If you were awarded a structured settlement, but you need your money now, you should think about selling your settlement for a lump sum payment. Many companies offer free, no-obligation structured settlement quotes that will allow you to see how much money your settlement is worth.

Many people are awarded structured settlements in personal injury, worker's compensation, liability, harassment and malpractice cases. The payments in these awards are made in installments that can last months, years or even a lifetime.

However, you may need the money from that settlement now to, or example, pay for your child's college tuition or make a down payment on a new house.

In most cases, sale of structured settlements is regulated and you may need court approval for the sale. You are always advised to consult with an expert in negotiating a structured settlement sales contract. You will also likely lose the tax benefits provided by a structured settlement if you sell for a lump sum payment.

However, if you definitely need the money in your award to meet urgent financial requirements, you should shop around for structured settlement quotes. Not every offer will be the same, so look around for the best deal for your settlement. For example, JG Wentworth and Peachtree may actually give lower offers than smaller, less-known competitors.

Make sure the buyer of the settlement is a professional company with an established reputation. Ask about their qualifications and for references on the quality of their work.

A professional company can also analyze your situation and advise you on whether selling your structured settlement is the right choice in your particular case. Once sold there is no turning back, so you want to make sure you are making the right financial decision.

With a structured settlement quote, you can see if the cash payment will meet your immediate financial needs or not. At times it may be better to hold off on selling your settlement until a later date in order to get the best deal for your money.

Also, you may want to only sell some rather than all of your monthly payments. A partial sale of your structured settlement may suffice in meeting your immediate needs, so that you continue to reap the tax and other benefits of installment payments.

In all cases you should consult with experienced professionals in this field to ensure you are able to make the most informed decision possible. This is too complex to attempt on your own without increasing the risk of making the wrong choices.

If you need immediate cash to meet your financial needs, shop around for buyers, and use their free structured settlement quote services to see which one offers the best deal. But also remember to check that the company is established and reputable.