Structured Settlement Laws in Washington

Pierce County Superior Court

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

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🏛️ Court
Pierce County Superior Court
930 Tacoma Avenue South, Tacoma, WA 98402
⏱️ Processing Time
25-50 days from filing to final hearing
Filing fee: $260.00 (civil case filing)
👥 Population
925,708 (2023 estimate)
Volume: high

Court Information

Pierce County Superior Court
Address: 930 Tacoma Avenue South, Tacoma, WA 98402
Phone: (253) 798-7455
Clerk: Kevin Stock
Jurisdiction: Pierce County
Established: Established 1852

Venue Overview

Pierce County Superior Court serves Tacoma and is Washington's second-most populous county court, processing structured settlement transfers from communities with strong military, manufacturing, and healthcare economies. With over 925,000 residents, Pierce County handles thousands of civil cases annually, including financial transactions requiring court approval under Revised Code of Washington Title 19, Chapter 19.205. The court operates specialized divisions, with the Civil Division managing structured settlement petitions in Tacoma. The Superior Court judges in Pierce County are experienced in handling financial matters common in military and manufacturing communities. The county's major military installations, manufacturing plants, and medical centers mean the court sees cases involving military personnel, manufacturing workers, and healthcare professionals. The court maintains strict compliance with Washington's structured settlement protection laws while understanding the unique financial planning needs of military and manufacturing families. Filing procedures reflect the court's experience with military and manufacturing professionals, requiring detailed documentation and thorough independent advisor reports. The court maintains specialized procedures for cases involving military benefits, manufacturing settlements, and employment-related financial matters. Local rules emphasize comprehensive disclosure and payee protection, with requirements for detailed financial statements reflecting the impact of military and manufacturing employment. The court requires publication in the News Tribune and maintains relationships with financial advisors experienced in military and manufacturing compensation. The court serves Tacoma and surrounding communities including Lakewood, Puyallup, University Place, and Spanaway, each with distinct economic characteristics. The area's military presence, manufacturing facilities, and medical centers influence the types of structured settlement cases handled by the court. Pierce County Superior Court judges understand the complexities of military service, manufacturing careers, healthcare positions, and defense industry employment. The court processes structured settlement transfers with consideration for deployment schedules, manufacturing regulations, medical licensing, and family financial security. The court maintains specialized knowledge of various compensation arrangements common in military and manufacturing communities, including military benefits, manufacturing salaries, healthcare compensation, and defense contracts. The judges recognize the importance of preserving financial security for military and manufacturing workers while allowing appropriate access to settlement funds for legitimate needs. The court serves a population with strong military and manufacturing sectors, requiring judges with expertise in military law, manufacturing regulations, and defense finance. The Pierce County Superior Court processes structured settlement cases with particular attention to the financial implications for military and manufacturing professionals. The Civil Division handles structured settlement transfers with a focus on protecting military and manufacturing families while facilitating reasonable access to funds for essential needs. The court maintains relationships with financial advisors experienced in military and manufacturing compensation.

Major Cities Served: Tacoma, Lakewood, Puyallup, University Place, Spanaway

Filing Procedures

📋 Step-by-Step Process
1.Electronic filing through Pierce 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 Pierce County e-filing system
  • Cases assigned to judges with military and manufacturing experience
  • Mandatory disclosure of all military and employment benefits
  • Court verification of all financial calculations and tax implications
  • Publication in News Tribune 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 Revised Code of Washington §19.205.010 et seq. required
  • Independent financial advisor certification mandatory
  • Detailed financial disclosure including military and manufacturing 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:$260.00 (civil case filing)
Processing Time:25-50 days from filing to final hearing
Transfer Volume:high

Assigned Judges

Hon. Stanley J. Rumbaugh
Superior Court Judge
Civil Division - Pierce County
Presides over complex civil cases including military financial matters
Extensive experience in military law and government contracts
Hon. Philip K. Sorensen
Superior Court Judge
Civil Division - Financial Transactions
Specializes in structured settlement and military benefit cases
Background in military employment law and financial services

Local Resources & Links

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⚖️ Legal Disclaimer - Washington 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.

Washington specific information. The information provided here is specific to Washington 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 Pierce County Superior Court, Washington

Navigating structured settlement transfers in Pierce County Superior Court, Washington 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 Washington structured settlement protection act.

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

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

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