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November 12, 2009

"Standard Pre-Settlement Conference Intelligence" almost 6 years old!

by Structured Settlement Watchdog

Settlement Professionals' (SPI) Jack Meligan. has written a blog post that carries an important message for plaintiff attorneys, that is unfortunately undermined by the use of standard intelligence" on structured settlements that is pushing 6 years old.

The post "Calling Early v Calling Late in the Case" encourages plaintiff attorneys to call their settlement planner early in the case to avoid the doom of their best intentions. This author agrees with the underlying message but not the methodology.

Furthermore, the word intelligence conjures up images of "secret information, especially about an actual or potential enemy, including the agency, staff or office employed with gathering such information" (see Answers.com) 

As an ad for the International Spy Museum says  "All Is Not What It Seems". The outdated information presented as standard intelligence WAS NOT obtained via an "SPI" (ironic isn't it?)  Predator drone stationed high over New York City, Predator Drone

or by SPI operatives disguised as cleaning staff.

The word intelligence also means the capacity to acquire and apply knowledge.

 140px-DonAdams

Posted at 11:40 AM in Settlement Professionals, Inc., Structured Settlement Humor, Structured Settlement Watchdog®, Structured Settlements Industry, Truth in Advertising Structured Settlements |

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Guide to Structured Settlements 2025

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    In 2025, you can structure your settlement payments in various ways. A structured settlement allows for multiple payment types within one agreement. You can tailor and merge different structured settlement payments to suit your individual needs, either alone or alongside other financial instruments. If desired, diversify your structured settlement by utilizing multiple annuity issuers, treasury-funded structured settlements, index-linked structured settlement payments, and market-based structured options.
  • Structured Attorney Fees for Tax Deferral for Attorney Contingency Fees
    Structured attorney fees offer a financial strategy that provides a unique method for deferring taxes for attorneys and their firms. Attorneys can structure or defer their legal fees independently of whether the plaintiff structures their settlement. There are various ways to structure attorney fees, including capped or uncapped index-linked structured settlement annuities with payments adjusted according to the S&P 500 or another index's positive changes. Trial lawyers might also opt for a special deferred payment/compensation arrangement if they seek market-based returns without a cap. As the year-end approaches, consider adding structured attorney fee specialist John Darer® to your settlement planning team for 2025.
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  • What Are Structured Settlement Annuities?
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Qualified Settlement Funds

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Why Take a Structured Settlement?

  • A structured settlement provides financial security for personal injury victims, wrongful death survivors, and their families by establishing a stable foundation. Each structured settlement features a negotiated, customized stream of payments that can offer long-term, tax-free income for several years or even a lifetime. Unlike other income annuities, a structured settlement annuity can include multiple payment streams, payable in varying amounts at different times and over different periods, to address diverse needs within a single contract. Last updated July 5,2025

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