2021 Indiana Code
Title 10. Public Safety
Article 17. Veterans' Affairs
Chapter 9. Indiana Veterans' Home
10-17-9-13. Claim or Judgment for Maintenance Charges; Suit Against Legal Guardian; Foreclosure; Claim Against Estate

Sec. 13. (a) The attorney general, upon notification of the superintendent of the Indiana Veterans' Home, shall file a claim in the name of the state on behalf of the superintendent of the home against the estate of a person who fails to make payment as required in this chapter. If the claim is allowed or judgment is obtained, the claim or judgment constitutes a lien against that part of the estate of the person described in the claim.

(b) The attorney general may bring suit against the legal guardian of a patient for failure to comply with an established maintenance agreement or for failure to make an agreement. Suit may be brought for the amount due the state for the maintenance charges of the member. The court may order the payment of maintenance charges for a period as the circumstances require. An order may be entered against one (1) or more of the defendants. An order for the payment of money may be enforced by attachment, garnishment, or a proceeding supplemental against the defendants. Other judgments at law and costs may be adjudged against the defendants and apportioned among them.

(c) The attorney general may bring a proceeding to foreclose on a lien arising from maintenance charges under section 8 of this chapter during the lifetime of the member if the superintendent believes it is in the best interest of the veterans' home to foreclose on the lien.

(d) Upon:

(1) the death of a member whose property is encumbered by a lien arising under section 8 of this chapter; and

(2) notification by the superintendent;

the attorney general shall file a claim against the member's estate for recovery of all charges for maintenance that have accrued at the date of death. Notwithstanding any other law, a claim filed for recovery of charges for maintenance has priority in order of payment from the estate over all other claims except prior recorded encumbrances, taxes, reasonable costs of administration, and reasonable funeral expenses. However, if real property of the deceased member is occupied by a surviving spouse of the member, the home may not assert its lien or claim during the lifetime of the surviving spouse. However, if other claimants or persons have opened an estate and are attempting to enforce their claims, or if there have been fraudulent attempts to avoid the claim or lien, the veterans' home shall file and assert the claim for recovery of costs of treatment and maintenance.

[Pre-2003 Recodification Citation: 10-6-1-12.]

As added by P.L.2-2003, SEC.8.