Structured Settlement Laws in Washington

Spokane County Superior Court

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

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🏛️ Court
Spokane County Superior Court
1116 West Broadway Avenue, Spokane, WA 99260
⏱️ Processing Time
25-55 days from filing to final hearing
Filing fee: $260.00 (civil case filing)
👥 Population
549,690 (2023 estimate)
Volume: medium

Court Information

Spokane County Superior Court
Address: 1116 West Broadway Avenue, Spokane, WA 99260
Phone: (509) 477-2211
Clerk: Tim Fitzgerald
Jurisdiction: Spokane County
Established: Established 1879

Venue Overview

Spokane County Superior Court serves the Inland Northwest region and is Washington's fourth-most populous county court, processing structured settlement transfers from communities with strong healthcare, education, and manufacturing economies. With over 549,000 residents, Spokane 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 Spokane. The Superior Court judges in Spokane County are experienced in handling financial matters common in healthcare and education communities. The county's major medical centers, universities, and manufacturing plants mean the court sees cases involving healthcare professionals, educators, and manufacturing workers. The court maintains strict compliance with Washington's structured settlement protection laws while understanding the unique financial planning needs of healthcare and academic families. Filing procedures reflect the court's experience with healthcare and education professionals, requiring detailed documentation and thorough independent advisor reports. The court maintains specialized procedures for cases involving medical malpractice, education settlements, manufacturing claims, and employment-related financial matters. Local rules emphasize comprehensive disclosure and payee protection, with requirements for detailed financial statements reflecting the impact of healthcare and education employment. The court requires publication in the Spokesman-Review and maintains relationships with financial advisors experienced in healthcare and education compensation. The court serves Spokane and surrounding communities including Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Cheney, and Airway Heights, each with distinct economic characteristics. The area's medical centers, educational institutions, and manufacturing facilities influence the types of structured settlement cases handled by the court. Spokane County Superior Court judges understand the complexities of healthcare careers, education positions, manufacturing employment, and professional services roles. The court processes structured settlement transfers with consideration for medical licensing, academic tenure, manufacturing schedules, and family financial security. The court maintains specialized knowledge of various compensation arrangements common in healthcare and education communities, including healthcare salaries, academic contracts, manufacturing benefits, and professional services compensation. The judges recognize the importance of preserving financial security for healthcare and education workers while allowing appropriate access to settlement funds for legitimate needs. The court serves a population with strong healthcare and education sectors, requiring judges with expertise in healthcare law, education regulations, and professional finance. The Spokane County Superior Court processes structured settlement cases with particular attention to the financial implications for healthcare and education professionals. The Civil Division handles structured settlement transfers with a focus on protecting healthcare and education families while facilitating reasonable access to funds for essential needs. The court maintains relationships with financial advisors experienced in healthcare and education compensation.

Major Cities Served: Spokane, Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Cheney, Airway Heights

Filing Procedures

📋 Step-by-Step Process
1.Electronic filing through Spokane 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 Spokane County e-filing system
  • Cases assigned to judges with healthcare and education experience
  • Mandatory disclosure of all employment and professional benefits
  • Court verification of all financial calculations and tax implications
  • Publication in Spokesman-Review 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 healthcare and education 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:25-55 days from filing to final hearing
Transfer Volume:medium

Assigned Judges

Hon. John O. Cooney
Superior Court Judge
Civil Division - Spokane County
Presides over structured settlement and financial cases
Extensive experience in complex civil and financial matters
Hon. Raymond F. Clary
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 - 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 Spokane County Superior Court, Washington

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

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