Does a QSF Need to be Established in Order to Structure or Defer Attorney Fees?

Is it Really Necessary to Establish a Qualified Settlement Fund in Order to Structure or Defer Attorney Fees?

by John Darer CLU ChFC MSSC CeFT RSP CLTC

As an initial matter, it is not necessary to establish a qualified settlement fund in order to benefit from structured attorney fees or attorney fee deferral programs.

Some settlement planners are so enthusiastic about qualified settlement funds that they come across as Willy Wonka, joyfully distributing golden tickets and proclaiming them the magical portal to structured attorney fees or fee deferral bliss.

Saying a QSF is "the only way" is like insisting pineapple on pizza is mandatory—it’s absolute nonsense. There are tons of attorney fee deferral options that don't involve a QSF at all!

• Read more about Qualified Settlement Funds

  qualified settlement funds

• Read more about Attorney Fee Deferrals and Structured Attorney Fees

Consider the facts and circumstances before you act.

Originally published on Structured Settlements 4Real blog. Last prior update November 15, 2024. Most recent update here at Structured Settlements on Substack September 3, 2025