subject: Selling a structured settlement [print this page] A number of people, who get structural settlement due to a personal injury claim or a workers compensation claim, think of trading their future payments for a lump sum amount. Since structured settlements have restrictions on conversion of the periodic payments, the only option left for people in case they require immediate money is to sell their settlement.
A number of states require people to obtain a court order before they can sell their structured settlement. Further, federal tax laws have provided various tax advantages to people availing a structured settlement deal; however, selling a structured settlement might attract significant taxes. It is for this reason that you should be fully aware of all the aspects of selling a structured settlement before making a final decision.
People looking to sell their structured settlement are recommended to shop around for offers rather than going in for the first one that comes their way. It is generally beneficial to consult different brokers and buyers before selecting an offer since the chances of getting the right deal increases.
It is also recommended to consult a lawyer before signing a contract to ensure that your interests are protected in the future. A good lawyer will carefully analyze your contract and will suggest any changes that are required. Further, your lawyer will also be able to analyze whether the amount offered under the contract is adequate or not.
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