Sec. 15. (a) If a seller:
(1) ceases to have a certificate of authority or loses a professional license required to provide services under this chapter;
(2) ceases to exist or operate;
(3) is incapable of performing the seller's obligations under an unperformed contract for any reason; or
(4) sells or leases the seller's business, facilities, or assets;
the seller shall give notice to the board and to each purchaser for whom funds are held in a trust or escrow under this chapter. The notice shall specify the reason for the issuance of the notice.
(b) The seller's written notice under subsection (a) must be:
(1) addressed to the purchaser's last known address; and
(2) mailed within fifteen (15) days after the seller becomes incapable of performing the obligations under the contract.
(c) A purchaser who receives a notice under subsection (a) has thirty (30) days after the date the notice was mailed by the seller to select and designate a new seller under section 13 of this chapter to become the beneficiary of the trust or the designated recipient of the escrow funds. The first seller shall send written notice of the designation of a new seller to the newly designated seller or to the trustee.
(d) A seller shall transfer all unperformed contracts and funds held in trust or escrow under this chapter to the seller who is the successor owner or lessee of the transferring seller. The successor seller shall perform all contracts transferred under this subsection.
(e) If:
(1) the seller fails to comply with subsection (a)(1), (a)(2), or (a)(3); or
(2) a purchaser fails to designate a new seller;
the designation shall be made by the board.
As added by P.L.200-1991, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.241-1995, SEC.10; P.L.114-1999, SEC.12; P.L.177-2009, SEC.60.
Structure Indiana Code
Title 30. Trusts and Fiduciaries
Chapter 13. Payment of Funeral, Burial Services, or Merchandise in Advance of Need
30-2-13-1. Applicability of Chapter
30-2-13-2.5. "At-Need Services and Merchandise"
30-2-13-8. "Prepaid Services or Merchandise" or "Services or Merchandise"
30-2-13-11. "Trustee" or "Escrow Agent, Acting as a Fiduciary"
30-2-13-11.5. "Cash Advance Item"
30-2-13-12.1. Contracts Entered Into After December 31, 1995, and Before July 1, 1999
30-2-13-12.5. Contracts Entered Into After June 30, 1999
30-2-13-13. Designation of Successor Sellers
30-2-13-17. Successors to Seller; Obligations
30-2-13-18. Compensation and Expenses of Trustee; Withdrawal of Tax Liability
30-2-13-20. Funeral Service Contracts; Ratification by Funeral Director
30-2-13-21. Agents of Seller; Seller Liability; Written Statement
30-2-13-22. Seller Bond or Permit
30-2-13-23. Contracts; Invalid Provisions; Unenforceable Contracts
30-2-13-24. Seller or Agent; Prohibited Acts
30-2-13-25. Solicitation of Sales; Conditions
30-2-13-26. Confidentiality of Contracts
30-2-13-28. Preneed Consumer Protection Fund; Establishment; Funding
30-2-13-29. Fund Uses; Complaints; Annual Review
30-2-13-30. Seller Records and Books
30-2-13-32. General Price List
30-2-13-33. Certificates of Authority
30-2-13-35. Seller Misrepresentation
30-2-13-36. Suspension of Certificates of Authority; Fines
30-2-13-38. Uncured Deceptive Acts; Violations; Injunctive Relief; Private Right of Action
30-2-13-39. Prohibited Relationships Between Sellers and Trustees or Escrow Agents