Your Credit History & Settlement Loans
When hearing the phrase “settlement loan” you might think it as a traditional loan. This is not the true. Most financial institutions do not lend money based on the merit of a pending lawsuit case. This is because financial institutions cannot absorb the risk behind it since they are funded by consumer monetary; especially with banks. This is why most people turn to settlement loan providers when in need of financial aid during a pending lawsuit.
One of the best things about settlement loans is you do not have to repay the loan back if you lose your case. For example, if you were loaned $30,000 and your case ended in a loss and you still had $10,000 left the money would be yours to keep. This risk is taken by all settlement loan providers. This is why they do research into your pending lawsuit before loaning any money.
You won’t get a negative mark on your credit score if you lose your case. In fact, nothing based on credit history is involved with settlement loan application process. Regardless of your credit history you are still eligible for a settlement loan. However, in instances where a client has filed for bankruptcy there might be an issue, you should consult your attorney if this is the case.
How to Find the Right Settlement Loan Provider
When searching for a settlement loan provider you finding there is an endless supply of them. Many settlement loan providers are really just brokers for an actual provider. This makes it a daunting task to find the right settlement loan provider. In reality, it allows you to shop around for the best deal and get the most for your money. Let’s review a few things that you’ll need to do while searching for a settlement loan provider.
The first step is to use the internet to locate as many settlement loan providers as you possibly can. Use Google to search for terms like “settlement loan”, “settlement loans”, “lawsuit cash advance”, etc. Search for any terms that might be related to settlement loans or settlement loan providers. This way you’ll build a huge list of settlement loan providers and their websites; use a notepad file to keep track of them.
The next step would be to start researching the providers you’ve found via Google search. An excellent way to do this is to type in the URL (without www) into Google or just the company name by itself. This will give results related to that domain name and company name. Be on the look out for consumer warnings, rip-off reports, etc that may show up in your search results.
Downside of Structured Settlement Loans
Structured settlements are a way for a person, company or insurance provider to pay out awards won in a lawsuit over a period of time. This is usually done on a bi-monthly or yearly schedule. This prevents large losses due to the results of a lawsuit again that person, company or insurance provider.
If you do have a structured settlement you can opt to get a large sum payment; this is called a settlement loan. This is when a provider buys out your remaining structured settlement payments for one large sum. You can also get pre-settlement loans before a lawsuit case has even reached a verdict. You should know the disadvantages before deciding if it’s right for you.
The main downside is taxes. The money that you would receive from the provider is considered taxable. You would have to pay applicable taxes at the current state and federal rate for that calendar year. You’ll also be responsible for self employment tax; this is the tax self employed individuals pay since they are not getting social security and Medicare withheld from their income. You should be aware of all tax responsibilities behind your settlement loan before making any decisions. I’d suggest speaking with a financial adviser that has worked with settlement loans in the past.
The Loan Officer’s Practical Guide to Residential Finance – SAFE Act Version
Product Description
This is the 2009 Edition of the first book in the “Practical Guide” series for the mortgage industry. The October 2009 Version has been updated to meet the requirements of the SAFE Act. It covers all of the vocational skills required of the loan originator, but also includes all Federal law, ethics, predatory lending and fraud components required by the Federal SAFE loan originator licensing Act of 2008. Published since 1992, and updated annually, this 378 page text… More >>
The Loan Officer’s Practical Guide to Residential Finance – SAFE Act Version
Would a Settlement Loan be Right for You?
If you’re in the middle of a pending lawsuit you already understand the financial stress than can build during that period. This is especially true for injury or accident related lawsuits. During this period the plaintiff in the case won’t be able to work, and depending on the situation might never able to work again. As with most lawsuits this can be a very trying situation; most lawsuits tend to take many months if not years to complete. During this period the plaintiff in the case can become delinquent with monthly bills, medical payments, car loans and mortgages. In worst cases you can actually lose your home or vehicle during a pending lawsuit; and have adverse effects on your credit history.
Many people in this situation tend to do the worst thing and take out more credit. This can include applying for more credit cards or taking out a home equity loan. This is dangerous, if you lose your pending lawsuit you’ll still be liable for that money that was loaned. A better option in this type of situation is a settlement loan. They are a great way for a plaintiff in a pending lawsuit to take hold of their financial issues, and in the process protect their assets and credit history.