Structured Settlement Laws in Alabama

Jefferson County Circuit Court

Court procedures, filing requirements, and local rules for structured settlement transfers in Jefferson County Circuit Court.

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🏛️ Court
Jefferson County Circuit Court
716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North, Birmingham, AL 35203
⏱️ Processing Time
45-90 days from filing to final hearing
Filing fee: $298.00 (plus service and publication fees)
👥 Population
658,573 (2023 estimate)
Volume: high

Court Information

Jefferson County Circuit Court
Address: 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North, Birmingham, AL 35203
Phone: (205) 325-5355
Clerk: Annabelle T. Lockhart
Jurisdiction: Jefferson County
Established: Established 1819

Venue Overview

The Jefferson County Circuit Court serves Alabama's most populous county with over 658,000 residents and handles the highest volume of structured settlement transfer cases in the state. As the economic hub of Alabama, Jefferson County processes thousands of civil cases annually, including a substantial number of complex financial transactions requiring court approval under Alabama's Structured Settlement Protection Act (SSPA). The court operates multiple divisions, with the Civil Division handling most structured settlement petitions in downtown Birmingham. Judges in the 10th Judicial Circuit are highly experienced in financial matters and maintain strict standards for payee protection under Alabama Code §§ 6-11-700 to 6-11-715. The court requires comprehensive documentation including detailed financial disclosures, independent professional advisor reports, and thorough explanations of the transfer benefits. Birmingham's status as Alabama's largest city means the court handles diverse cases from urban and suburban payees, requiring nuanced understanding of local economic conditions. Filing procedures in Jefferson County emphasize transparency and payee protection. All petitions must comply with Alabama's comprehensive SSPA requirements, including mandatory court approval, financial disclosure forms, and independent advisor certification. The court typically schedules hearings within 30-45 days of filing, with emergency hearings available for urgent medical or financial situations. Court-appointed experts may review complex financial calculations, especially in cases involving large lump sums or multiple transfers. Local rules require electronic filing through the Alabama e-filing system, with original signatures required for verification. The court maintains specialized dockets for financial transactions, ensuring experienced judges handle these sensitive matters. Publication requirements are strictly enforced, with notices appearing in the Birmingham News and other local publications when personal service is not possible. The 10th Judicial Circuit serves not only Birmingham but also surrounding communities like Hoover, Vestavia Hills, and Bessemer, each with unique economic considerations. Judges are familiar with the diverse needs of urban professionals, suburban families, and rural residents, tailoring their review process accordingly while maintaining strict compliance with state law.

Major Cities Served: Birmingham, Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Bessemer, Homewood

Filing Procedures

📋 Step-by-Step Process
1.Petition filed electronically with Jefferson County Circuit Clerk
2.Clerk reviews for completeness and assigns to Civil Division judge
3.Notice sent to all parties via certified mail and publication
4.30-day response period for interested parties (annuity companies)
5.Financial discovery and document exchange period (2-3 weeks)
6.Mandatory settlement conference for transfers over $25,000
7.Final hearing with testimony from payee and independent advisor
8.Court issues detailed written findings of fact and conclusions of law
9.30-day appeal period from entry of final judgment
⚖️ Local Rules
  • Electronic filing mandatory through Alabama Courts e-filing system
  • Original petition must be filed with clerk in Birmingham
  • Mandatory court approval for all structured settlement transfers
  • Court requires detailed analysis of discount rate and present value
  • Publication notice required in Birmingham News if personal service fails
  • Emergency hearings available for urgent medical situations
  • Court-appointed financial expert review for transfers over $50,000

Special Requirements

📋 Mandatory Requirements
  • All petitions must comply with Alabama Code §§ 6-11-700 to 6-11-715 (SSPA)
  • Comprehensive financial disclosure affidavit required from payee
  • Independent professional financial advisor report mandatory
  • Court must find transfer is in payee's best interest with written findings
  • All interested parties must receive notice via certified mail
  • Detailed explanation of transfer benefits and alternatives required
  • Court considers payee's dependents and financial needs
⏱️ Timeline
Filing Fee:$298.00 (plus service and publication fees)
Processing Time:45-90 days from filing to final hearing
Transfer Volume:high

Assigned Judges

Hon. Joseph L. Boohaker
Circuit Court Judge
Civil Division - 10th Judicial Circuit
Presiding judge for complex civil matters including structured settlements
Over 15 years on the bench, specializes in financial transactions
Hon. Marshell J. Hatcher
Circuit Court Judge
Civil Division - Financial Cases
Handles structured settlement transfers and complex financial disputes
Former civil litigator with extensive financial case background
Hon. Elisabeth A. French
Circuit Court Judge
Civil Division - General Jurisdiction
Experienced in contract disputes and financial transfers
Background in commercial law and financial services

Local Resources & Links

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⚖️ Legal Disclaimer - Alabama Structured Settlement Information

For informational purposes only. This information is provided for educational purposes and should not be construed as legal advice. Structured settlement laws vary by state and are subject to change.

Court approval required. All structured settlement transfers require court approval in every state to ensure the best interests of the payee and any dependents are protected.

Professional consultation recommended. We strongly recommend consulting with qualified legal and financial professionals before making any decisions regarding structured settlement transfers.

State-specific requirements. Each state has unique statutes, court procedures, and approval criteria. Always verify current requirements with official state resources.

Alabama specific information. The information provided here is specific to Alabama state laws and may not apply to other jurisdictions.

Contact information: For questions about structured settlements in your state, please contact your state insurance department or a qualified attorney.

Last updated:
Content last updated: November 20, 2025

Structured Settlement Transfer Procedures in Jefferson County Circuit Court, Alabama

Navigating structured settlement transfers in Jefferson County Circuit Court, Alabama requires understanding both state-level regulations and local court procedures. Each county may have specific filing requirements, court rules, and administrative procedures that supplement the broader Alabama structured settlement protection act.

When filing a structured settlement transfer petition in Jefferson County Circuit Court, Alabama, you'll work with the local court system to obtain approval. The Jefferson County Circuit Court court will review your petition to ensure the transfer serves your best interest, considers mandatory disclosure documents, and verifies that you've received independent professional advice. Local court procedures may include specific filing fees, timeline requirements, and documentation standards that vary from other counties in Alabama.

The Jefferson County Circuit Court court system's familiarity with structured settlement transfers can impact processing times and approval rates. Courts with high transfer volumes often have streamlined procedures, while others may require additional documentation or extended review periods. Working with professionals experienced in Jefferson County Circuit Court court procedures helps ensure your petition is filed correctly and moves through the approval process efficiently.

Smarter Payouts partners with licensed brokers and legal professionals who understand both Alabama state laws and Jefferson County Circuit Court local court requirements. This local expertise helps streamline the approval process, ensures compliance with all applicable regulations, and protects your rights throughout the transfer. Whether you're filing in Jefferson County Circuit Court or another jurisdiction in Alabama, our team ensures your petition meets all legal and procedural requirements.

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