is it advisable to hire an attorney when winning the lottery

by Prof. Alfred Kreiger 5 min read

Protecting Your Identity
When you hit the lottery, hiring a lawyer will help to protect your identity. This saves you from not only putting a paper bag over your head when you go out in public, but also so that people out there do not try to steal your identity or try to collect your earnings by posing as you.

What kind of lawyer should you hire after winning the lottery?

Protecting Your Identity. When you hit the lottery, hiring a lawyer will help to protect your identity. This saves you from not only putting a paper bag over your head when you go out in public, but also so that people out there do not try to steal your identity or …

Who should I hire to validate my lottery ticket?

Aug 30, 2018 · When Should You Hire a Lottery Lawyer? If you win a large prize in a lottery, getting a good lawyer should be a priority. You'll want to have representation before you tell anyone outside of your immediate circle of family and trusted friends that you've won, and certainly before you claim your prize.

How should I handle my lottery winnings?

Dec 26, 2021 · If you feel unsure about anything related to your lottery win, it’s better to have a professional in your corner. They can use their knowledge and skills to suggest what the best action to take is! What Lawyer Types Should Lottery Winners Hire? The primary requirement is that you get a skillful and experienced attorney. Even if he’s your friend, you shouldn’t trust a …

Do lawyers get paid a percentage of the jackpot winnings?

Jan 20, 2021 · If you won the lottery, the first person you want to hire: an attorney. That’s right, just one. It’s true that you’re going to need all sorts of lawyers who specialize in taxes, trusts, estates, and the like. But, you don’t really need to hire an entire cavalcade immediately.

Should I hire a financial advisor if I win the lottery?

The best financial advisor for lottery winners should not only play a critical role in the early stages of sudden wealth, but I've found that they are best equipped to be the person managing the other advisors, coordinating and overseeing the plan, and the person you call first when there is a question.

What is the best thing to do after winning the lottery?

They can help you manage your new wealth and avoid making any drastic career or lifestyle changes.Protect Your Ticket. ... Don't Rush to Claim Your Prize. ... Don't Quit Your Job or Spread News of Your Good Fortune. ... Hire Professionals. ... Change Your Address & Go Unlisted. ... Taking the Lump-Sum Payout. ... Taking the Long-Term Payout.More items...

What kind of trust is best for lottery winnings?

irrevocable blind trustAn irrevocable blind trust is also the best way to maintain fairness and harmony among multiple winners. For example, if you purchased your winning ticket with a group of office mates, as long as everyone is in agreement, you can set up a blind trust with all the winners as beneficiaries.

How do you protect yourself after winning the lottery?

We talked to several professionals — including lawyers and one of the world's top blackjack players — to get their best tips.Buy your ticket in a state that doesn't require you to come forward. ... Don't tell anyone. ... Delete social media accounts (and change your phone number and address, too). ... Wear a disguise.More items...•Jan 14, 2021

How do lottery winners go broke?

One of the main reasons why lotto winners lose money and run into debt is due to their tax obligations. ... This could mean paying income taxes as high as 40-45%. Things get worse in the United States, where many states have their own income tax, meaning that winners will have to pay twice for the cash they won.

How do lottery winners deposit their money?

Future payments can be mailed directly to your home address or to your financial institution for deposit into your account. Currently, the Lottery does not offer Electronic Fund Transfers (EFT). For more information, contact the Lottery's Prize Payments Annuity Desk.

Can I share my lottery winnings with my family?

Essentially, there is no limit to the amount of lottery winnings you can gift to a family member. This relates to the general rule that you can gift however much money you like. That said, any amount of money gifted that's above your annual allowances could be subject to inheritance tax.Nov 26, 2021

How do I protect my lottery winnings from my ex wife?

So, your lottery money that was won prior to the final order dissolving your marriage must be divided with your spouse. There may be one way to avoid sharing the winnings 50-50 with your soon-to-be ex-spouse: prove you purchased the lottery ticket with your private property.Jul 10, 2020

Should you move after winning the lottery?

Don't Make Major Changes in Your Life. If someone were to ask you what you would do once you become a Powerball winner, you might say, "quit my job" or "buy a mansion." However, experts suggest that you don't make any big moves immediately.Dec 31, 2021

Do lottery winners have to go public?

Right now only seven states allow lottery winners to maintain their anonymity: Delaware, Kansas, Maryland, North Dakota, Texas, Ohio and South Carolina. And six states also allow people to form a trust to claim prize money anonymously. California entirely forbids lottery winners to remain anonymous.

What do lottery winners do with their money?

Lottery Winners Use Their Prizes to Make Investments Further down on the list, lottery winners spent their winnings on luxury cars, gifts to family and friends, holidays, and paying off debts and mortgages. This study also highlighted just how much winners spend on their friends and family.

What is a blind trust for lottery winnings?

Blind trusts are legal asset management structures that can help lottery winners control their money earned and maintain a certain level of privacy. In 2010, the $261.6 million Powerball Lottery jackpot went unclaimed for a month until an attorney showed up to claim the prize on behalf of his anonymous client.

Why do you need a lawyer for lottery winnings?

Some of the benefits of hiring a lottery lawyer are: They can help you keep as much of your winnings as you legally can. They can help protect your identity. They can introduce you to the right people. They can set up your estate for your family's future.

What to do if you win the lottery?

If you won the lottery, the first person you want to hire: an attorney. That’s right, just one. It’s true that you’re going to need all sorts of lawyers who specialize in taxes, trusts, estates, and the like. But, you don’t really need to hire an entire cavalcade immediately.

Who is Jason Kurland?

Billed as the “go-to attorney for jackpot winners,” Jason Kurland is often called upon by the national media for lottery commentaries. Whenever jackpots reach record highs, expect him to give his 2 cents. Kurland has also represented some of the biggest winners in recent lottery history, including:

What is a good lottery lawyer?

They can protect you from potential lawsuits and counsel you in such events. A good lottery lawyer will help you find legal ways of minimizing your tax liability. They'll also be able to assist you in setting up a trust or other legal entity to claim your winnings, if you need to.

Who won the 2011 Powerball?

Kurland has also represented some of the biggest winners in recent lottery history, including: Putnam Avenue Family Trust: Also known as the winner of the $254 million Powerball jackpot of November 2011. Rainbow Sherbert Trust: Also known as the winner of the $336 million Powerball jackpot of March 2012.

Who is Kurt Panouses?

As an attorney and CPA that’s been practicing for more than 30 years, Kurt Panouses is one lawyer you’d want on your shortlist. Not only does he offer services ranging from drafting simple wills to assisting in million-dollar business transactions, Panouses also provides counsel and guidance to lottery winners.

Who is Walt Blenner?

Walt Blenner. Walt Blenner (inset) and client Shane Missler. Practicing out of Tampa Bay, Walt Blenner is a personal injury lawyer who also dabbles in estate planning. And yes, he also represents lottery winners.