Structured settlement expert John Darer reviews the latest structured settlement news, information and provides expert opinion and commentary, including settlement planning issues/ ideas for settlement management, incisive Structured Settlement Watchdog® reports that may be helpful to lawyers, plaintiffs, claims adjusters, judges, the news media, sellers, buyers of structured settlement payment rights and interested others, The style is spicy, informative, irreverent and effective. The most prolific structured settlement blog, Now in 18th Year! Check back daily for something new.
A 1099 is an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) form that is used to report income received through sources other than employment. The IRS refers to 1099s as information forms. They serve as a record that reflects income given to someone by a person or organization that they are not formally employed by. Source: UpCounsel.com What is a 1099? Everything You Need To Know
I love language and part of what I've done blogging over the years is to point out where perhaps there might have been a better choice of words.
Insurance groups that include current and former structured settlement annuity issuers represent more than 43% of the largest life insurance groups in the United States.
Prudential (1)
MetLife (2)
New York Life(3)
Massachusetts Mutual Life (4, former structured settlement annuity issuer)
AIG Life & Retirement (6, soon to be Corebridge Financial)
Lincoln Financial (8, acquired Liberty Life of Boston structured settlement block, reinsured by Protective Life, #26)
John Hancock (10)
Brighthouse Financial (15, includes legacy Travelers Insurance Company/ legacy MetLife Insurance Company of CT structures)
Pacific Life (16)
Athene (19, includes former Aviva, CGNU and CGU Life structured settlement business)
Talcott Resolution (21, formerly known as Hartford Life)
Protective Life (26, reinsurer of Lincoln Life of Boston structured settlement business-formerly Liberty LIfe of Boston)
Genworth (30, roll up and spin off of First Colony, American Mayflower, GE Capital Assurance Company, GE Capital Life Assurance company of NY)
A Qualified Assignment and Release which includes the following, raises more questions than answers. If you see one it probably deserves a second opinion.
QUALIFIED ASSIGNMENT AND RELEASE
Defined Terms
Assignor:___________________ Qualified Settlement Fund, ( QSF may be adminstered by company related to settlement planner)
Assignee: Qualified Assignment Company related to the settlement planner.
Qualified Funding Asset:Annuity
Issuer of Qualified Funding Asset : Metropolitan Life Insurance Company
12. In exchange for "legal payment rights" pursuant to 5891 of the IRC, to the Periodic Payments specified in Paragraph 15. Claimant hereby releases and discharges the defendants and/or respondents with regard to the Periodic Payments, and agrees to only look to (name of Assignment Company owned by settlement planner firm holding company)
SIDE BAR (sponsored by "What's Your Vector Victor?")
Why is the Clamaint releasing and discharging "Defendants and/or Respondents" in the settlement planner's Qualified Assignment and Release document from a QSF? Wouldn't the "Defendants and/or Respondents" have been released and discharged when the money was deposited in the QSF under the "resolve or satisfy" clause in § 1.461-2(c)(2)?
13. In the event of notice of an application to any court for the transfer of the payment rights under this agreement, (name of Assignment Companyowned by settlement planner firm holding company) reserves the right to effectuate an immediate transfer of ownership of the "Qualified Funding Asset"
Metropoltan Life Will Not Issue a Structured Settlement Annuity to a Settlement Planning Firm's Assignment Company
This author has confirmed with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, that Metropolitan Life Insurance Company WILL NOT issue a structured settlement annuity to a qualified assignment company other than its own. Furthermore, since MetLife spun off its retail division to form Brighthouse, a transition which was finalized August 7, 2017, MetLife does not issue retail annuities.
Factored Structured Settlement Payments Bought as an Investment Are Not An Annuity
The acquistion of someone elses' structured settlement payment rights is not the purchase of a structured settlement annuity, in accordance with National Association of Insurance commissioner (NAIC) Statutory Issue Paper No. 160, or an annuity under the laws of most states. In 37 states, investors in other people's structured settlement payment rights do not have the same statutory protections.
What is a Qualified Funding Asset?
