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 Louisiana and need cash now, you can sell some or all of your remaining payments — but Louisiana’s Structured Settlement Protection Act requires a court to approve the sale first, and unlike most states, you can’t waive your right to independent professional advice here. Here’s what selling a structured settlement actually involves in Louisiana, step by step.
Can I Sell My Structured Settlement in Louisiana?
Yes, you can sell a Louisiana structured settlement, in full or in part. Louisiana law (La. R.S. §§ 9:2713–9:2713.9) requires: a written disclosure statement at least 3 days before you sign anything, an application filed in the court of general jurisdiction in your parish, at least 20 days’ notice before your hearing, and a judge’s finding that the sale is in your best interest. One important difference from most states: Louisiana requires that you actually receive independent professional advice before the court can approve your sale — you can’t simply waive it in writing the way you can in many other states. 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.
We work with attorneys and partners experienced in Louisiana structured settlement transfers to help sellers throughout New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette, and the rest of 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 Louisiana’s court process — including the independent professional advice requirement — 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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana (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 3 days before signing
Under La. R.S. § 9:2713.5, the buyer must give you a disclosure statement, in bold type no smaller than 14 points, at least three 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 calculated under federal annuity valuation standards, and every transfer expense being deducted.
3. Get independent professional advice — this step can’t be skipped in Louisiana
This is where Louisiana differs from most states. Under La. R.S. § 9:2713.6(2), the court must find that you have actually received independent professional advice regarding the legal, tax, and financial implications of the transfer — there’s no option to knowingly waive it the way sellers can in states like New York, Texas, or California. Budget time for this step; it isn’t optional paperwork.
4. Sign the transfer agreement
Once you’re satisfied with the offer, disclosures, and independent advice, you sign the agreement — but the sale isn’t final yet.
5. Your case is filed with a registered, bonded buyer
Louisiana requires structured settlement purchase companies to register with the Louisiana Secretary of State and post a $50,000 surety bond before they can buy Louisiana structured settlements (La. R.S. § 9:2713.2). That’s a genuine consumer protection most states don’t have — it’s worth confirming your buyer is actually registered.
6. The application is filed in the parish where you live
Under La. R.S. § 9:2713.8(A), the application is filed in the court of general jurisdiction in the parish where you’re domiciled — Louisiana’s equivalent of a county — or, if you don’t live in Louisiana, the court that originally approved your settlement.
7. Interested parties get at least 20 days’ notice before the hearing
La. R.S. § 9:2713.8(D) requires the buyer to file and serve notice of the proposed transfer at least twenty days before the scheduled hearing.
8. A judge reviews the sale at a court hearing
You’re generally required to appear at the hearing, though some Louisiana courts allow remote appearance at the judge’s discretion — worth confirming with the specific court handling your case. The judge must find the transfer is in your best interest before approving it.
9. 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: Louisiana’s Consumer Protection Resources
- Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI) — handles complaints involving insurance companies and annuity issuers. File online at ldi.la.gov/onlineservices/ConsumerComplaintForm, or call 1-800-259-5300.
Louisiana Structured Settlement FAQ
How long does it take to sell a structured settlement in Louisiana?
Typically 45–60 days, covering the 3-day disclosure period, the time needed to obtain independent professional advice, 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 — Louisiana law allows partial transfers, so you can sell a portion of your payments and keep the rest on the original schedule.
Do I need my own lawyer to sell in Louisiana?
You need independent professional advice specifically — Louisiana is one of the few states that doesn’t let you waive this. It doesn’t have to be the same attorney handling your court filing, but you do need to actually receive the advice, not just be offered the chance to get it.
Which court handles my case?
The court of general jurisdiction in the parish where you live, per La. R.S. § 9:2713.8 — or the court that originally approved your settlement if you live outside Louisiana.
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 Louisiana’s court process — including the independent advice requirement — with people who handle these filings regularly.
Sources
- Louisiana R.S. §§ 9:2713–9:2713.9
- La. R.S. § 9:2713.6 — approval conditions, mandatory IPA
- La. R.S. § 9:2713.2 — registration and surety bond requirement
- Louisiana Department of Insurance consumer complaint portal — ldi.la.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.