Structured Settlements 4Real®Blog 2026

Structured settlements expert John Darer reviews the latest structured settlements and settlement planning information and news, and provides expert opinion and highly regarded commentary. that is spicy, Informative, irreverent and effective for over 20 years.

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The STRUCTURED SETTLEMENTS 4REAL® Blog is a highly regarded source for structured settlement news, information, and commentary, led by structured settlement and settlement planning subect mater expert John Darer CLU ChFC MSSC CeFT RSP CLTC. With two decades of operation, the blog and 4structures.com are recognized as comprehensive resources, offering detailed guides and specialized insights. Established in 2005, the blog caters to a broad audience, including legal professionals, injured individuals, families, and various stakeholders, providing reviews and opinions on settlement planning. John Darer, President of 4structures.com LLC, is a seasoned structured settlement expert with over 40 years of financial services experience and 31 years specializing in structured settlements. Based in Stamford, CT, he is a Certified Financial Transitionist and Registered Settlement Planner, holding insurance licenses in 45 states and the District of Columbia. John Darer is dedicated to transparency and advocacy, he emphasizes the importance of engaging trained and licensed professionals for settlement planning, offering valuable insights through his investigative journalism and professional commentary.

Category: legal malpractice

Plaintiff Lawyers Warned Of Legal Malpractice From Settlement Planners Who Can’t Read Cited Cases

August 7, 2010

The settlement profession has evolved over the years. It is important for plaintiff attorneys and their clients to have someone who is qualified, and that they feel comfortable with, to advise them on settlement planning and transitional financial planning issues.
Plaintiff Representation in Structured Settlements | Yanisse Adrian v Mesirow Case

July 12, 2010

In Adrian v Mesirow, neither the plaintiff nor her attorney had timely settlement planning representation, The Court and Appellate decisions underscore why EVERY plaintiff, directly, or through their attorney, should early on seek out the services of a credentialed settlement planner
Why Plaintiff Attorneys Need Settlement Planners

May 12, 2010

Consider the individual or individuals you select to work with based on skill sets, credentials (such as Registered Settlement Planner) and experience not on bogus “legal malpractice” scare tactics that are prevalent in my industry’s advertising to trial lawyers.
Campbell’s “Soup” on Single Claimant 468B Qualified Settlement Funds

August 7, 2008

As things sit today, if you want a structured settlement out of such single claimant qualified settlement funds, your client will not get the full market opportunities that the proponents advertise. This fact may or may not be made transparent by the proponent.
Dark Cloud Revisited in Illinois Courtroom

August 2, 2008

A legal malpractice trial in Edwardsville, Illinois courtroom has reopened old wounds about the area’s most notorious swindler James Gibson “who stole millions from children and widows by making off with their structured settlement funds”.
Misinformed “Edyfication” from Fort Myers

April 13, 2008

Today’s Fort Myers News Press includes an interesting article by Fort Myers, FL elder law attorney William T. Edy, CELA, concerning Special Needs Trusts inspired by his attendance at the Academy of Special Needs Planners meeting in March. While the article is of interest concerning special needs trusts it contains certain points that are grossly…