According to IRC 130(d)
"For purposes of this section, the term "qualified funding asset" means any annuity contract issued by a company licensed to do business as an insurance company under the laws of any State, or any obligation of the United States, if—
(1) such annuity contract or obligation is used by the assignee to fund periodic payments under any qualified assignment,
(2)the periods of the payments under the annuity contract or obligation are reasonably related to the periodic payments under the qualified assignment , and the amount of any such payment under the contract or obligation does not exceed the periodic payment to which it relates,
(3)such annuity contract or obligation is designated by the taxpayer (in such manner as the Secretary shall by regulations prescribe) as being taken into account under this section with respect to such qualified assignment, and
(4)such annuity contract or obligation is purchased by the taxpayer not more than 60 days before the date of the qualified assignment and not later than 60 days after the date of such assignment".
It is clear from the plain reading of IRC 130(d) that obligation refers to any obligation of the United States. So the puzzle is what is the settlement planner getting the payee into here?
If you would like more information on the essentials of structured settlement documentation, this video may be helpful.
Personal injury victims may face the post settlement dilemma of "It's Your Settlement and Everyone Wants Your Money Now". Working with a settlement expert who is also a Certified Financial Transitionist can be helpful to help you manage expectations of family, friends and others and to help sort through, organize, prioritize and help make it easier to process your options. Settlement planning expert and Certified Financial Transitionist John Darer covers the issues in this introductory video.
What is a Certified Financial Transitionist (CeFT)?
CeFT holders are experienced financial professionals who understand how life transitions change financial situations. It is a level up designation in that CeFT designees must also have earned and maintain at least one other highly respected professional designation such as the CFP, CIMA, ChFC, CDFA, CPWA, CPA/PFS, or CFA.
CeFTs have the comprehensive knowledge and skills necessary to guide clients through a variety of transitions. When they meet with clients, CeFT holders show empathy and know how to listen carefully to their unique needs and emotions so they can make appropriate recommendations.
During their 12-month training program through the Financial Transitionist Institute,a division of the Sudden Money Institute, CeFTs become well-versed in the four stages of transition and use them and different tools to guide their clients through a successful transition during the uncertain and often chaotic times they’re facing.
With their support, you’ll be able to make smart financial decisions that lead to a happy future and help you avoid money problems down the road. Unlike a traditional financial advisor, a CeFT will understand the emotional side of your situation and keep it top of mind when they make recommendations and guide you through your transition.
They can prevent you from making emotional, rather than logical financial choices that take a toll on your finances. Whether you’re anticipating a life transition or found yourself facing one unexpectedly, a CeFT can be a valuable resource and thinking partner.
Pacific Life & Annuity Services, Inc. has announced that it has redomiciled from Colorado to Missouri effective July 1, 2022. Pacific Life & Annuity Services, Inc., is the qualified assignment company for all Pacific Life branded structured settlements and include underwriting companies Pacific Life Insurance Company in all states but New York and Pacific Life & Annuity Company for all Pacific Life funded structured settlements where there are touch points to New York. [e.g. New York litigants, litigation in New York Courts]
Pacific Life is a Leading Issuer of Structured Settlement Annuities
On June 22, 2022, rating agency A.M. Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A+ (Superior) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings (Long-Term ICR) of “aa” (Superior) of Pacific Life Insurance Company and Pacific Life & Annuity Company (collectively referred to as Pacific Life Group). The companies are leading issuers of structured settlement annuities, the latter company being Pacific Life’s structured settlement annuity issuer in the state of New York. Both companies are headquartered in Newport Beach, CA.
Additionally, AM Best has affirmed the Long-Term ICR of “a” (Excellent) of the group’s intermediate holding company, Pacific LifeCorp (Wilmington, DE). AM Best also has affirmed the Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings (Long-Term IR) of Pacific LifeCorp. PacificLife Corp serves as the guarantor of Pacific Life and Annuity Services, Inc., the Missouri domiciled company that serves as the qualified assignee for periodic payment obligations under qualified assignments pursuant to IRC §130(c)and which purchases and owns Pacific Life structured settlement annuities as qualified funding assets pursuant to IRC §130(d)
The A.M. Best outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.
The ratings reflect Pacific Life Group’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strongest, as well as its strong operating performance, favorable business profile and very strong enterprise risk management (ERM). Pacific Life’s balance sheet is supported by a very strong level of risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), and its history of positive earnings trends, which are supported by being one of the industry’s leading sales organizations in its key product lines. The favorable business profile assessment reflects its prominence as a leader in the affluent market segment.
Pacific Life offers competitively priced fixed structured settlement annuities, medically underwritten life contingent structured settlement annuities, index linked structured settlement annuities (ILAPA) and has a variable structured settlement annuity in development. Pacific Life & Annuity Company also issues structured judgment annuities in New York cases.
