Settlement Options for Minors: Case Examples

When handling a minor’s case, contact Traci Kaas early in the process to explore the settlement options. Courts favor a conservative approach that protects the funds until the minor reaches the age of majority. Because a minor cannot own an investment, traditional financial vehicles such as 529 plans and mutual fund accounts are off the […]

Settlement Planner Spotlight: Traci Kaas, CSSC, CeFT

Primary Office Location: Orange County, California Why did you choose to become a settlement planner? I don’t think I chose to be a settlement planner as much as it chose me.  I strongly feel that your past shapes your present. There was a time in my life that I would have made different decisions during a […]

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 […]

School Injuries

(Guest post by Susan Katzen, Esq. – Law Office of Susan Katzen) An estimated 50 million students attend public elementary and secondary schools in America, and an increasing number of students, parents, and visitors are bringing suit in tort against schools for injuries or damages. These suits include students injured in classrooms and scholastic sporting […]