Structured Settlement Laws in Michigan

Kent County Circuit Court

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

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🏛️ Court
Kent County Circuit Court
180 Ottawa Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
⏱️ Processing Time
35-75 days from filing to final hearing
Filing fee: $175.00 (civil filing fee)
👥 Population
656,955 (2023 estimate)
Volume: medium

Court Information

Kent County Circuit Court
Address: 180 Ottawa Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: (616) 632-5000
Clerk: Lisa Posthumus Lyons
Jurisdiction: Kent County
Established: Established 1836

Venue Overview

Kent County Circuit Court serves the Grand Rapids metropolitan area and Michigan's fourth-largest county, processing structured settlement transfers from a diverse economic base including furniture manufacturing, healthcare, and education. With over 656,000 residents, Kent County handles civil cases including financial transactions requiring court approval under Michigan Compiled Laws § 691.1301 et seq. The court operates specialized divisions, with the Civil Division managing structured settlement petitions in downtown Grand Rapids. The 17th Judicial Circuit Court judges are experienced in handling financial matters common in manufacturing and healthcare communities. The county's strong furniture industry presence, major healthcare systems, and educational institutions mean the court sees cases involving manufacturing workers, medical professionals, and educators. The court maintains strict compliance with Michigan's structured settlement protection laws while understanding the economic patterns of these sectors. Filing procedures reflect the court's experience with middle-class families and professionals, requiring detailed documentation and thorough independent advisor reports. The court maintains specialized procedures for cases involving education funding, medical malpractice, and product liability settlements. Local rules emphasize comprehensive disclosure and payee protection, with requirements for detailed financial statements reflecting the impact of professional employment. The court requires publication in the Grand Rapids Press and maintains relationships with financial advisors experienced in professional compensation. The 17th Circuit's experience with professional and manufacturing cases provides valuable context for evaluating structured settlement transfer requests. The court understands the impact of professional licensing requirements, continuing education costs, and career advancement on payees' financial stability. The court serves a population with strong community ties and professional networks, requiring judges with corresponding expertise in various compensation arrangements, retirement planning, and the financial needs of professional families.

Major Cities Served: Grand Rapids, Wyoming, Kentwood, Walker, Grandville

Filing Procedures

📋 Step-by-Step Process
1.Electronic filing with Kent County Circuit Clerk
2.Assignment to 17th Judicial Circuit Civil Division
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 Kent County system
  • Assignment to judges experienced in professional cases
  • Mandatory disclosure of professional licenses and certifications
  • Court verification of all financial calculations
  • Publication in Grand Rapids Press required
  • Expedited review for emergency situations
  • Expert financial analysis for complex transfers

Special Requirements

📋 Mandatory Requirements
  • Compliance with Michigan Compiled Laws § 691.1301 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:$175.00 (civil filing fee)
Processing Time:35-75 days from filing to final hearing
Transfer Volume:medium

Assigned Judges

Hon. Paul J. Denenfeld
Circuit Court Judge
Civil Division - 17th Judicial Circuit
Presides over structured settlement and financial cases
Extensive experience in complex civil and financial matters
Hon. Christopher P. Yates
Circuit Court Judge
Civil Division - Financial Transactions
Handles settlement transfers and financial disputes
Background in commercial litigation and financial law

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⚖️ Legal Disclaimer - Michigan 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.

Michigan specific information. The information provided here is specific to Michigan 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 Kent County Circuit Court, Michigan

Navigating structured settlement transfers in Kent County Circuit Court, Michigan 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 Michigan structured settlement protection act.

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

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

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