2022 marks the fifth consecutive year Pacific Life has been recognized by the Ethisphere Institute, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices. Pacific Life was evaluated on five categories, including its ethics and compliance program; culture of ethics; environmental and societal impact; corporate governance; and leadership and reputation. The Ethisphere Institute, which honors companies demonstrating exceptional ethics-focused programs and practices. Pacific Life was one of 11 insurance and financial service industry honorees.
What are structured settlements and what do structured settlements do for people? Here's the simple answer.
Sustainable income is income which is consistent and steady over time. Sustainable income provides a level of calm and clarity while things are in flux.
Thinking About Your Child's Settlement
Sustainable income post high school and/or college graduation to give them the improved options for independent living and a wider choice of career opportunities. Your child can explore career choices with greater long-term potential that may not pay as much on the apprenctice or training program level.
Thinking About Starting a Business?
Sustainable income means you can move forward with confidence, knowing you have money to pay your bills.
Over age 65 with medical expenses and want to age in place, but don't want to do a charitable pooled special needs trust?
Nearly 1 in 2 older adults' biggest financial fear was not having enough money saved for retirement, and this ring truer for those between the ages of 55 and 64.
1 in 4 older adults fears they'll never pay off their existing debt.
Forty-five percent of people between 55 and 64 fear having high medical bills, while 39 percent of those over 65, including many on Medicare, have the same fear.
Sustainable income, what does that mean to you? What does it look like
I see streams of green, lump sums too; tax-free payments for you, you and you; and I think to myself, what a wonderful world, ohhh yeah.
The "streams of green" are a perfect metaphor for the stability of structured settlement payments what that represents
I saw this wonderful image from the Robert Harding library taken from the middle of a mangrove forest, in Quang Ngai, Vietnam, that captures the essence of structured settlements in a perfect metaphor "Streams of Green".
"Streams of Green", as in customized payment streams of money that can individually, in parallel, or in conjunction, be used:
to replace lost income
to give a young adult a baseline as they enter the work force
to quantify and provide a source of funding for future medical expenses
to help fund custodial care
or housing
to help fund college education, grad school, a wedding, down payment on a future home, seed money for a business
for funding a Medicare set aside at a significant discount
to fund legacy gifts to children and grandchildren (no matter what happens)
to smooth out uneven cash flows for a law practice
to fund premiums for life insurance or long-term care insurance, or to create legacy wealth and much more.
The interposed blue-sky reflection on the water add to the optimism that this image represents at a time when some need hope and a reason for optimism.
The lyrics of the 1967 song, "What a Wonderful World", which I've [arodied above, werewritten by Bob Theile (as "George Douglas") and George David Weiss, and first recorded by Louis Armstrong ("Satchmo") during the Vietnam War amid turmoil in the 1960s, talks about the beautiful things of the world such as the blue skies, the beautiful colors of the rainbow, the warmth and friendlessness most people show each other, the lovely cries of babies, etc. Despite the numerous heartbreaking things that happen around us on a daily basis, the song’s lyrics try to make the listener understand that despite the ugly part of the world, the world also has beautiful side that is totally worth appreciating. Owing to the sheer power and beauty of the song, it has over the years been used to try to bring people of different races together.Read more at: https://www.songmeaningsandfacts.com/meaning-wonderful-world-louis-armstrong/. It appeared on the soundtrack of the 1988 movie Good Morning Vietnam, after which it was reissued as a single, rose to 32 in the Billboard Hot100 and Louis Armstrong's recording was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.
There is No Such Thing as a Tax-Free Structured Settlement Annuity
You may encounter the term "tax-free structured settlement annuity" on the Internet. Be mindful that there is no such thing. Don't worry annuitants, there is a tax exemption, but not exactly the way it's being presented in many cases by competent settlement practitioners and reputable settlement companies that should know better.
Examples:
One settlement planner's website says "Structured settlement annuities are not taxable — they're completely tax-exempt"
Another settlement planner's website says "Tax-free Income: 100% of structured settlement annuity is tax-free – including the settlement award, principal, ongoing payments and interest earned".
"a tax-free structured settlement annuityto meet medical and living expenses, or other financial planning tactics".
