Does Your Client Want a Way Out of Their Structured Settlement - Word of Caution

A structured settlement is a great option for long-term viability, but it's not an option for everyone. You must understand that once you agree to the settlement plan, you can't change the terms of the structured settlement. Literally, you have to live with whatever you agree to. You cannot change it at some later date. Still, structured settlements are flexible in the beginning (during the negotiation period) and can be structured to meet many needs and life circumstances.

Some may find that after they've discussed their needs with your family members, attorney and tax advisors, and considered carefully how they expect to live their life with injury that time changes everything. After you have evaluated your new life situation once living it, you may want to get out of the structured settlement. For whatever reason, you may need money. You may need it now instead of later. There are options to sell your settlement in return for a lump sum buyout. Most states have laws that prevent you from selling your structured settlements.

The federal government may have a say as well. They have implemented restrictions on the sale of a structured settlement to a third party. A large number of insurance companies will not transfer annuities to third parties, to discourage the sale of structured settlements. It comes down to where you live and who manages your annuity. To make sure that you obtain the highest payoff, consult with a financial advisor or the company that helped you manage your structured settlement plan. They are in the best position to give you the names and numbers of companies that may want to buy your settlement.

They should have a list of established, well-funded, and reputable companies who will not take you for a last ride. The service provider can also instruct you on protocol. A judge may have to approve the buyout before anything is signed or changes hand. Consult with your lawyer and tax professionals as well before you settle on your decision to sell your structured settlement.

Bill Tilley - President

Amicus Capital Services LLC

25876 The Old Road #340

Valencia, CA 91381

Phone 661-263-0030

acs@amicuscapitalservices.com

http://www.AmicusCapitalServices.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_Tilley

Bill Tilley - EzineArticles Expert Author

A Professional Buyer of Structured Settlement Payments Can Pay You The Most For Your Annuity

A reputable, qualified buyer of structured settlement payments can offer you top dollar for your annuity. Taking several factors into account, he or she will come up with a fair value for your settlement, often referred to as a "note". You can then decide which of several options works best for your particular financial situation.

Structured settlements are set up as a resolution to an injury claim, whereby the victim receives a set monthly payment in the form of a tax-free annuity as compensation. The arrangement usually favors both parties, as the victim gets money every month to cover the costs of medications, rehabilitation and other bills and the defendant, or payor, issues easy to swallow smaller monthly installments rather than a large sum of money up front.

However, many people decide to look for a structured settlement buyer rather than opt to receive small monthly payments. Although it's nice to have an ongoing stream of income, you may want or need to have a large some of money for a new investment, a large purchase or to pay off a high interest debt.

In this case, selling your note makes a lot of financial sense, and a reputable buyer of structured settlement payments will be able to provide the cash you need, usually within a couple of weeks. It is a fast and easy way to get your hands on a lump sum of money, especially compared to getting a loan from your bank or another financial institution.

How much will a structured settlement buyer pay you for your note?

That's a good question. It will depend on a variety of factors: the balance on the annuity, the time left before it is paid off, timeliness of payments to date, stability of the payor, and various other criteria. Remember, the buyer of structured settlement payments is assuming a risk by purchasing your note, so it has to make sense for them financially to do so.

To ensure that you receive top dollar try to have all of your paperwork in order, and keep careful records of everything that has transpired since the annuity was set up. This will be very helpful to the structured settlement buyer, and enable them to come up with a fair and competitive quote.

Also, keep in mind you can sell just a portion of the annuity; you don't have to sell the entire thing. So if you only need a certain amount of cash, you can sell "x" number of months of payments and retain the annuity after that time period. An experienced buyer of structured settlement payments will outline all of your available options so that you can make the right decision.

Jamie has been working in the finance industry for many years and is a contributing editor to Selling Your Notes. Find a top structured settlement buyer and find more information on seller financing on our site.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jamie_Sherman