Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, selling your structured settlement is 100% legal. The process is court-approved to ensure it's in your best interest, with all transactions reviewed by a judge.

Use our structured settlement calculator to get an instant, secure quote — no personal data, no phone calls. Just your payment details and timing.

Once you accept your quote, we handle the court paperwork. The judge will review your case in a short hearing — typically within 30 days — to ensure everything is fair and legal.

Many of our clients receive funds in as little as 24–72 hours after court approval. We offer direct deposit, paper check, or secure digital transfer.

Selling allows you to access your future funds now — to eliminate debt, pay medical bills, invest, or improve your quality of life. Our process is transparent, fast, and court-approved.

The primary advantages include immediate access to cash for urgent needs, debt consolidation at lower interest rates, investment opportunities, and maintaining financial flexibility while eliminating future payment uncertainties.

Yes, many clients use the lump sum to pay off high-interest debt like credit cards, personal loans, or medical bills. This can significantly reduce monthly payments and total interest paid over time.

Selling your structured settlement provides capital for investments such as real estate, business opportunities, education, or retirement planning that may offer better returns than the discount rate of the sale.

A lump sum gives you control over your money. You can allocate funds based on current needs rather than being locked into predetermined payment schedules that may not match your changing circumstances.

The tax treatment generally remains similar to your original structured settlement payments. However, having a lump sum provides more flexibility in tax planning strategies with professional guidance.

Using the lump sum to pay off existing debts can improve your debt-to-income ratio and credit utilization, potentially leading to better credit scores and more favorable lending terms in the future.

You don't need a lawyer to start, but you are always encouraged to seek independent legal or financial advice. We make sure everything is done clearly and transparently.

We're the first company to offer 100% digital quoting — no cold calls, no pressure. Built by legal and tech experts, our platform is built for you: fast, safe, and human-first.

A structured settlement is tax-free and comes from a legal settlement, while annuities are typically taxable investments. Structured settlements offer unique legal protections and are designed for injury compensation.

Yes, structured settlement sales are legal in all 50 states, but each state has specific court approval requirements. We work with licensed brokers nationwide and know each state's requirements.

Court filing fees are typically $100-$500 depending on your state. At SmarterPayouts, we handle all court costs and paperwork for you at no additional charge — they're included in our service.

The lump sum you receive from selling may have different tax implications than your regular payments. We recommend consulting with a tax professional, and can connect you with qualified CPAs if needed.

Absolutely! You can sell just a portion of your future payments and keep the rest. This is called a 'partial sale' and many clients choose this option to balance immediate needs with future security.