"A tax-free structured settlement annuityqualifies for special tax treatment under IRC §§104(a)(2) and 130(c)"
"A claimant cannot accept a cash settlement and then purchase an income tax-free structured settlement annuity on his/her own"
The best time to start preparing for your financial future is right now. Consider the many advantages of a Tax-Free Structured Settlement Annuity.*"
" I work with the Tax Free Structured Settlement Annuity Product and Various Trust products"
The Damages That the Structured Settlement Payments Represent is The Key
While some of these statements may seem plausible, the nature of damages that the payments represent is a critical factor, not the annuity contract itself.
Think about the applicable tax code sections cited in every settlement agreement that involves a structure. The word "annuity" does not appear in IRC Sections 104(a)(2) or IRC 130(c). Furthermore, a structured settlement annuity is a versatile insurance contract that can be used for a variety of applications, including structured settlements being used as a funding vehicle for settlements involving periodic payment of taxable damages and structured installment sales.
I encourage my industry colleagues to take greater responsibility, hopefully with the recognition that inaccurate statements end up getting parroted or cited by others.
See my comprehensive write up "What is a " Tax Free Structured Settlement Annuity?" on the Settlement News Network
In Patterson v. McMickle, 191 S.W. 3d 819 (C.A. Tex 2006), the administrator of the Estate of Daniel Myracle sued the attorney and his structured settlement broker Gary McMickle for negligence, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, and violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. The administrator alleged that the attorney and broker obtained two annuities for Daniel Myracle, the second of which did not have a guaranteed refund of the premium and was to be deferred for 15 years. However, Daniel died a year after the settlement and 14 years before the second annuity was to begin monthly payments. Because the annuity did not have a guaranteed return of premium, the estate was not entitled to any payment or refund. In granting McMickle’s motion for summary judgment, the trial court found that McMickle owed no duty to Sharnae Myracle, Daniel’s mother, who had been displaced as Daniel’s personal representative before the settlement. McMickle argued that, at most, he owed duties to Daniel’s attorney and personal representative. The Court of Appeals affirmed. Although the Court of Appeals did not have to decide whether McMickle owed a duty to Daniel’s attorney and personal representative, it seems clear that such a direct relationship would be sufficient to survive a summary judgment motion, according to Philadelphia attorney Stephen Harris who wrote the commentary on his law firm's blog.
My apologies in advance for triggering nightmares of cramming for your last high school geometry test. Euclid of Alexandria, from
Euclid of Alexandria (Circa 300 BC), father of Geometry
his famous book Elements, Book I, Common Notion 5 says, “The whole is greater than the part.” In geometry, the Segment Addition Postulate states that given 2 points A and C, a third point B lies on the line segment AC if and only if the distances between the points satisfy the equation AB + BC equals AC. How does this "classic" phyllo wrapped postulate relate to structured settlements and "McMickle's pickle"?
Depending on the state, there are at least 10 structured settlement annuity issuers, and they all have their pricing sweet spots. Read more about structured settlement quotes. Some insurers are better on short term durations from 5 to 15 years and others may be better on long term cash flows. Some have competitive rated ages and others don't. Daily rates may or may not be available.
Sometimes, by combining two or more segments from different structured settlement annuity issuers the payee will receive more than they would with a single company. In Euclidian terms AB+ BC equals AC plus!
In the "McMickle pickle", it's clear that a 15-year certain annuity was combined with a life annuity to create a "15 years certain and life" cash flow. Instead of 15 plus 0, the combination of annuities could have had a longer certain period (15 and 5, 15 and 10, 15 and 15 for example). The longer combined certain period would have reduced the amount of income to the decedent. Without seeing the entire file, my best assumption would be that McMickle's intention was to maximize the income to the child from the settlement money while the child was living. McMickle
Carefully Document the File When Split Funding Structured Settlements
When using split funding in any combination, whether a mixed duration split, annuity company split, or a product split, it's a good idea to have a simple summary of the documentation delivered to the client.
In 2015, I received a call from a concerned Allstate annuitant whose benefits had been suddenly "cut off". The annuity was the annuitant's share from a divorce settlement and naturally they were concerned. I did not write the policy. Unfortunately, the outsourced customer service rep service at a Phillipine call center was neither knowledgeable nor helpful and set the annuitant into a state of panic. Fortunately, the annuitant contacted me, someone with enough experience to know the history and peculiarity of Allstate's policies, which split the certain and life contingent portions into two separate policies. What happened was the periodic certain policy stopped and the switch to the life contingent policy did not click in as it was supposed to. It took some calling to find someone at the home office of Allstate who could take remedial action but eventually the situation was rectified. It would have been helpful however and have saved the annuitant a bit of agita, if the original broker had placed a summary in with the delivery of the policy.
