16. Upon application and notice, all proceedings in which an insolvent insurer is a party or is obligated to defend a party in any court in this State shall be stayed for 180 days and any additional time thereafter as may be determined by the court from the date the insolvency is determined or any ancillary proceeding is initiated in the State, whichever is later, to permit proper defense by the association of all pending causes of action. 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 the insured may apply to have the judgment, order, decision, verdict or finding set aside by the court in which the judgment, order, decision, verdict or finding is entered and shall be permitted to defend against the claim on the merits.

L.1991,c.208,s.16; amended 2022, c.98, s.14.