2025 Session Last amended: 2022 session

§ 549.40 — Procedure for Approval of Transfers

Plain-Language Summary

This section sets out the court procedure for approving a transfer of structured settlement payment rights. The buyer (transferee) must file the application in the district court of the county where the payee lives, and for applications on or after January 1, 2023 must show it is registered to do business in Minnesota as a structured settlement purchase company under section 549.35. The court must hold a timely hearing at which the payee appears in person unless excused for good cause, and at least 20 days before the hearing the buyer must file and serve a notice that includes the application, the transfer agreement, the required disclosure statement, the payee's details, prior transfer history, and notice of how interested parties may respond. If the agreement is cancelled or otherwise ends before the court rules, the buyer must promptly ask the court to dismiss the application.

Practical Notes
If a company wants to buy your structured settlement payments, it must ask a judge to approve the deal, usually in the county where you live, and (since January 1, 2023) prove it is registered in Minnesota to do this kind of business. You generally must show up in person at the hearing, and at least 20 days beforehand the buyer must send you and the court a full packet, including the agreement, the required disclosures, and your transfer history. Anyone affected can speak up for or against the deal, written responses are due at least 5 days before the hearing, and if you cancel before the judge rules, the buyer must drop the request.