What is a Structured Settlement? What You Need to Know Structured settlements and what you need to know about them including a helpful introductory video featuring 2023 A.M. Best Client Recommended Structured Settlement Expert and Registered Settlement Planner John Darer® of 4structures.com® LLC
How Do Structured Settlements Work? How Structured Settlements Work How structured settlements work, including 4structures.com LLC's super helpful structured settlement flow chart/diagram showing how structured settlements fit in on the spectrum of settlement planning solutions.
Rated Ages and Structured Settlement Cost Rated Ages for Structured Settlement Annuities present advantages to all parties. Shift the mortality risk to a life insurance company whose business it it is to assess mortality risk to price its life insurance and annuities. Rated ages boost your structured settlement annuity benefit per premium dollar, or your yield on lifetime payments. Rated ages help to reduce the cost of funding a Medicare Set Aside arrangement where a Structured MSA, is being used { WCMSA LMSA or NFMSA].
Structured Settlement Annuity Companies 2023 Which life insurance companies issue structured settlement annuities going into 2023? A list of current structured annuity issuers, the location of their home offices and their financial ratings from A.M. Best, Moodys, Fitch, Standard & Poors and/or other Tier1 NAIC ratings, with links to their websites and other useful information.
Treasury Funded Structured Settlements Treasury Funded Structured Settlements are a settlement option for the most conservative using the OTHER permissible qualified funding asset under IRC 130(d), United States Treasury Bonds in addition to, or instead of, structured settlement annuities. Treasury Funded Structured Settlements can also be used to fund installment sales, also known as structured sales and other non qualified structured settlements.
Compare Structured Settlement IRR to Other Settlement Alternatives Use the Taxable Equivalent Yield chart to help compare the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of a structured settlement to other alternative or complementary investments. Need help with the chart? Call 4structures.com® LLC at 888-325-8640
Structured Settlement Payments | Types of Structured Settlements Ways You Can Structure Your Settlement Payments. With a structured settlement you can have more than one type of payment in a single contract. Different types of structured settlement payments can be customized and combined to meet your needs on a stand-alone basis, or in conjunction with other financial products. Diversify your structured settlement, if you wish, by funding with more than one annuity issuer, with treasury funded structured settlements, index linked structured settlement payments and market based structured .
Structured Attorney Fees for Tax Deferral for Contingency Fees Structured attorney fees is a financial strategy that offers a unique way to defer taxes for lawyers and law firms. Lawyers CAN structure their legal fees even if the plaintiff doesn't structure their settlement. There are multiple ways to structure your attorney fees, such as the an index linked structured settlement where payments are adjusted based on upside changes in the S&P 500 with no downside and a cap of 5%. Trial Lawyers may also use a special deferred pay/deferred compensation arrangement, if market based returns returns are desired with no cap. Plan NOW for year end! Put structured attorney fee expert John Darer® on your settlement planning team.
Structured Settlement Annuity Company Customer Service Phone Numbers Receiving structured settlement payments from your own structured settlement or inherited structured settlement? You'll like this huge time saver. Click for a comprehensive list of customer service telephone numbers that includes both current AND former structured settlement annuity issuers and reinsurers. If you have simple bank or beneficiary changes, or if the insurance company that issued the structured annuity has merged, sold or spun off its block of structured annuity business (e.g. Aviva, Allstate, Transamerica, AEGON, GE Capital, Liberty, CNA, Confederation Life) or changed its name and you're trying to track them down, here you go! The list is regularly updated. Last updated January 23, 2023.
Structured Settlement Quote Lock-Ins | What You Need To Know What does a Structured Settlement Lock-In Mean? How do plaintiffs, defendants and insurers benefit from a structured settlement quote lock in when finalizing a settlement? How does the defendant/insurer/court benefit from using a structured settlement lock-in? Where to be careful when using structured settlement lock ins.
What Are Structured Settlement Annuities? Structured settlement annuities are annuities that can provide one or more customized annuity payment streams in a single contract. Read about structured settlement annuities here.
History of Structured Settlements Tracing the roots of structured settlements history from 1918, when Congress exempted damages for personal injury or sickness from income tax, to the establishment of structured settlements as a core personal injury settlement planning tool to the present day.
