I know the protection of IRA's can vary from state to state, but is there a state gov't department you can call to find out how IRA's are treated in your state?

There probably is no government agency you can call to get that information. Usually, a lawyer in your state can find the information fairly easily in the statutes which set forth a debtor's property exemptions in your state from seizure and sale for satisying a judgement. If you do not want to consult counsel (always a high risk strategy) you may be able to get the same information from a public library, most carry copies of the state statutes, or at a law library at your county court house or affiliated with a law school. The librarians may even be able to help you find the statute you are looking for.

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