Which Government Benefits are Affected by a Settlement—and Which Ones Aren’t?

  Last week, the Senate unveiled its new version of the American Healthcare Act (AHCA). The proposed bill includes historically steep cuts to the Medicaid program. But did you know that there are already other circumstances under which an individual may lose Medicaid (Medi-Cal) eligibility—including the acceptance of a lump sum settlement? Whether the AHCA […]

Are Factoring Companies Reaching Your Clients With This New Approach?

You’re probably familiar with the television commercials inviting viewers to sell their structured settlements for “cash now.” Factoring companies like the ones you see on television purchase structured settlement annuities in exchange for lump sum cash payments. Recently, one of our team members noticed a new way that factoring companies are trying to reach your […]

Don’t Believe Everything You Read About Structured Settlements

There is a wealth of information out there regarding structured settlement annuities. Much of it is informational, and with the help of a trusted advisor, claimants involved in personal injury, wrongful death, and workers’ compensation cases can use a structured settlement to preserve their long-term financial stability. Unfortunately, as is the case with almost any […]

Can A Structured Settlement Benefit Claimants of All Ages?

Claimants who will be receiving settlement awards may have questions and concerns about their finances and the well-being of their families.   Whether a claimant is just starting out in life, is an adult with a family of their own, or has been retired for years, each has a unique set of needs. Utilizing a carefully […]

Using Structured Settlements to Resolve Workers’ Compensation Claims

If you have ever been injured on the job, you know how overwhelming it feels to try and replace your income while you and your family try to adjust to a new normal. Workers’ compensation rules vary by state and often provide only limited assistance for the injured individual. Structured settlements, on the other hand, […]

What Goods and Services Are Eligible for Special Needs Trust Distributions?

Disabled individuals who receive needs-based government benefits run the risk of losing eligibility if they accept a lump sum settlement. Fortunately, a special needs trust (SNT) may help the disabled individual maintain benefit eligibility while protecting their assets. The trustee of the special needs trust (e.g. a parent/guardian or a corporate trustee) is in charge […]

What Questions Should You Be Asking Your Client During Settlement?

  When an attorney works with a personal injury or wrongful death claimant, the ultimate goal is generally to maximize the recovery for the claimant. While a large recovery is certainly beneficial to the claimant, it may not always be the best idea for the claimant to accept the settlement proceeds in the form of […]

Are Structured Settlement Annuities Still Worth It?

When Congress enacted the Periodic Payment Settlement Tax Act of 1982, the Federal Tax Code was amended to provide special tax treatment for certain types of settlement proceeds. Proponents for the change had recognized the need to offer financial protection for individuals involved personal injury and wrongful death settlements. The revision to the tax code allowed […]

Attorneys: Are You Minimizing Your Tax Obligations?

Today is the deadline to file 2016 tax returns and once again, you may have found yourself stuck with a large tax obligation.  Every year, thousands of attorneys pay more in taxes than they need to because they haven’t explored all of their tax minimization strategies. But did you know that lawyers who earn contingent […]