What Are Market Based Structured Settlements? Market based structured settlements are an alternative or supplementary structured settlement solution for the plaintiff, attorney or law firm that:
1. Can afford to take some market risk
2. Have discretionary settlement dollars.
Claimants and attorneys alike may find that market-based structured settlements provide the opportunity to receive tax-free income, or tax-deferred income, while enjoying growth potential.
Firmwide Qualified Settlement Funds Debunked Firmwide qualified settlement funds have been heavily promoted to trial lawyers, but have been debunked in a detailed analysis in a July 2022 legal opinion a tax partner at the law firm of Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath, LLP. Trial lawyers and firms who have established Firmwide QSFs or coinsidering establishing a Firmwide QSF should read the analysis as part of their evaluation.
Simply Click the Subscribe Button at the top left of the page above the blog title which will take you to the blog subscribe page or follow this link https://feeds.feedblitz.com/structuredsettlements
STRUCTURED SETTLEMENTS 4REAL® Blog Is a Popular Source of Structured Settlement News, John Darer Reviews and Information, Settlement Planning News, Tax Deferral and Deferred Income Planning Solutions,
with a stable readership that seeks credible structured settlement information, John Darer Reviews, commentary and/or opinion about topical issues related to settlement planning, targeted to lawyers, injured persons and their family members, guardians, survivors, judges, magistrates, special masters, mediators, administrators, trust companies, insurance company executives and adjusters, financial advisers settlement professionals, financial professionals, insurance regulators, government leaders, federal and state law enforcement, buyers and sellers of structured settlement payment rights, the news media and other interested parties.
4structures.com LLC established this structured settlement blog in 2005. For over 17 years it has been a leading source for critical commentary. The John Darer authored blog has been among the most prolific, regularly providing reviews, fresh structured settlement, settlement planning, litigation recovery management content and commentary. John Darer®, CLU ChFC MSSC CeFT® RSP CLTC, President of Stamford, CT based 4structures.com, LLC, is an experienced New York City area structured settlement expert, structured settlement broker, Certified Financial Transitionist, and Registered Settlement Planner.
In his capacity as a investigative journalist and commentator, and professionally, John Darer passionately believes that shining the light on a business practice is both healthy and newsworthy. It is in the best interest of injury victims, their families and their legal advisers, that the settlement planning discussion involve those that are properly trained in the topic, properly informed on the topic and, with respect to structured settlements, properly licensed and/or appointed). It has significant instructional and deterrent value to other practitioners and firms as well as those who may be caught in the cross hairs.
WHAT YOU GET here is the straight stuff with a touch of irreverence and humor. We hope you enjoy and find the content to be helpful.
Subscribe to the structured settlement blog feed, or a specific category feed through your blog reader, or through the Feedburner icon on this page. Followers of JDDarer™ on Twitter may also receive select content.
If you would like to speak with John he can be reached at (888)325-8640
Thank you for reading!
Last updated April 20, 2023
New York City Structured Settlement Experts Bridge building settlement consultants who collaborate with clients using a humanistic process, providing creative and reliable advice and support for litigating parties and their lawyers with matters in Courts throughout the New York City metropolitan area
New York Structured Settlement Expert Whether you're at the crossroads of the world or the crossroads of your life, structured settlements provide stability for when life is at a crossroad. Call 888-325-8640
New York Settlement Planning Expert for NY Attorneys and Residents - YouTube New York settlement expert John Darer's comprehensive approach to Settlement Planning helps New York personal injury lawyers and their clients move through the financial transition resulting from a major life event. CPLR Articles 50A and 50B expertise for New York lawyers
New York Structured Settlement Expert Useful information and ideas about structured settlements, settlement planning and litigation recovery managements for New York residents, New York Lawyers and New York judges
New York General Obligations Law §5-1702 The New York Structured Settlement Protection Act imposes mandatory requirements on the defendant or the defendant's legal representative when a structured settlement is created (as part of the resolution of a case)
Structured Settlements v Structured Judgments Often confused by writers on the Internet, but there IS a difference between structured settlements and structured judgments under CPLR Articles 50A or 50B. Find out more...
