Sell Your Structured Settlement in California

If you receive structured settlement or annuity payments and live in California, you have the legal right to sell some or all of those future payments to a licensed structured settlement buyer in exchange for a lump sum of cash today. The process is governed by California's Structured Settlement Protection Act, enacted in 1999, which mirrors the federal framework under 26 U.S.C. § 5891.

California Structured Settlement Protection Act

California's SSPA requires that any transfer of structured settlement payment rights must be approved by a California superior court judge before it takes effect. The law was designed to protect recipients from predatory buyers and ensure that the sale is genuinely in the seller's best interest. Key provisions include:

• Mandatory written disclosure of the discount rate and effective annual return at least 3 days before signing
• A waiting period after the purchase agreement is signed before the court petition can be filed
• Court review of whether the transfer is "fair and reasonable" and in the applicant's best interest
• Right to independent professional advice (often waivable in writing)

How the Court Process Works in California

After you sign a purchase agreement with a California structured settlement buyer, the company petitions the local superior court where you reside. The judge reviews the deal, considers your financial circumstances, and holds a brief hearing (which you may or may not need to attend, depending on the county). If approved, an order is issued transferring the payment rights, and the buyer then releases your lump sum — typically within 5–10 business days of court approval.

The full process from agreement to cash in hand typically takes 45 to 90 days in California. Some counties move faster; others may require an in-person hearing that adds scheduling time.

Finding Buyers in California

All major national structured settlement buyers operate in California, including J.G. Wentworth, Peachtree Financial Solutions, CBC Settlement Funding, and Fairfield Funding. They serve clients in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento and throughout the state remotely — meaning you can complete the entire process by phone, email, and mail without visiting a buyer's office.

Always get quotes from at least three companies. Discount rates in California typically range from 9% to 16% annually, and a 2–3% difference in rate can mean thousands of dollars more or less in your lump sum.