Written by Jovan Johnson, Esq., Structured Settlement & Annuity Specialist
Industry-Reviewed by Kevin Lowe, COO of Genex Capital, Structured Settlement Secondary Market Specialist
Updated August 4, 2026
If you’re receiving structured settlement payments in California and need cash now, you can sell some or all of your remaining payments — but California’s Structured Settlement Protection Act requires a Superior Court judge to approve the sale, and a copy of your case has to be filed with the California Attorney General’s office too. Here’s what selling a structured settlement actually involves in California, step by step.
Can I Sell My Structured Settlement in California?
Yes, you can sell a California structured settlement, in full or in part. California law (Insurance Code §§ 10134–10139.5) requires: a written disclosure statement at least 10 days before you sign anything, a petition filed in Superior Court, at least 20 days’ notice before your hearing, and a judge’s finding — based on six express, written statutory findings — that the sale is in your best interest. You’ll also be advised in writing of your right to independent professional advice, which you can accept or knowingly waive — and if you do want it, California requires the buyer to pay up to $1,500 toward that advice, regardless of whether the sale is approved. Most sales close in roughly 45–60 days from signed agreement to funded payment.
See What Your Payments Could Be Worth
Every offer is different, and the only way to know what your specific payments are worth is to get an actual quote — not a generic estimate.
AnnuityFreedom.net is California-based, and we work with attorneys and partners experienced in structured settlement transfers throughout the state, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, San Jose, Sacramento, Riverside, Fresno, and everywhere else in the state. You’ll get a real quote based on your actual payment schedule, an explanation of the required disclosures before you sign anything, and guidance through the California court approval process from people who handle these filings regularly. There’s no fee to get a quote, and requesting one doesn’t commit you to selling.
→ Request your free California structured settlement quote
What Is a Structured Settlement?
A structured settlement is a set of tax-free payments made on a regular schedule following a lawsuit settlement, typically funded through an annuity issued by an insurance company. Common sources include personal injury, medical malpractice, and wrongful death cases. If you’d rather sell a different kind of payment stream, see our page on selling life-contingent payments or the general overview of selling a structured settlement.
Note: our funding partner does not currently purchase payment rights arising from workers’ compensation settlements.
How to Sell a Structured Settlement in California (Step by Step)
1. Get quotes from more than one factoring company
Industry-wide, discount rates on structured settlement purchases commonly run 9%–18%. Sellers who work with AnnuityFreedom.net’s network have accessed rates as low as 8% in qualifying cases — worth asking about when you compare quotes.
2. Receive your written disclosure statement — at least 10 days before signing
Under Insurance Code § 10136, the buyer must give you a disclosure statement at least ten days before you sign a transfer agreement. It has to show the amounts and due dates of the payments being transferred, the discounted present value, the applicable federal discount rate, and the effective equivalent interest rate you’d be paying, stated as a percentage.
3. Sign the transfer agreement
Once you’re satisfied with the offer and disclosures, you sign the agreement — but the sale isn’t final yet. You’ll be advised in writing of your right to seek independent professional advice, which the buyer must cover up to $1,500 for if you choose to use it (Ins. Code §§ 10136, 10139.5(e)).
4. Your case is filed in Superior Court — and with the California Attorney General
Under Insurance Code § 10139.5, the petition is filed in the Superior Court of the county where you live. California adds a protection most states don’t have: under Insurance Code § 10139, the buyer must also file a copy of the petition, the disclosure statement, and the transfer agreement with the California Attorney General’s office at the same time.
5. Interested parties get at least 20 days’ notice before the hearing
Insurance Code § 10139.5(f)(2) requires the buyer to file and serve notice of the proposed transfer on all interested parties at least twenty days before the scheduled hearing.
6. A judge reviews the sale at a court hearing
California law requires six express written findings before a judge can approve the transfer, including that the sale is in your best interest, that you were properly advised about independent professional advice, and that the disclosure and notice requirements were met.
7. Funding — typically 45–60 days after you sign
Once the judge signs the approval order, the buyer funds your lump sum.
If Something Goes Wrong: California’s Consumer Protection Resources
- California Department of Insurance (CDI) — handles complaints involving insurance companies and annuity issuers. File online at insurance.ca.gov, or call the consumer hotline at 1-800-927-4357.
- California Attorney General’s Office — receives a copy of every structured settlement transfer petition filed in the state, as a built-in layer of oversight beyond the court itself.
California Structured Settlement FAQ
How long does it take to sell a structured settlement in California?
Typically 45–60 days, covering the 10-day disclosure period, the 20-day court notice period, and the hearing itself.
How much money will I get for my structured settlement?
It depends on the discount rate applied. Industry-wide, that’s commonly 9%–18%, though sellers who qualify through AnnuityFreedom.net’s network have accessed rates as low as 8% — plus how many payments you’re selling and how far in the future they’re scheduled.
Can I sell only part of my structured settlement?
Yes — California law allows partial transfers, so you can sell a portion of your payments and keep the rest on the original schedule.
Which court handles my case?
The Superior Court in the county where you live, per Insurance Code § 10139.5 — whether that’s Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, San Jose, Sacramento, Riverside, Fresno, or anywhere else in the state.
Do I need my own lawyer to sell?
No — California requires that you be advised in writing of your right to independent professional advice, but you can knowingly waive that right if you choose not to use one. If you do want it, the buyer covers up to $1,500 of the cost.
Ready to Get a Real Number?
Now that you know how the process works, the next step is seeing what it means for your specific payments. Get a free, no-obligation quote and walk through the California court process with people who handle these filings regularly.
Sources
- California Insurance Code §§ 10134–10139.5
- Insurance Code § 10136 — disclosure statement requirements
- California Department of Insurance consumer complaint portal — insurance.ca.gov
About the Author: Jovan Johnson, Esq. is a structured settlement & annuity specialist with 12 years of experience, based in California. He has also practiced as an attorney in consumer and small business bankruptcy and debt settlement. Annuity Freedom has been helping clients sell annuity payments since 2017.
About the Reviewer: Kevin Lowe is the Chief Operating Officer of Genex Capital and has more than a decade of experience in specialty finance and the structured settlement secondary market. Since joining Genex in 2013, he has overseen transaction management, investor relations, compliance, and strategic initiatives across the United States, working closely with annuitants, investors, legal professionals, and financial institutions.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for independent professional advice.