Qualified vs. Non-Qualified Assignments: What Do They Mean for Settlement Proceeds?

When it comes to placing settlement proceeds or attorney fees in an annuity, claimants and attorneys may find themselves confused about the tax implications associated with the annuity payments. They may hear the words “qualified” and “non-qualified” discussed—but how do those terms relate to settlement proceeds? Structured Annuities: How They Work If a claimant decides […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]