Connecticut Structured Settlement Experts 4structures.com LLC is based in Stamford CT and Connectict works with clients all over CT, Greenwich, Stamford, Darien, New Canaan, New Haven, Hartford, West Hartford, West Haven, Torrington, Danbury, Wilton, Ridgefield, Norwalk, Midletown, New London, Westport, Oxford, Stratford, Old Greenwich, Stafford, Storrs, Groton
"Impressive Blog" -Counsel to Am Law 200 ranked International Law Firm July 22, 2020
"Thank you so much for giving us your time and leading us in the right path , Thank you, you are a God send , God bless you in all your works" -K April 11, 2017
"Once again, I can't tell you how appreciative I am for your help. In today's day and age, it is rare that you actually find people who are willing to go the extra mile..." -TC May 5, 2015
"I wanted to send you this email to say Happy New Year to you and your family. May God continue to bless you. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to meet you on the phone. I truly thank you for introducing me and my son, (redacted) to (lawyer). It is people like you that God put in the path of my son situation. Thanks a million times! {original on file] 1-2-2015
"John Darer has been nothing but honest,helpful,informative with options, & his
"time" was NEVER an issue!"-Andrew S 8/18/2012
" I wish there were more like you" JG 9-15-2014
In my opinion, John Darer is an excellent consumer advocate in the insurance industry. When I had no one else to turn to after running up against the stone walls of these giant insurance company, John Darer used hours of his own time to investigate my situation. Not only is this an invaluable service to me the consumer but it is also of great value to the insurance industry by providing them consumer feed-back. This allows the insurance companies to correct their faults and move toward greater transparency which improves the overall public image of the insurance industry as a whole" JW 9/4/2014
John, Keep fighting the fight. -NASP member 12-4-2013
John...Thank you for your professional advice-Brandon 11-13-2013
"...Thanks to Mr. Darer's blog and personal pointers I was able to obtain a fair price for the sale of client structured settlement. Therefore, if one has no choice, but to sell their settlement educate yourself first before selling start by reading John's blog" Mr P. 11/17/2012
"I always appreciate when he (John Darer) keeps us informed on regs and rules. No one does it better"- structured settlement industry colleague and reader RY 7/26/2012
"Amen - and continued thanks for your vigilance, John"- RL 8/18/2011
"Thanks for writing these great blogs on your site John! As an individual investor I have learned so much about the secondary market (for annuities, structured settlements, lottery payments, etc.) from your blogs and video series!!!" (6/5/2011)
I have found the intelligent and forthright information on your site a godsend. So much so I have tried in a small way to pass on my findings to others. Please keep up the good work and enhance your well deserved reputation as the authority on this subject- Mike 4/29/2011
John -
I can't thank you enough for bringing this to my attention. In my wildest dreams... PJ-May 12, 2011
John, I love reading your blog! Not only have I found very useful information there, but the comedy is much appreciated! Thanks for talking about "the big pink elephant in the living room" that everyone else ignores!
Thank you again for your help via phone and blog! I really needed to hear what you had to say today! BM 11/23/2010
John—this (video published 11/2010) is a well done piece. I like the way you always stick to the facts-AM
What a wonderful blog you have! I have completely enjoyed reading some of your posts (4/16/2010)
Thank you so very much for discussing my concerns about Symetra, my annuity company. I am amazed that PI attorneys as well as a settlement broker in San Diego, could not answer the simplest questions I had regarding the Safeco/Symetra issue. Your blog/web site is most interesting and informative, and I am grateful you have take on the "watchdog" role!
Thank you so much again (3/25/10)
"Keep up the good work exposing abuses in our industry - our future depends on clients being properly advised."-CD
Just checked out your blog and loved it. Keep up the good and balanced work-DL
"...we have never met but I thoroughly enjoy your web site and blog - excellent material…-PB
"I enjoy your website and its content. Informative and well written"-JC
I heard a radio ad for the Peachtree Settlement Fund as I was driving into work this morning. (San Francisco Bay area.) I decided to check it out on the Internet and came upon your blog. Thank you very much. I do not have a “structured” settlement,
"All the others that I had emailed & have seen on the net were "cash now types" & have no concern of me & just are looking for my $$$. When I came across your site & blog I realized that u are an upstanding guy & are not like others. That's why I emailed"
This was Great. Right On Point-TS
"Other Than John Darer No One Seems To Be Doing Anything"-J
Thanks for your help and also for the good work you do on behalf of our industry-L
"Thank you for being the inspiration that you are and for being a strong advocate for integrity in our business"-KL
"I Commend You On Your Effort To Make a Difference!" -R
"He is a fabulous writer who has a great passion for the structured settlement industry. I commend him on the passion he invokes when he writes on his blog listed above. That type of commitment and passion is hard to find and is rare in this world" -AC
Structured Settlement Best Practices Corner
New York Insurance Advertising law requires the full name of the Insurer to be listed along with the city and state of the principal office. Stating that you represent these fine companies using Insurance company logos without the preceding information are also illegal
When it comes to settlement documents it is the ultimate responsibility of the lawyers or claims adjusters who receive input concerning the structured settlement aspects of the documents to actually read the entire document, exercise independent thought and advise their clients properly
Be aware that financial advisors use of testimonials is prohibited or restricted
Most states require that Testimonials represent the CURRENT opinion of the person who made the testimonial. Be prepared to back it up.
