Section 409.1 - Assignment of life insurance policy to secure payment of obligations; enforcement of liens for storage of household goods(a) Where any life insurance policy on the life of a service member in military service has been assigned prior to that person's period of military service to secure the payment of any obligation of the person, no assignee of the policy, except the insurer in connection with a policy loan, shall, during the period of military service of the insured or within one year thereafter, except upon the consent in writing of the insured made during that period or when the premiums thereon are due and unpaid or upon the death of the insured, exercise any right or option by virtue of that assignment unless upon leave of court granted upon an application made therefor by the assignee. The court may thereupon refuse to grant that leave unless in the opinion of the court the ability of the obligor to comply with the terms of the obligation is not materially affected by reason of his or her military service.(b) No person shall exercise any right to foreclose or enforce any lien on the property or personal effects of a service member, including liens for storage, repair, or cleaning, during that person's period of military service and for 120 days thereafter, except upon an order previously granted by a court upon application therefor and a return thereto made and approved by the court. In a proceeding to foreclose or enforce a lien subject to this section, the court may on its own motion, or if requested by a service member whose ability to comply with the obligation resulting in the proceeding is materially affected by military service, stay the proceeding for a period of time as justice and equity require, or adjust the obligation to preserve the interests of all parties.(c) Any person violating this section shall be liable for actual damages, reasonable attorney's fees, and costs incurred by the injured party.(d) A person violating any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall be punishable by imprisonment not to exceed one year or by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both.Ca. Mil. and Vet. Code § 409.1
Amended by Stats 2018 ch 555 (AB 3212),s 13, eff. 1/1/2019.Amended by Stats 2010 ch 385 (AB 2365),s 8, eff. 1/1/2011.Renumbered from Ca. Mil. & Vet. Code §411 and amended by Stats 2003 ch 62 (SB 600), s 210, eff. 1/1/2004.