What Are Structured Settlements?

In today’s litigious society, one may easily find themselves in possession of a structured settlement. Structured settlements are long-term payoffs of successful lawsuits. The settlement payout normally lasts many years to prevent the defendant from going bankrupt.

It seems to be the ideal way to mete out justice: the plaintiff gets the greatest possible compensation; the defendant is duly sanctioned without being forced into bankruptcy; and the court’s time and costs are saved by both sides. However, the drawn out payment plan does not appeal to every plaintiff, especially those who need cash for pressing needs such as college tuition and medical emergencies.

Why Lump Sum Settlements Are Rare

Unfortunately for those plaintiffs, since settlement amounts are usually figures of four digits or higher, it is unlikely that courts will make defendants pay a lump sum unless the defendant is quite wealthy.

Cash for Structured Settlement Payments

They can still get lump sum cash for structured settlements though – by selling those future settlement payments.

The safest way to sell structured settlement payments is to find a firm that specializes in buying structured settlement payments. There are so many companies out there and offers will vary from firm to firm. The wise settlement recipient takes his time and shops around till he knows he’s got top dollar. Those who sell structured settlement payments for cash should also seek the services of an attorney and a financial adviser to help navigate the legal and financial jargon that complicate such transactions.

Sell Structured Settlements for Cash: The People & Process

The process of getting cash for structured settlement payments takes 40-60 days to complete. Much of that time is spent establishing a court date to get the necessary court approval. There are four parties that participate in the sale process:

1.    The Seller

2.    Certified Consultants who present financial options to sellers and facilitate the completion of the transaction.

3.    The Attorney who prepares the legal paperwork and arranges the court date. He is also present at the final closing of the sale.

4.    The Judge who reviews the seller’s application to sell structured settlement payments. If the court decides that the sale is in the seller’s best interests, the sale is approved.

Getting cash for structured settlement payments are governed by transfer laws that differ from state to state. It is therefore vital for sellers to work with people who understand these state laws to ensure the seller gets the best value from the transaction.