Your Structured Settlement Should Work For You

The best time to decide that a structured settlement is not right for you is before you consent to such a settlement. You may wish to press for a lump sum settlement, for periodic lump sum payments in addition to smaller annual payments, or for a lump sum to be issued at a future date when you anticipate a particular need. Remember that the companies which purchase structured settlements intend to profit from the purchase of your settlement.

Before You Enter Into a Structured Settlement

For example, a number of states require that certain future damages awards be paid in installments as opposed to in a lump sum, or permit a defendant to petition the court to pay future damages in installments. However, where a plaintiff can choose between a structured settlement or lump sum payment, care should be taken to make the correct choice.

Benefits of a structured settlement include possible tax avoidance, preservation of settlement funds for future care and future needs, and coordination of settlement proceeds with other benefits or public assistance.

Selling a Structured Settlement

If you have a structured settlement, you may have been approached by a company interested in purchasing your settlement, or may be curious about selling your settlement in return for a lump sum buyout. 

About two thirds of states have enacted laws which restict the sale of structured settlements, and tax-free structured settlements are also subject to federal restrictions on their sale to a third party. Also, some insurance companies will not assign or transfer annuities to third parties, to discourage the sale of structured settlements. 

Keep in mind that companies which buy structured settlements intend to profit from their purchase, and sometimes their offers may seem quite low. You may benefit from approaching more than one company in relation to the sale of your settlement, to make sure that you obtain the highest payoff. It is usually a good idea to consult with a lawyer before entering into an agreement to sell your settlement.

Potential Disadvantages of Structured Settlements

Some people who enter into structured settlements feel trapped by the periodic payments. They may wish to purchase a new home, or other expensive item, yet be unable to muster the resources because they can't borrow against future payments under their settlement.

Some people will do better by accepting a lump sum settlement, and investing it themselves. Many standard investments will give a greater long-term return than the annuities used in structured settlements.

Benefits of a Structured Settlement

One significant advantage of a structured settlement is tax avoidance. With appropriate set-up, a structured settlement may significantly reduce the plaintiff's tax obligations as a result of the settlement, and may in some cases be tax-free.

A structured settlement can protect a plaintiff from having settlement funds dissipated, when they are necessary to pay for future care or needs. Minors may benefit from a structured settlement as well, such as a settlement which provides for certain costs during their youth, an additional disbursement to pay for college or other educational expenses, and then one or more disbursements in adulthood. In some situations, it will be better for a severely disabled plaintiff to set up a special needs trust, rather than entering into a lump sum or structured settlement.

What is Purchase Structured Settlements ?

If you’ve ever thought about investing in structured settlements, this guide to how to purchase structured settlements will educate you on what you need to know.

There are many legal requirements and restrictions that affect who can buy structured settlements, so if you are interested in purchasing a structured settlement, you will want to work with a company who matches structured settlements with investors.A settlement which is awarded in a series of payments over time is called a structured settlement. Structured settlements are generally created by using a third party intermediary to provide the financing.

One significant advantage of a structured settlement is tax avoidance. With appropriate set-up, a structured settlement may significantly reduce the plaintiff’s tax obligations as a result of the settlement, and may in some cases be tax-free.

A structured settlement can protect a plaintiff from having settlement funds dissipated, when they are necessary to pay for future care or needs. Some people who enter into structured settlements feel trapped by the periodic payments. Some people will do better by accepting a lump sum settlement, and investing it themselves. Many standard investments will give a greater long-term return than the annuities used in structured settlements.

State and federal law may restrict the sale of structured settlements, and there are many legal complications that can arise. If you have a structured settlement, you may have been approached by a company interested in purchasing your settlement, or may be curious about selling your settlement in return for a lump sum buyout. About two thirds of states have enacted laws which restict the sale of structured settlements, and tax-free structured settlements are also subject to federal restrictions on their sale to a third party. Also, some insurance companies will not assign or transfer annuities to third parties, to discourage the sale of structured settlements. Keep in mind that companies which buy structured settlements intend to profit from their purchase, and sometimes their offers may seem quite low. A structured settlements purchase can be sold in the majority of states in the U.S. If you decide that you wish to sell in order to receive a lump sum payment then the documents for the structured settlements purchase must be forwarded to the buyer. The documents for the structured settlements purchase must clearly list the name of the insurance company on the agreement. The structured settlements purchase document must also clearly state what the settlement payment plan is.

As the talks regarding a structured settlements purchase begin, the prospective buyer would suggest a quote. The buyer will also provide you with a structured settlements purchase policy as well as a settlement agreement.

When it comes to a structured settlements purchase the both of you must come to an agreement together involving all of the issues that surround the settlement as well as the fees. The buyer of the structured settlements purchase can then fill in an application and send it to the court for approval. The court then must take the structured settlements purchase application and ensure that it is beneficial for both parties. It is important to find out what the laws are regarding a structured settlements purchase. A structured settlements purchase is something that requires a great deal of research. Seek out counsel and be discriminating when it comes to searching for a buyer for your structured settlements purchase.