections 3903.01 to 3903.59 of the Revised Code;
(2) That the interests of policyholders, creditors, or the public will be endangered by delay;
(3) The contents of a seizure order or other order considered necessary by the superintendent.
(B) Upon a filing under division (A) of this section, the court may issue forthwith, ex parte and without a hearing, the requested order which shall direct the superintendent to take possession and control of all or a part of the property, books, accounts, documents, and other records of an insurer, and of the premises occupied by it for transaction of its business, and until further order of the court enjoin the insurer and its officers, managers, agents, and employees from disposition of its property and from transaction of its business except with the written consent of the superintendent.
(C) The court shall specify in the order what its duration shall be, which shall be such time as the court considers necessary for the superintendent to ascertain the condition of the insurer. On motion of either party or on its own motion, the court may from time to time hold such hearings as it considers desirable after such notice as it considers appropriate, and may extend, shorten, or modify the terms of the seizure order or other order. The court shall vacate the seizure order or other order if the superintendent fails to commence a formal proceeding under sections 3903.01 to 3903.59 of the Revised Code after having had a reasonable opportunity to do so. An order of rehabilitation or liquidation terminates the seizure order.
(D) Entry of a seizure order or other order under this section does not constitute an anticipatory breach of any contract of the insurer.
(E) An insurer subject to an ex parte order under this section may file a motion in the court at any time after the issuance of such order for a hearing and review of the order. The court shall hold such a hearing and review not more than fifteen days after the motion is filed. The court shall, upon request of the insurer, hold hearings under this division in chambers.
(F) If, at any time after the issuance of such an order, it appears to the court that any person whose interest is or will be substantially affected by the order did not appear at the hearing and has not been served, the court may order that notice be given. An order that notice be given shall not stay the effect of any order previously issued by the court.