As a majority of states have caught “lottery fever,” there are a growing number of news stories and court opinions about how lottery winnings are to be divided in the event of a divorce. Sometimes the issue arises when one spouse won a big lottery after the couple has separated but before a divorce is final. The spouse who bought the lottery ticket wants to keep all the winnings for himself or herself, while the other spouse wants a piece of the action.
The rule in most states is that if the winnings came from a lottery ticket purchased during the marriage-even if the parties were separated-the winnings are marital or community property, which means the winnings can be divided between the husband and wife.
For information on serving divorce papers visit www.undisputedlegal.com. Open Monday – Friday 8am-8pm. “When you want it done right the first time” contact undisputedlegal.com
