Best Lawyers for Lottery Winners in 2024

Winning the lottery is everyone’s dream! In fact, most people have a secret list of things they’d like to do with the money, should they ever win. This can be anything from buying a new house, going on a world trip, or even settling debts. However, there’s one item that should be right at the top of every winner’s to-do list, yet seldom is – hire a lottery lawyer.

Is a lottery lawyer really necessary? How do they differ from regular lawyers and more importantly, where do you find a reputable one? Fortunately, we’ve done the legwork for you and compiled a list of some top lawyers to consider.

We’re also going to take a look at the factors to consider when choosing the lottery lawyer to help you manage your winnings.

6 Best Lawyers Lottery Winners Can Hire

Dealing with the legal aspects of a significantly large sum of money can become very stressful if the winner doesn’t have objective and professional help. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the top lawyers currently specializing in managing lottery windfalls.

Kurt Panouses – USA

Not only has Kurt Panouses, of the Panouses Law Group, been practicing law for over 30 years, but he is well-known for drafting million-dollar business transactions. His most notable lottery clients include Maureen Smith and David Kaltschmidt – the married couple who won 1⁄3 of the $1.58 billion Powerball jackpot in 2016. The Panouses team is skilled in implementing the various state laws across America and is well worth making it to your shortlist.

Jackpot Lawyer – Canada

If you’re residing in Canada, you’ll easily be able to find a reputable and skilled attorney from Jackpot Lawyer, a legal service specializing in unclaimed jackpots exceeding $5 million. Not only do they guarantee anonymity, but they can also connect winners with investment counselors, accountants and other financial advisors to assist with turning your winnings into a lasting nest egg.

Walt Blenner – Florida and Tampa U.S.

For most of his career, Walt Blenner focused on estate planning and personal injury. Over time he started sharing useful legal tips for lottery winners on his website. This grew to offer phone consultations to new winners.

Blenner is most well known for the legal assistance he provided to Shane Missler, the $450 million MegaMillions winner. Missler revealed his name publically and soon became the victim of online scams and cyber criminals using his name to steal from other investors. Walt Blenner came to his aid and is now one of the top lottery lawyers worth considering.

The Blenner Law Group specializes in lottery winnings in the Florida and Tampa areas.

Fonseca, Moreti, ITO & Stefano Advogados – Brazil

In Brazil, the legal aspects of lottery winnings fall under the wealth management purview. That means, if you win your lottery in Brazil, you’ll be looking for an attorney specializing in wealth management. Look no further than the attorneys at Fonseca, Moreti, ITO & Stefano Advogados – a team of legal experts focusing on tax law, wealth management and estate planning.

Myerson Solicitors – UK

Listed among the top 200 UK Law Firms, Myerson Solicitors are experts at wealth protection. Their team of highly skilled solicitors offers their UK clients assistance with wealth protection, real estate investment, tax and succession planning and also assists with wealth-related disputes. They also have a team of contractors around the globe to assist their clients with any international queries.

Norton Rose Fulbright – Europe & Global

If you’re in Europe and in need of a top wealth management team to assist you with the safeguarding of your lottery winnings, you may want to consider Norton Rose Fulbright. They specialize in private wealth, estates and trusts.

They also offer funds and asset management, gaming-related counsel and tax assistance. With offices across Europe as well as New York, Sydney, Dubai, Cape Town and even Hong Kong they can assist you no matter where you are!

Types of Lawyers Lottery Winners Can Hire

There are many aspects to managing a large win. It often takes more than one type of attorney to create and manage a financial portfolio. In these instances, the most common attorneys you may need are listed below:

• Trust and estate attorneys: If protecting your identity is paramount, then experts recommend establishing a trust to claim your win. Additionally, winnings must be incorporated into your current estate.
• Tax experts: There will be a significant amount of tax to be paid after a jackpot win. You will need an expert in this field to ensure that the process is done correctly.
• Asset protection: You will need an expert to assist you with managing your funds which can include creating a portfolio for investments, policies and retirement funds.

Why Do You Need a Lawyer When You Win the Lottery?

To understand the importance of a lottery lawyer, we’ve listed the key services you can expect:

• Suggest the best payout option: This is especially relevant where lotteries offer annuities or lump sum options. They will be able to advise you on the option that secures you the most money without paying excessive tax. A skillful lawyer will highlight the best option for your long-term plans.
• Claim the prize as effortlessly as possible: If you’ve hired a lawyer already established in the industry, they’ll be familiar with the most effortless way to claim your prize. This will save you the runaround of getting the correct documents and procedures sorted out yourself.
• Act as a legitimate advisor: Most lottery lawyers work with other lawyers skilled in various areas, which means you could potentially have access to their expertise as well. This will include tax lawyers, estate lawyers and even property lawyers.
• Maintain your anonymity: A lottery lawyer will know exactly what procedures to follow to ensure that your anonymity is upheld throughout the claiming process. They will also be able to defend you in instances where attempts are made to violate your privacy.

