Structured Settlement Laws in Illinois

Lake County Circuit Court

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

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🏛️ Court
Lake County Circuit Court
18 N. County Street, Waukegan, IL 60085
⏱️ Processing Time
30-65 days from filing to final hearing
Filing fee: $319.00 (civil case filing)
👥 Population
714,342 (2023 estimate)
Volume: medium

Court Information

Lake County Circuit Court
Address: 18 N. County Street, Waukegan, IL 60085
Phone: (847) 377-3600
Clerk: Erin Cartwright Weinstein
Jurisdiction: Lake County
Established: Established 1839

Venue Overview

Lake County Circuit Court serves a major suburban area north of Chicago and one of Illinois' most affluent counties, processing structured settlement transfers from professionals and families with complex financial portfolios. With over 714,000 residents, Lake County handles civil cases including financial transactions requiring court approval under 735 ILCS 5/2-1401. The court operates specialized divisions, with the Chancery Division managing structured settlement petitions in Waukegan. The 19th Judicial Circuit Court judges are experienced in handling sophisticated financial matters common in affluent suburban communities. The county's proximity to Chicago and strong corporate presence, including major pharmaceutical and manufacturing companies, means the court sees structured settlement cases from high-income professionals and corporate executives. The court maintains strict compliance with Illinois' structured settlement protection laws while understanding the unique financial planning needs of affluent clients. Filing procedures reflect the court's high standards and experience with complex transactions. All petitions must comply with Illinois' comprehensive requirements, including detailed financial disclosures and independent advisor certification. The court typically schedules hearings within 30-45 days, reflecting the efficiency of the suburban jurisdiction. Financial experts are frequently appointed to review complex calculations and investment alternatives. Local rules emphasize thorough documentation and payee protection, requiring electronic filing and comprehensive financial analysis. The court serves Waukegan and surrounding affluent communities including Highland Park, Lake Forest, and Libertyville, each with distinct economic characteristics affecting structured settlement decisions. The 19th Circuit's experience with corporate and professional cases provides valuable context for evaluating transfer requests. Judges understand the impact of executive compensation, stock options, retirement planning, and investment portfolio management on payees' financial stability.

Major Cities Served: Waukegan, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Libertyville, Zion

Filing Procedures

📋 Step-by-Step Process
1.Electronic filing through Lake County Clerk system
2.Assignment to Chancery Division judge within 24 hours
3.Certified mail notice to all interested parties
4.25-day response period for annuity companies and issuers
5.Financial discovery and document exchange period (2-3 weeks)
6.Pre-hearing conference for complex cases
7.Final hearing with payee testimony and advisor present
8.Written order issued within 5-7 days of hearing
9.30-day appeal period from final judgment
⚖️ Local Rules
  • Electronic filing required through Lake County e-filing system
  • Assignment to judges with corporate financial experience
  • Mandatory disclosure of all investment and retirement accounts
  • Court verification of all financial calculations and tax implications
  • Publication in Lake County News-Sun required if personal service fails
  • Expedited hearings available for business-critical situations
  • Financial expert review mandatory for transfers over $40,000

Special Requirements

📋 Mandatory Requirements
  • Must comply with 735 ILCS 5/2-1401
  • Independent professional advisor report required
  • Comprehensive financial disclosure including investment portfolios
  • Court must determine transfer serves payee's best interest
  • All settlement parties must receive notification
  • Detailed explanation of transfer purpose and alternatives
  • Court considers business interests and relocation factors
⏱️ Timeline
Filing Fee:$319.00 (civil case filing)
Processing Time:30-65 days from filing to final hearing
Transfer Volume:medium

Assigned Judges

Hon. George D. Strickland
Circuit Court Judge
Chancery Division - 19th Judicial Circuit
Presides over complex civil cases including corporate financial matters
Extensive experience in commercial litigation and financial transactions
Hon. Donna-Jo Vorderstrasse
Circuit Court Judge
Chancery Division - Financial Transactions
Specializes in structured settlement and investment transfer cases
Background in corporate law and financial services regulation

Local Resources & Links

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⚖️ Legal Disclaimer - Illinois 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.

Illinois specific information. The information provided here is specific to Illinois 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 Lake County Circuit Court, Illinois

Navigating structured settlement transfers in Lake County Circuit Court, Illinois 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 Illinois structured settlement protection act.

When filing a structured settlement transfer petition in Lake County Circuit Court, Illinois, you'll work with the local court system to obtain approval. The Lake 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 Illinois.

The Lake 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 Lake 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 Illinois state laws and Lake 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 Lake County Circuit Court or another jurisdiction in Illinois, our team ensures your petition meets all legal and procedural requirements.

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