Structured Settlement Laws in Pennsylvania

Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas

Court procedures, filing requirements, and local rules for structured settlement transfers in Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas.

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🏛️ Court
Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas
1301 Filbert Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
⏱️ Processing Time
25-55 days from filing to final hearing
Filing fee: $181.75 (civil case filing)
👥 Population
1,584,138 (2023 estimate)
Volume: high

Court Information

Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas
Address: 1301 Filbert Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (215) 686-7000
Clerk: Stacey L. Witalec
Jurisdiction: Philadelphia County
Established: Established 1682

Venue Overview

Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas serves Pennsylvania's most populous county and the nation's sixth-largest city, handling the highest volume of structured settlement transfer cases in the Commonwealth. With over 1.58 million residents, Philadelphia County processes tens of thousands of civil cases annually, including complex financial transactions requiring court approval under Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 20, Chapter 83. The court operates specialized divisions, with the Civil Division handling most structured settlement petitions in Center City Philadelphia. The 1st Judicial District Court judges are among the most experienced in Pennsylvania for financial matters. Philadelphia's status as a major metropolitan area with Fortune 500 companies, universities, and healthcare systems means the court sees structured settlement cases from diverse professional sectors. The court maintains strict compliance with Pennsylvania's structured settlement protection laws while understanding the unique economic pressures facing urban professionals. Filing procedures reflect the court's high caseload and experience with complex transactions. All petitions must comply with Pennsylvania's comprehensive requirements, including detailed financial disclosures and independent advisor certification. The court typically schedules hearings within 25-40 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 Philadelphia and surrounding neighborhoods including Center City, University City, and the historic districts, each with distinct economic characteristics affecting structured settlement decisions. The 1st District's experience with corporate, academic, and professional cases provides valuable context for evaluating transfer requests. Judges understand the impact of executive compensation, university employment, medical center affiliations, and investment portfolio management on payees' financial stability.

Major Cities Served: Philadelphia, Center City, University City, Germantown, Northeast Philadelphia

Filing Procedures

📋 Step-by-Step Process
1.Electronic filing through Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia County e-filing system
  • Cases assigned 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 Philadelphia Inquirer 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
  • Compliance with Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Title 20, Chapter 83 required
  • Independent financial advisor certification mandatory
  • Detailed financial disclosure including investment portfolios
  • 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 professional status and career trajectory
⏱️ Timeline
Filing Fee:$181.75 (civil case filing)
Processing Time:25-55 days from filing to final hearing
Transfer Volume:high

Assigned Judges

Hon. Idee C. Fox
Common Pleas Court Judge
Civil Division - 1st Judicial District
Presides over complex civil cases including corporate financial matters
Extensive experience in commercial litigation and financial transactions
Hon. J. Scott O'Keefe
Common Pleas Court Judge
Civil 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 - Pennsylvania 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.

Pennsylvania specific information. The information provided here is specific to Pennsylvania 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 Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas, Pennsylvania

Navigating structured settlement transfers in Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas, Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania structured settlement protection act.

When filing a structured settlement transfer petition in Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas, Pennsylvania, you'll work with the local court system to obtain approval. The Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas 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 Pennsylvania.

The Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas 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 Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas 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 Pennsylvania state laws and Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas 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 Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas or another jurisdiction in Pennsylvania, our team ensures your petition meets all legal and procedural requirements.

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