Intestate Succession in Texas: Who Inherits
Texas Estates Code §§ 201.001-201.103 sets who inherits when someone dies without a will. The rules turn on community property, separate property, and the Texas homestead. Full framework with a chart.
California Probate Fees: What an Estate Actually Pays
California Probate Code § 10810 sets statutory probate fees on a graduated schedule, and § 10800 sets the executor's fee at the same rate. Here is the full breakdown with worked examples for $250K to $10M estates.
Transferring Property After a Death Without a Will in California
When a California resident dies, property transfers through one of four routes. Three simplified paths avoid full probate, and full probate handles everything else. Here is how each works, with the 2026 thresholds.
California Probate Forms: Every Judicial Council Form Explained
California probate runs on standardized Judicial Council forms. Here is every probate form, grouped by the phase of the case, with what each one does and where to download it free.
Sell Your Structured Settlement to Buy a House (2026)
About 44% of CSF customers sell their structured settlement to fund a home purchase, down payment, renovation, or mortgage payoff. How the math works and when it makes sense.
Sell Your Structured Settlement to Pay Off Debt
About 25 percent of CSF customers sell their structured settlement to pay off high-interest debt. Here is the math on when the lump-sum payoff beats keeping the monthly payments, and when it does not.
Sell Your Structured Settlement to Buy a Car
About 11 percent of CSF customers sell their structured settlement to fund a vehicle purchase. Here is when paying cash beats taking an auto loan, and when it does not.
Why Structured Settlement Transfers Get Denied
Court denials of structured settlement transfers happen, and they almost always come down to the best-interest standard. What judges weigh, why petitions fail, and what to do if yours was denied.
Texas Structured Settlement Protection Act (2026 Guide)
Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code Chapter 141 governs every structured settlement transfer in the state. What the law requires, what your judge looks at, and how Texas case law shapes practice.
Intestate Succession in California: Who Inherits
California Probate Code §§ 6400-6455 sets who inherits when someone dies without a will. The rules turn on community property and marital status. Full framework with leading California cases.
Should I Sell My Structured Settlement? (2026 Guide)
Selling your structured settlement makes financial sense in 5 specific situations and is a bad idea in 3 others. The decision framework, the math, and a 5-question checklist before you sign.
Recent Structured Settlement Court Decisions (2020-2026)
Recent appellate decisions are reshaping how courts apply the best-interest standard, scrutinize independent professional advice, and handle anti-assignment clauses. Here is what the case law says now.
When Are Structured Settlements Required? A 50-State Guide
No state requires structured settlements universally, but several mandate periodic payments for minors, incapacitated plaintiffs, and large judgments. A 50-state guide to when courts require them.
Life Contingent Annuity: Meaning, Options, Payout Rules
A life contingent annuity pays only while the measuring life is alive. Learn what the term means, where it shows up, and how it compares to guaranteed payments.
How Long Does Probate Take in California? (2026 Guide)
Probate in California takes 12 to 18 months for most estates. Complex cases with real property or disputes can take 2 years or longer. Here is what drives the timeline and what you can do about it.
California Structured Settlement Protection Act (2026 Guide)
California's SSPA (Insurance Code 10134-10139.5) gives structured settlement sellers some of the strongest protections in the country. Here is what the law requires and how it protects you.
How to Sell or Cash Out an Annuity (2026 Guide)
Selling annuity payments and cashing out an annuity are two different transactions with different counterparties, costs, and tax outcomes. Here is how each works and when to use which.
Structured Settlement Tax Rules for Sellers (2026)
Selling a structured settlement from a personal injury case is generally tax-free under IRC § 104(a)(2). Federal law also imposes a 40% excise tax on buyers who skip court approval.
How Much Does JG Wentworth Charge? Fees Explained (2026)
How much does JG Wentworth charge for structured settlements? Industry sources cite a 9% to 18% discount rate. See dollar examples and get a free quote.
How Much Does an Inheritance Advance Cost? (2026)
Inheritance advance costs typically range from 10% to 40% of your expected inheritance. Learn what affects pricing, how fees compare to loans, and how to get the best deal.
YDC Settlement Fund Update 2026: $240M Paid Out
Latest on the New Hampshire YDC settlement fund: new administrator, $240M paid to 425 survivors, the May 7 House vote on SB 481, and SB 558's proposal to shift administration to the judicial branch.
YDC Settlement Cash Advance: How to Get Your Money Sooner
Receiving your NH YDC settlement in 10 annual payments? You can sell future payments for a lump sum through a court-approved process. No monthly payments, no out-of-pocket cost.
Structured Settlement Cash Payout: How Much Will You Get? (2026)
A structured settlement cash payout typically delivers 30% to 80% of total face value, paid 30 to 60 days after you start. Here is what determines your payout and how to maximize it.
How Structured Settlement Sales Work: A Complete Guide
A complete, step-by-step explanation of how structured settlement sales work, from requesting quotes through court approval and funding.
