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 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 […]

Did You Just Jeopardize Your Client’s Settlement?

Your client has indicated that they want to structure a portion of their settlement, preferring the long-term financial stability that comes with a structured annuity. The paperwork is prepared and ready to sign. But is it complete? If you haven’t secured the right for your client to structure or included the proper IRS language prior […]

What Types of Cases Can Benefit From a Non-Qualified Settlement?

Structured settlements are a tool for claimants involved personal injury, wrongful death, and workers’ compensation cases. By structuring settlement proceeds into a series of periodic payments, claimants can take advantage of a number of benefits, including a long-term source of tax-free income. But what if your settlement isn’t from an injury case? Can you still […]

Annuities and Structured Settlements: What’s the Difference?

Many people hear the words “annuity” and “structured settlement” and assume they mean the same thing. While annuities and structured settlements do share a number of similar qualities, there are a few distinct differences that set them apart. Here’s a brief overview of each: What is an Annuity? An annuity is a fixed sum of […]

Back to the Basics of Structured Settlements

As you continue to provide the best service and dedication to your clients, it is impossible to know everything that could benefit your client’s ultimate recovery. But what you do need to know is that you have experts available to you that know how to handle various settlement scenarios. A settlement consultant provides you and […]

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 […]

Your Client Says “I Accept” But Your Work Is Not Done

“Once you and your client have signed the settlement agreement, you’re done, right? Not even close. You still have a number of statutory and ethical matters to address to ensure all of your client’s obligations are met and they are as financially protected as possible in the future. Some of your most important responsibilities post-settlement […]