Structured Settlement Laws in Indiana

Lake County Superior Court

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

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🏛️ Court
Lake County Superior Court
2293 N. Main Street, Crown Point, IN 46307
⏱️ Processing Time
25-50 days from filing to final hearing
Filing fee: $157.00 (civil case filing)
👥 Population
498,700 (2023 estimate)
Volume: high

Court Information

Lake County Superior Court
Address: 2293 N. Main Street, Crown Point, IN 46307
Phone: (219) 755-3500
Clerk: Michael A. Brown
Jurisdiction: Lake County
Established: Established 1837

Venue Overview

Lake County Superior Court serves the Crown Point area and northwestern Indiana, processing structured settlement transfers from communities with strong industrial and manufacturing economies. With over 498,000 residents, Lake County handles civil cases including financial transactions requiring court approval under Indiana Code Title 34, Article 50, Chapter 2. The court operates specialized divisions, with the Civil Division managing structured settlement petitions in Crown Point. The Superior Court judges in Lake County are experienced in handling financial matters common in industrial and manufacturing communities. The county's major steel mills, manufacturing plants, and union workforce mean the court sees cases involving industrial workers, union members, and manufacturing professionals. The court maintains strict compliance with Indiana's structured settlement protection laws while understanding the unique financial planning needs of industrial families. Filing procedures reflect the court's experience with working-class families and industrial professionals, requiring detailed documentation and thorough independent advisor reports. The court maintains specialized procedures for cases involving industrial settlements, workers' compensation, and employment-related financial matters. Local rules emphasize comprehensive disclosure and payee protection, with requirements for detailed financial statements reflecting the impact of industrial employment. The court requires publication in the Times of Northwest Indiana and maintains relationships with financial advisors experienced in industrial and union compensation. The court serves Crown Point and surrounding communities including Gary, Hammond, East Chicago, and Merrillville, each with distinct economic characteristics. The area's industrial heritage and proximity to Chicago influence the types of structured settlement cases handled by the court. Lake County Superior Court judges understand the complexities of industrial employment, union benefits, manufacturing careers, and workers' compensation settlements. The court processes structured settlement transfers with consideration for job stability, union protections, retirement benefits, and family financial security. The court maintains specialized knowledge of various compensation arrangements common in industrial communities, including union contracts, pension plans, workers' compensation settlements, and manufacturing employment benefits. The judges recognize the importance of preserving financial security for industrial workers while allowing appropriate access to settlement funds for legitimate needs. The court serves a population with strong industrial and manufacturing traditions, requiring judges with expertise in labor law, union benefits, and industrial finance. The Lake County Superior Court processes structured settlement cases with particular attention to the financial implications for industrial workers and their families. The Civil Division handles structured settlement transfers with a focus on protecting working families while facilitating reasonable access to funds for essential needs. The court maintains relationships with financial advisors experienced in industrial compensation and retirement planning.

Major Cities Served: Crown Point, Gary, Hammond, East Chicago, Merrillville

Filing Procedures

📋 Step-by-Step Process
1.Electronic filing through Lake County Clerk system
2.Assignment to Civil 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
  • Cases assigned to judges with industrial case experience
  • Mandatory disclosure of all employment and union benefits
  • Court verification of all financial calculations and tax implications
  • Publication in Times of Northwest Indiana required if personal service fails
  • Expedited hearings available for urgent situations
  • Financial expert review mandatory for transfers over $40,000

Special Requirements

📋 Mandatory Requirements
  • Compliance with Indiana Code §34-50-2-1 et seq. required
  • Independent financial advisor certification mandatory
  • Detailed financial disclosure including employment benefits
  • Court must make specific findings regarding payee's best interest
  • All annuity issuers and interested parties must receive notice
  • Explanation of transfer alternatives required
  • Court considers employment status and career trajectory
⏱️ Timeline
Filing Fee:$157.00 (civil case filing)
Processing Time:25-50 days from filing to final hearing
Transfer Volume:high

Assigned Judges

Hon. Diane R. Boswell
Superior Court Judge
Civil Division - Lake County
Presides over complex civil cases including industrial financial matters
Extensive experience in commercial litigation and labor law
Hon. Salvador Vasquez
Superior Court Judge
Civil Division - Financial Transactions
Specializes in structured settlement and employment benefit cases
Background in labor law and financial services regulation

Local Resources & Links

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⚖️ Legal Disclaimer - Indiana 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.

Indiana specific information. The information provided here is specific to Indiana 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 Superior Court, Indiana

Navigating structured settlement transfers in Lake County Superior Court, Indiana 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 Indiana structured settlement protection act.

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

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

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