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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]