TAX-FREE VS. TAX-DEFERRED ANNUITIES: WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR YOUR CLIENT?

Depending on the type of settlement your client receives, there may be an opportunity to maximize the settlement funds while minimizing the tax burden. In some instances, your client may be eligible for an income-tax free structured settlement annuity, while others may qualify for a tax-deferred structured settlement annuity. Both offer a number of advantages […]

STOP! MAKE SURE YOU ANSWER THESE 5 QUESTIONS BEFORE SETTLING YOUR CASE

It’s tempting to wrap up your client’s settlement as quickly as possible. If you move too quickly, though, there are several issues that can derail the settlement before the money is in your client’s hands. Here are five questions to answer before signing the settlement agreement: Question 1: Does Your Client Currently Receive Needs-Based Government […]

WILL A SPEND DOWN SAVE YOUR CLIENT’S BENEFITS?

Medi-Cal) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), assets are typically limited to $2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for a married couple. For those on public benefits who receive a settlement, a special needs trust may help protect those benefits. However, in some cases, a spend down might be a better option. Special Needs Trust vs. Spend […]

Expedited Compromise Petitions: An Underused Tool to Save Time and Money

A settlement involving a minor or disabled adult can be particularly stressful for a family who wants a quick resolution once an agreement is reached.  With the courts still overloaded, it can take months for the compromise hearing to take place, adding delays for both the client and the attorney. Many attorneys are missing out […]

Don’t Fall for These 6 Structured Settlement Myths

  Structured settlements provide claimants involved in certain types of cases with a valuable tool for financial stability. Unfortunately, there are a number of myths that may prevent claimants from considering this approach or worse, may prevent their attorneys from even recommending a structured settlement in the first place. MYTH #1: Only minors, disabled adults, […]

Settling a Minor’s Case? Know Your Client’s Options

  If your client is a minor receiving a settlement, you know that the financial decisions made now can have a long-term impact on your client’s financial future and quality of care. What you may not be aware of are the various investment options available for a minor’s settlement, as each state has different guidelines […]

The Top 5 Reasons to Use a QSF

  A Qualified Settlement Fund (sometimes referred to as a 468B Trust or a “QSF”) is a tool for resolving mass tort settlements and other types of cases involving multiple claimants. There are a number of reasons why both plaintiffs and defendants favor using QSFs to handle multi-claimant settlements, including the time and tax benefits […]

Are You and Your Clients Using This New Settlement Tool?

Last year, Pacific Life unveiled a new product, the Index-Linked Annuity Payment Adjustment Rider (ILAPA). The ILAPA product is an optional rider for claimants who choose to purchase structured settlement annuities and attorneys who structure their fees through Pacific Life. Individuals who select the ILAPA product will see a tax-free increase in structured annuity payments […]

Plaintiff Attorneys: Are You Missing Out on Deferred Fees?

  Most plaintiff attorneys are familiar with the advantages of structured settlements for their injured plaintiffs. What many attorneys don’t consider are the benefits of deferring fees. Contingency fee attorneys have the unique opportunity to use attorney fee deferrals as a building block for a successful estate planning strategy. In order to reap the benefits […]