Why People Sell Their Structured Settlements (4,000+ Cases)
CSF reviewed sworn court declarations from structured settlement transfer proceedings. Debt payoff, home purchases, and education top the list. Over 80% of sellers had sold before.
What Happens to a Structured Settlement When You Die?
Learn what happens to your structured settlement after death. Understand the difference between guaranteed and life contingent payments, beneficiary designations, and your options.
Lottery Taxes by State: Federal & State Tax Guide (2026)
Complete guide to lottery taxes. See federal tax rates, state-by-state lottery tax rates for all 50 states, and how lump sum vs. annuity affects your tax bill.
What to Do If You Win the Lottery: A Financial Checklist
Won the lottery? Follow this step-by-step checklist covering taxes, privacy, financial planning, and the lump sum vs. annuity decision. Protect your winnings.
What Is a Discount Rate? How Structured Settlement Offers Work
Learn how discount rates determine your structured settlement or annuity lump sum offer. Understand the factors, typical ranges, state caps, and how to compare quotes.
Structured Settlements for Minors: What Parents Need to Know
Learn how structured settlements for minors work, who controls the payments, and whether parents or guardians can sell a minor's settlement payments.
Wrongful Death Structured Settlements: Your Rights and Options
Learn how wrongful death structured settlements work, their tax benefits under IRC 104(a)(2), and options for selling payments for a lump sum.
Small Estate Affidavit: How to Skip Probate for Smaller Estates
Learn what a small estate affidavit is, whether your estate qualifies, and how to file one. Includes state-by-state threshold table and step-by-step guide.
Annuity Surrender Charges: What It Costs to Get Out
Understand annuity surrender charges, typical schedules, the IRS 10% penalty, and free withdrawal options. Compare surrendering vs. selling your annuity payments.
Beneficiary Designations and Probate: What Heirs Must Know
Learn how beneficiary designations affect probate, which assets skip probate, common mistakes, and what happens when no beneficiary is named.
Can You Sell a Structured Settlement More Than Once?
Yes, you can sell structured settlement payments more than once. Learn how repeat sales work, what judges consider, and how to get the best deal on a second sale.
Why Customers Switch from JG Wentworth to CSF
Real customers share why they left JG Wentworth for CSF, citing better rates, faster communication, and a no-pressure sales approach.
Cash Advances on Structured Settlements: What to Expect
CSF offers cash advances on pending structured settlement transactions so you can access funds before court approval. Here is how the process works.
How to Shop for the Best Structured Settlement Offer
Get the highest payout for your structured settlement by comparing offers from multiple companies. Real customer experiences show why shopping around matters.
What Can You Do With a Lump Sum? Real Seller Stories
CSF customers have used their lump sums to buy homes, pay off debt, start businesses, fund education, and cover medical bills. Here are their real stories.
Why Customers Come Back to CSF (Repeat Sellers)
Multiple CSF customers have completed two, three, and even four transactions. Here is why they keep coming back and what that says about the experience.
Real CSF Customer Timelines: How Long Selling Actually Took
CSF customers report timelines of 2 to 3 months from first call to funding. Real timelines from verified reviews, plus what affects speed.
Structured Settlement Court Hearing: Real Customer Stories
Wondering what to expect at your structured settlement court hearing? CSF customers share their real experiences, from preparation to approval.
No-Pressure Settlement Buyer: How CSF Is Different
CSF customers consistently say they felt no pressure during the selling process. Here is what a no-pressure approach actually looks like, in their own words.
What Is a Structured Settlement and How Does It Work?
Learn what a structured settlement is, how payments work, and your options for selling. Covers types, tax benefits, and the court process.
What Is Probate Court? How It Works and What to Expect
Learn what probate court does, how the process works, what to expect at a hearing, and how long it takes. Get help with your probate advance today.
How to Cash Out an Annuity: Options, Costs, and Taxes
Learn three ways to cash out an annuity, understand surrender charges and tax penalties, and find out how selling to a buyer like CSF compares.
How Lottery Annuity Payments Work (Schedules and Taxes)
Powerball and Mega Millions annuities are 30 graduated payments over 29 years, each 5% larger than the last, backed by U.S. Treasury bonds. Schedules, taxes, and sale options explained.
Is Inheritance Marital Property? Divorce Implications
Is inheritance marital property in divorce? Learn when it becomes commingled and how to protect inherited assets in community property states.
Probate Court Explained: What Happens and How Long It Takes
Probate court validates wills, appoints executors, pays debts, and distributes assets. Here's what heirs need to know about the process and timeline.
Workers' Comp Settlement: How It Works and What to Do Next
A workers' comp settlement resolves an injured worker's claim as a lump sum or structured payments. Learn how it works and your options.
Next of Kin: Who Inherits Without a Will (2026)
When someone dies without a will, state intestate law sets who inherits and in what order. Here is the priority list, your rights as an heir, and how to access your inheritance before probate closes.
