Structured Settlement Laws in Indiana

St. Joseph County Superior Court

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

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🏛️ Court
St. Joseph County Superior Court
101 S. Main Street, South Bend, IN 46601
⏱️ Processing Time
25-55 days from filing to final hearing
Filing fee: $157.00 (civil case filing)
👥 Population
272,912 (2023 estimate)
Volume: medium

Court Information

St. Joseph County Superior Court
Address: 101 S. Main Street, South Bend, IN 46601
Phone: (574) 235-9651
Clerk: Rita L. Glenn
Jurisdiction: St. Joseph County
Established: Established 1830

Venue Overview

St. Joseph County Superior Court serves the South Bend metropolitan area and northern Indiana, processing structured settlement transfers from communities with strong educational, healthcare, and manufacturing economies. With over 272,000 residents, St. Joseph 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 downtown South Bend. The Superior Court judges in St. Joseph County are experienced in handling financial matters common in university and manufacturing communities. The county's major institutions, including the University of Notre Dame, major healthcare systems, and manufacturing plants mean the court sees cases involving educators, healthcare professionals, manufacturing workers, and university employees. The court maintains strict compliance with Indiana's structured settlement protection laws while understanding the unique financial planning needs of academic and manufacturing families. Filing procedures reflect the court's experience with academic and manufacturing families, requiring detailed documentation and thorough independent advisor reports. The court maintains specialized procedures for cases involving university settlements, medical malpractice, manufacturing injuries, and employment-related financial matters. Local rules emphasize comprehensive disclosure and payee protection, with requirements for detailed financial statements reflecting the impact of academic and manufacturing employment. The court requires publication in the South Bend Tribune and maintains relationships with financial advisors experienced in academic and manufacturing compensation. The court serves South Bend and surrounding communities including Mishawaka, Granger, Osceola, and Lakeville, each with distinct economic characteristics. The area's university presence and manufacturing heritage influence the types of structured settlement cases handled by the court. St. Joseph County Superior Court judges understand the complexities of university employment, manufacturing careers, healthcare positions, and professional development costs. The court processes structured settlement transfers with consideration for academic calendars, tenure requirements, manufacturing job stability, and family financial security. The court maintains specialized knowledge of various compensation arrangements common in university and manufacturing communities, including academic contracts, research grants, manufacturing benefits, and healthcare employment packages. The judges recognize the importance of preserving financial security for academic and manufacturing families while allowing appropriate access to settlement funds for legitimate needs. The court serves a population with strong university and manufacturing sectors, requiring judges with expertise in education law, employment law, and commercial finance. The St. Joseph County Superior Court processes structured settlement cases with particular attention to the financial implications for academic and manufacturing professionals and their families. The Civil Division handles structured settlement transfers with a focus on protecting family financial security while facilitating reasonable access to funds for essential needs. The court maintains relationships with financial advisors experienced in academic and manufacturing compensation and retirement planning.

Major Cities Served: South Bend, Mishawaka, Granger, Osceola, Lakeville

Filing Procedures

📋 Step-by-Step Process
1.Electronic filing with St. Joseph County Clerk of Courts
2.Assignment to Civil Division judge within 24 hours
3.Certified mail notice to all settlement parties
4.25-day response period for interested parties
5.Financial discovery and documentation period
6.Pre-hearing conference for complex cases
7.Final hearing with comprehensive testimony
8.Detailed written findings issued
9.30-day appeal period from final judgment
⚖️ Local Rules
  • Electronic filing required through St. Joseph County system
  • Assignment to judges experienced in academic and manufacturing cases
  • Mandatory disclosure of professional licenses and certifications
  • Court verification of all financial calculations
  • Publication in South Bend Tribune required
  • Expedited review for emergency situations
  • Expert financial analysis for complex transfers

Special Requirements

📋 Mandatory Requirements
  • Compliance with Indiana Code §34-50-2-1 et seq. required
  • Independent financial advisor report mandatory
  • Detailed disclosure of professional income and benefits
  • Court must find transfer in payee's best interest
  • All interested parties must receive proper notice
  • Explanation of transfer purpose and alternatives
  • Court considers professional licensing and education costs
⏱️ Timeline
Filing Fee:$157.00 (civil case filing)
Processing Time:25-55 days from filing to final hearing
Transfer Volume:medium

Assigned Judges

Hon. Jeffrey L. Sanford
Superior Court Judge
Civil Division - St. Joseph County
Presides over structured settlement and financial cases
Extensive experience in complex civil and financial matters
Hon. Margot F. Reagan
Superior Court Judge
Civil Division - Financial Transactions
Handles settlement transfers and financial disputes
Background in commercial litigation and financial law

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 St. Joseph County Superior Court, Indiana

Navigating structured settlement transfers in St. Joseph 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 St. Joseph County Superior Court, Indiana, you'll work with the local court system to obtain approval. The St. Joseph 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 St. Joseph 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 St. Joseph 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 St. Joseph 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 St. Joseph County Superior Court or another jurisdiction in Indiana, our team ensures your petition meets all legal and procedural requirements.

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