What is a Pooled Special Needs Trust- and is it the Right Option for Your Client?

If you are an attorney working with a disabled claimant, you’ll want to bring in a settlement planner to review your client’s options. When a disabled individual anticipates accepting proceeds from an injury settlement, certain steps must be taken to help the claimant maintain eligibility for needs-based government benefits (e.g., Medi-Cal, SSI) and preserve their […]

Is a Settlement Planner Necessary When Your Client Doesn’t Want to Structure?

A commonly held belief in the legal community is that settlement planners only provide structured settlement services. Unfortunately, that misconception can lead to missed opportunities to protect claimants’ long-term financial security. While we believe that structures are a valuable financial option for most personal injury settlements, not all cases will be the right fit for […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Settlement Planning: A Case Study

Whether your client is a minor child, a working age adult, or an elderly claimant, a settlement planner can be a valuable addition to your team. Unlike a broker or a financial advisor who focuses solely on the finances, a settlement planner takes a more comprehensive approach to settlements, considering additional factors such as living […]

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 […]

A Quick Guide to Determining Case Value

  Taking on a new case can involve considerable time and money for a law firm. Depending on the complexity of the case, it can be difficult to decide whether to go to trial or attempt to resolve it at mediation. Determining the case value up front can help you decide on the best course […]

5 Tips for Improving Client Satisfaction in 2017

  Whether you are a seasoned attorney or just starting out, you likely understand the importance of keeping a steady stream of satisfied clients. And sometimes it takes a team to keep all clients happy. With that in mind, here are 5 ways your settlement planner can help increase your firm’s standard of client care […]