Contents
Just won the Mega Millions jackpot? Why you should call a lawyer?
Most lottery players fantasize about winning big, quitting their jobs, and traveling the world with their large sum of money. Wait: Before making major changes, consult with a lottery lawyer.
Consult the The lottery lawyer
You purchase a ticket, and you win!! You’ve just become a multimillionaire!
Who should I call first? Mom? Friends? Dad? No, according to self-described “Lottery Lawyer” Jason Kurland. He advised calling your lawyer first.
Since 2011, Kurland, based in Uniondale, New York, has represented over 30 lottery winners across the country, one of whom earned $334 million.
“It sounds self-serving, but the first thing you should do is call us or another attorney you trust,” Kurland advised. “You should start surrounding yourself with people who have done things like this before.”
Make sure you sign the winning ticket before calling the lawyer, Kurland advised.
A lottery ticket is a bearer instrument, which means the possessor is believed to be the owner, he explained.
So, if you have a winning lottery ticket and dump it in the street without signing it, the prize will go to whoever picks it up and signs it.
Risk in an office pool
Although frivolous litigation and family and friends appearing out of nowhere are major issues, the feared office pool, according to Kurland, is the source of the most of troubles for lotto winners.
“Everyone fantasises about winning,” he remarked. “However, no one believes they will win. You should approach it as though it were a large transaction. If you do win, you want it done correctly.”
When a reward begins to balloon, coworkers frequently chip in cash to buy lottery tickets for the company. When one of the ticket holders wins, it can turn into a brawl to determine who is genuinely entitled to the prize money. According to Kurland, these brawls frequently result in litigation.
According to Kurland, the easiest approach to avoid litigation is to create copies of each ticket purchased and share the ticket numbers, along with who they belong to, in an office pool email thread. A judge can then use the emails to determine who receives the reward money.
However, without a paper trail, the debate can devolve into an ugly free-for-all.
“If there is no written proof, unfortunately, you are putting yourself at the mercy of the courts,” Kurland added.
You should keep it to yourself.
Loose mouths indeed sink ships, according to Kurland, and he recommends winners to keep quiet.
Keeping quiet and limiting who you tell about your victory is critical to avoiding complications, he says.
“Don’t advertise it,” Kurland suggested. “Don’t tell too many people that you’ve won.”
He claims that the more people you tell, the faster word spreads. And this is when long-lost friends, as well as the most common perpetrator, charity, appear.
“If your name is out there, everyone knows,” Kurland explained. “It’s not just family you haven’t spoken to in a long time; it’s also charities.” Mostly positive. However, some are false.”
He stated that lawyers will assist winners in vetting investment alternatives and philanthropic offerings. Many solicitors, like Kurland, provide same-day service, with a call received at midnight being returned within hours rather than a day later, he said.
Most significantly, keeping quiet about a win is critical to savouring your life before millions of cash, according to Kurland. It’s something you’ll never get back.
“Those who try to do it on their own and then call me spiral out of control,” he says. “Because they’re simply not prepared.” It’s your final moment of normalcy until you claim it.”
FAQs – Just Won the Mega Millions Jackpot? Why You Should Call a Lawyer
Q1. I just won the Mega Millions jackpot. Why do I need to call a lawyer?
A1. Calling a lawyer is essential because winning the Mega Millions jackpot comes with complex legal and financial implications. A lawyer can guide you through the process of claiming your prize, protect your interests, and ensure you make informed decisions with your newfound wealth.
Q2. What are the immediate steps I should take after winning the jackpot?
A2. After winning the Mega Millions jackpot, the first step should be to sign the back of your winning ticket and keep it in a secure place. The next crucial step is to consult with a lawyer who specializes in lottery winnings to discuss your options and protect your assets.
Q3. Can’t I claim the prize on my own without a lawyer?
A3. While you can claim the prize on your own, having a lawyer by your side can safeguard you from potential legal and financial pitfalls. A lawyer can help you navigate through tax implications, estate planning, and asset protection, ensuring your winnings are handled properly.
Q4. What tax implications should I be aware of as a Mega Millions jackpot winner?
A4. Winning the Mega Millions jackpot may subject you to significant tax liabilities. A lawyer can assist you in understanding the tax implications and explore strategies to minimize your tax burden, such as setting up trusts or making charitable contributions.
Q5. Can a lawyer help me remain anonymous if I win the jackpot?
A5. In some states, winners’ identities are made public, but a lawyer can explore options to maintain your anonymity, if permitted by state law. This can protect your privacy and prevent unwanted attention.
Q6. What should I do if I want to share my winnings with family and friends?
A6. If you wish to share your winnings with loved ones, a lawyer can help you structure gifts or financial assistance in a tax-efficient manner, ensuring your generosity aligns with your long-term financial goals.
Q7. How can a lawyer protect me from potential lawsuits or scams targeting lottery winners?
A7. Lottery winners often become targets for scams and lawsuits. A lawyer can provide guidance on how to safeguard your winnings and shield you from potential legal troubles or fraudulent schemes.
Q8. What is the benefit of setting up a trust for my winnings?
A8. Setting up a trust can offer several advantages, such as maintaining privacy, avoiding probate, and protecting assets from creditors. A lawyer can help you determine if a trust is the right option for your specific circumstances.
Q9. How can a lawyer help me with estate planning after winning the jackpot?
A9. Estate planning is crucial for lottery winners to ensure their wealth is distributed according to their wishes after they pass away. A lawyer can assist in creating or updating your estate plan to protect your assets and provide for your loved ones.
Q10. When should I contact a lawyer after winning the jackpot?
A10. It’s best to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after winning the Mega Millions jackpot. Prompt legal advice can help you make informed decisions from the beginning and navigate the complexities that come with being a lottery winner.