Number of States That Prohibit Payment of QSF expenses by licensed agents and brokers
All posts, including memes created by John Darer, Copyright 4structures.com, LLC 2023. All rights reserved. Ongoing filings have been made with the United States Copyright Office. Except for those videos in which John Darer appears, or any video advertisements or public service videos appearing on, this blog, no claim is made to videos, music or images in any mashup which are the property of their respective owners. Disclaimer: The use of any marks herein does not suggest any sponsorship, affiliation or relationship with owners of such marks. Any marks used in commentary herein are in the context of fair use to discuss the newsworthy topics presented herein.
Structured Settlement Watchdog® is a registered trademark of 4structures.com LLC.Reg. 4711312 All rights reserved.
John Darer® is a Registered Trademark of John Darer, Stamford CT. Reg. 4674907 All rights reserved
4structures® Reg. 4640532 and 4structures.com® Reg. 4640531 are Registered Trademarks of 4structures.com LLC. All rights reserved
Structured Settlements 4Real® is a Registered trademark of 4structures.com LLC Reg.4345946 All rights reserved.
Comments and Trackback Policy
Comments and Trackback Policy
Comments to this blog are encouraged, welcome and add spice to the interactive nature of blogs. However, the unscrupulous practice by some to deliver comment spam, to connect all manner of unrelated products to structured settlements, detracts from user experience, is NOT tolerated by this author and thus necessitates the practice of comment screening.
Jay J. Sangerman, PLLC A New York and Florida based AV rated estate planning law practice with an emphasis in Supplemental Needs Trusts, which assists attorneys in efficient case settlement though the use of Supplemental Needs Trusts and Special Needs Trusts; and Elder Law
Day Pitney LLP - People - Keith Bradoc Gallant Brad's practice includes traditional trust and estate planning and administration, special needs and disabilities planning, planning for same-sex couples and their families, planning for incapacity, and all types of probate litigation.
Helpful Structured Settlement Information is Here!
Learn more about structured settlements by reading structured settlement expert John Darer's blog
Researching Structured Settlements? It may be helpful to check (1) in Archived Blog Posts (above left); (2) use the Google search box (below); (1) visit the 4structures® website at https://www.4structures.com, (4) vist 4structures® Structured Settemlent Experts YouTube Channel by clicking https://www.youtube.com/user/4structures1, or (5) call settlement expert John Darer® at 888-325-8640, toll-free in the USA, 646-849-1588 in New York City, or 203-325-8640 in CT.
Subscribe to this Blog
Simply click on the " Subscribe" link at the top left of this blog page and follow the simple instructions.
The John Darer® authored Structured Settlements 4Real® blog is the most prolific structured settlement blogger with over 5,330 blog posts, and counting!
Why Take a Structured Settlement?
A structured settlement offers guaranteed financial security to personal injury victims, wrongful death survivors and their families. A structured settlement involves a customized stream of payments, provides long-term stable tax-free income, for a period of years or a lifetime. Unlike other income annuities. a structured settlement annuity can have multiple payment streams to address multiple needs in a single contract.
London Market Structured Settlements Experts Bridge building settlement consulting using a humanistic process, providing creative and reliable support for London Market Insurers, Lloyds Syndicates, Claims Professionals and Lawyers
New York Structured Settlement Experts Bridge building settlement consultants who collaborate with clients using a humanistic process, providing creative and reliable advice and support for litigating parties and their lawyers.
FactCheck.org nonprofit "consumer advocate" for voters that Aims to reduce the level of deception and confusion in U.S. politics. They monitor the factual accuracy of what is said by major U.S. political players in the form of TV ads, debates, speeches, interviews and news releases.
NYC 9-11 Health The World Trade Center Health Registry is now the largest registry in U.S. history to track the health effects of a disaster. The federally funded program is information central for first responders and others with health issues from 9-11
Comments and Trackback Policy