Annuity Due vs. Ordinary Annuity: Key Differences
An annuity due pays at the start of each period; an ordinary annuity pays at the end. This timing difference affects your lump sum value.
Are Annuities FDIC Insured? What Actually Protects Your Payments
Annuities are not FDIC insured, but state guaranty associations protect up to $250,000. Learn what covers your annuity payments.
Withdrawing From an Annuity: Options and Penalties
Withdrawing from an annuity can cost 20-30% in surrender charges, IRS penalties, and taxes. Selling payments to CSF avoids the 10% IRS penalty.
What Happens at a Probate Court Hearing? A Clear Guide for Heirs
Probate court hearings are where the judge validates wills, appoints executors, and approves estate distributions. What heirs should know.
Pre-Settlement Funding: How It Works and What It Costs
Learn how pre-settlement funding works, what it costs, who qualifies, and how it compares to selling a structured settlement.
Inheritance Tax Guide 2026: What Heirs Actually Pay
Find out if your inheritance is taxable, how federal and state inheritance taxes work, which states tax inheritances, and what heirs need to know.
How Long Does Probate Take? State-by-State Timelines for 2026
How long does probate take? Expect 9 to 24 months on average, but timelines vary by state and estate complexity. See what drives delays.
How to Avoid Probate: 7 Strategies That Actually Work
Want to know how to avoid probate? These seven proven strategies keep your assets out of court and save your heirs time and money.
Lottery Lump Sum vs. Annuity: Which Payout Is Right?
Lottery lump sum vs annuity, which payout is better? Compare taxes, investment potential, and long-term value to make the right choice for your jackpot.
Can a Debt Collector Take Your Structured Settlement?
Can a structured settlement debt collector seize your payments? Learn about federal and state protections and what to do if a collector contacts you.
What Is Probate? A Plain-Language Guide for Heirs
Probate is the court-supervised process that settles a deceased person's estate. How it works, what it costs, and how long heirs wait.
Inheritance Advance vs. Probate Loan: Key Differences (2026)
An inheritance advance loan is not really a loan, despite the name. Compare credit requirements, repayment terms, risk, and total cost side by side before choosing.
How Much Does Probate Cost? A Breakdown of Fees
Probate costs vary by state and estate size. In states with statutory fee schedules, total costs can reach 4% to 7% of the estate's value. Full breakdown of court fees, attorney costs, and appraisals.
Can You Get Your Inheritance Early? 4 Options Explained
Need to get your inheritance early? Compare four ways to access estate funds before probate closes, including advances, loans, and executor distributions.
Will vs. Trust: What Heirs Need to Know
Wills and trusts both transfer assets after death, but they work very differently in terms of probate, privacy, speed, and cost.
What Happens When Someone Dies Without a Will?
Dying without a will means state intestacy laws decide who inherits. Learn how the process works and why it often leads to delays and disputes.
Probate and Real Estate: What Heirs Should Expect
Probate real estate slows down the process and adds costs. Learn how property moves through probate and what options heirs have.
Annuity vs Lump Sum: Which Option Is Better for You?
Should you keep receiving annuity payments or take a lump sum? This guide breaks down the financial, tax, and lifestyle factors to help you decide.
JG Wentworth Alternatives: How to Compare Buyers Before You Sell
JG Wentworth is a recognizable name, but name recognition does not equal highest payout. Compare written net offers from JGW and the independent structured settlement buyers before signing anything.
How to Sell a Structured Settlement: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
Selling a structured settlement is a five-step process: gather documents, get quotes, choose your structure, attend a court hearing, and receive your lump sum. Most sellers finish in 30 to 60 days.
Life Contingent Payments: What You Need to Know Before Selling
Life contingent structured settlement payments differ from guaranteed payments in key ways. Learn what affects their value when selling.
Are Structured Settlement Payments Taxable? Seller's Guide
Structured settlement payments from personal physical injury claims are tax-free under IRC § 104(a)(2), and that status follows the lump sum when you sell. Full federal and state picture for sellers.
How to Sell Annuity Payments for a Lump Sum
Ready to sell annuity payments for a lump sum? Learn which annuity types qualify, how court approval works, and how to get the best offer.
What to Expect at a Structured Settlement Court Hearing
A practical guide to structured settlement court hearings: why court approval is required, what happens at the hearing, what the best-interest standard looks like, and how to prepare.
How Long to Sell a Structured Settlement? Timeline + Steps
Learn how long it takes to sell a structured settlement, from first quote to funding. Most transactions take 30 to 60 days with court approval.
Can You Sell Part of Your Structured Settlement?
You can sell part of your structured settlement and keep the rest. Learn about partial sale options, how they work, and when they make sense.
How Much Will I Get If I Sell My Structured Settlement?
Find out how much you will get if you sell your structured settlement. Three real-world scenarios, the discount rate explained, and what affects your lump sum.
Probate Advances: How to Get Your Inheritance Early
Learn how probate advances work, who qualifies, and why an inheritance advance is not a loan. No monthly payments.