The settlement process is a lengthy and complicated legal endeavor. Therefore, it is important to have clear and concise instructions when preparing a settlement plan.
Many plaintiffs are tempted to take a lump sum of money, but this can be a mistake in the long run. Using a structured settlement helps plaintiffs manage their money more easily in the future.
Preparation
The practice of a settlement plan is to assist individuals who receive a large settlement or inheritance by creating a structure to properly manage these funds and protect their eligibility for government benefits. This special legal practice benefits minors, individuals with disabilities, and those receiving public benefits.
The preparation stage is crucial to drafting an effective settlement agreement. This stage generates ideas for workable solutions and reveals issues that must be resolved to end the conflict. A carefully prepared draft will also reduce the risk of omitting essential terms or including void terms in the final agreement.
Negotiation
Some people are born natural negotiators. But for most, negotiation is a skill learned through training and practice. It is important to stay level-headed when preparing for settlement talks. Anger and frustration can easily cloud a person’s decision-making, making it difficult to reach an agreement. It is also essential to provide a forum for emotional release. Allowing individuals to express their feelings during a settlement conference may help them feel more empowered to negotiate.
Often, settlement conferences discuss several issues, each with various possible resolutions. It is vital to approach each issue separately but flexibly. In addition, it is vital to be able to justify your position. For example, if you are asking for a lump-sum debt settlement offer, be prepared to explain how your client can afford such an amount, even after reducing expenses to the barest minimum. Be able to show that you have done your research.
Documentation
When preparing for a settlement conference, gathering all relevant documents is important. This includes insurance policies, medical bills, liens, statements of fees and costs, proposals to change loan terms, and more. It’s also important to survey comparable settlement agreements in similar cases.
A settlement planning professional can help you create a budget that meets your needs and protects your privacy. They can also advise settling debt and limiting credit reporting after the settlement. They can also help you set up a special needs trust to avoid jeopardizing your loved one’s eligibility for government benefits. This can also save you money on legal costs and reduce the stress of settling. The settlement process can be difficult to navigate, so it’s best to seek consultation from a professional.
Settlement
The Society of Settlement Planners (SSP) is a professional trade association for individuals who plan settlements. Members include structured settlement specialists, attorneys, product providers, and more.
SSP members are dedicated to advancing the profession of settlement planning by working together to strengthen injury victim’s quality of life after receiving their legal settlement. The SSP supports its members by fostering collaboration and providing educational opportunities through regular meetings and annual conferences.
A settlement plan can help you save a portion of your lump sum payment for future expenses. For example, you can invest the money in assets or resources that do not count against needs-based public benefits, such as a primary residence or a vehicle.
