Structured Settlement Laws in New Jersey

Bergen County Superior Court

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

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🏛️ Court
Bergen County Superior Court
10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601
⏱️ Processing Time
20-45 days from filing to final hearing
Filing fee: $250.00 (civil case filing)
👥 Population
955,732 (2023 estimate)
Volume: high

Court Information

Bergen County Superior Court
Address: 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601
Phone: (201) 527-2700
Clerk: John A. Breslin, Jr.
Jurisdiction: Bergen County
Established: Established 1683

Venue Overview

Bergen County Superior Court serves New Jersey's most populous county and the northern New Jersey region, processing a substantial volume of structured settlement transfer cases. With over 955,000 residents, Bergen County handles thousands of civil cases annually, including complex financial transactions requiring court approval under New Jersey Statutes Title 2A, Chapter 16, Article 2. The court operates specialized divisions, with the Civil Division handling most structured settlement petitions in Hackensack. The Superior Court judges in Bergen County are highly experienced in financial matters common in major metropolitan areas. Bergen's status as a major corporate and residential center with Fortune 500 companies, pharmaceutical firms, and professional services means the court sees structured settlement cases from high-income professionals and corporate executives. The court maintains strict compliance with New Jersey's 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 New Jersey's comprehensive requirements, including detailed financial disclosures and independent advisor certification. The court typically schedules hearings within 20-35 days, reflecting the efficiency of the urban 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 Hackensack and surrounding communities including Paramus, Ridgewood, Englewood, and Fort Lee, each with distinct economic characteristics affecting structured settlement decisions. The Superior Court's experience with corporate, pharmaceutical, 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. The court serves a population with diverse professional backgrounds, requiring judges with corresponding expertise in various compensation arrangements and financial planning needs. The Bergen County Superior Court processes hundreds of structured settlement transfers annually, making it one of New Jersey's busiest courts for these specialized financial transactions. Judges in the Civil Division maintain specialized knowledge of structured settlement law and regularly handle cases involving complex financial instruments and investment strategies. The court's Hackensack location provides convenient access for attorneys and financial advisors throughout the metropolitan area. The court maintains relationships with certified financial advisors and investment professionals who regularly appear in structured settlement proceedings. This network ensures thorough review of proposed transfers and appropriate consideration of alternative financial strategies.

Major Cities Served: Hackensack, Paramus, Ridgewood, Englewood, Fort Lee

Filing Procedures

📋 Step-by-Step Process
1.Petition filed electronically with Bergen County Clerk of Courts
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 New Jersey eCourts system
  • Original petition must be filed with clerk in Hackensack
  • Mandatory court approval for all structured settlement transfers
  • Court requires detailed analysis of discount rate and present value
  • Publication notice required in Bergen Record 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 New Jersey Statutes §2A:16-63 et seq.
  • 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:$250.00 (civil case filing)
Processing Time:20-45 days from filing to final hearing
Transfer Volume:high

Assigned Judges

Hon. Robert C. Wilson
Superior Court Judge
Civil Division - Bergen County
Presiding judge for complex civil matters including structured settlements
Over 15 years judicial experience, specializes in financial transactions
Hon. Lisa A. Firko
Superior Court Judge
Civil Division - Financial Cases
Handles structured settlement transfers and complex financial disputes
Former civil litigator with extensive financial case background
Hon. Estela M. De La Cruz
Superior 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 - New Jersey 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.

New Jersey specific information. The information provided here is specific to New Jersey 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 Bergen County Superior Court, New Jersey

Navigating structured settlement transfers in Bergen County Superior Court, New Jersey 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 New Jersey structured settlement protection act.

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

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

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