6 Benefits of Having a Lawyer After Winning the Lottery

One of the biggest regrets many previous winners have, is that they didn’t consult with a lottery lawyer to assist with managing their winnings from the onset. This is because so much can go wrong.

If you’re still not sure if you need a lottery lawyer, consider these benefits:

1. Everything is done legally and according to all relevant laws and criteria.
2. You can receive sound advice for investments and asset management.
3. A lawyer’s understanding of the laws and processes will ensure that you keep as much of the money as possible.
4. Privacy and identity are protected throughout the whole process.
5. You will receive advice and assistance on setting up your trust, planning your estate, as well as creating and managing a financial portfolio.
6. Access to legal counsel in the event of potential lawsuits.

How to Pick a Lawyer After Winning the Lottery

Chances are, you don’t have a lottery lawyer on speed dial. That means, you’re going to have to invest some time and effort into finding the best lottery lawyer to assist your new portfolio. We’ve listed the critical factors to keep in mind when you’re shortlisting options.

Potential Cost

It’s important to note that lottery lawyers are expensive. This is primarily because of the level of expertise required to create and manage your new portfolio. Furthermore, all aspects need to meet legal regulations and comply with the laws of the country you’re in.

That said, keep in mind that the most expensive lawyer doesn’t always equal the best service or expertise. Compare estimates for the services you’ll need and review the payment methods they’re offering. For the most part, there are two ways to pay these types of lawyers:

Hourly rate or fixed fee: In this instance, the legal firm will charge you as services are provided. Many people agree that these options are better, as the individuals will be more dedicated to providing top-notch service.

Once-off fee: While you may think that a once-off fee is a better idea, many experts recommend against this. Paying in advance doesn’t always ensure that you will get the service you’re asking for. After all, they already have your money!

Relevant Experience

You’ll want a lawyer who is qualified and experienced in managing lottery funds. Always review the potential attorney’s experience in the gaming industry. Check if they have dealt with previous winners. Most lawyers will advertise this on their websites so it should be easy to see.

Our experts recommend that if you can’t find a lottery lawyer in your immediate area, it’s a good idea to opt for a firm that has experience with handling high-profile clients. They are more likely to have the skills needed to manage large financial portfolios.

Check References

It’s imperative to do as many reference checks as necessary to give yourself peace of mind that you have found the perfect lawyer to partner up with, with the least amount of risk. You don’t want someone suspected of fraud handling your money!

Where possible, speak to other people who may have used the lawyer’s services. Also, reviews can often be found on social media platforms, company websites and professional review websites. Predominantly positive reviews will be a clear indication that the lawyer or the firm in question, is reliable.

A Clear Disciplinary Record

The last thing you want is a lawyer with a sketchy reputation or many personal litigations. You can check your potential lawyer’s disciplinary record in various online databases. Always opt for a lottery lawyer with a clear record to ensure your money is in the best hands possible.

Trust Your Gut

Always meet with potential lawyers. Don’t just hire someone based on a flashy website and a seemingly positive social presence. Having a face-to-face with the lawyer will allow you to assess their personality. You wouldn’t want to be working with someone who you struggle to communicate with or a service provider that makes you feel uneasy.

Since this will potentially be a long-term arrangement, and it’s going to cost a considerable amount of your money, make sure it’s a partnership you’ll have peace of mind with!

6 Signs You Need a Lottery Lawyer More than You Think

We’ve all seen articles of winners who have lost their winnings in a short space of time and actually had more stress after winning their dream money. Avoid becoming one of these statistics! You’ll benefit from the expertise of a lottery service if you:

• Want to stay anonymous, but you’re not sure how to achieve that
• Need advice and assistance on the correct tax management.
• Have a lot of ideas of how to spend your money but also want it to last for the rest of your life.
• You want to put your money into large investments such as a house or business.
• Need assistance with the administration required to claim the prize.
• Want to create a trust fund for your partner, children or any other beneficiary.

Lawyers’ Advice to All Lottery Players

We spoke to a few lottery lawyers and they’ve shared a few pointers that lottery winners should follow when they confirm that they’ve won the jackpot.

• Sign your manual ticket: If you didn’t play via an online platform, your first priority should be to claim ownership of the store-bought ticket. Sign the back of the ticket and add your email, address and contact number.
• Keep the ticket safe: A winning lottery ticket is worth gold to the person who has it and others will wish they can get their hands on it. Therefore, you need to ensure it’s in a safe place. Avoid putting it in your wallet, jacket pocket or on a shelf where it can easily be snatched. Opt for a waterproof location that only you know–a home safe is a good idea if you have one. Otherwise, a clean airtight container hidden somewhere in your home will work as well. You really don’t want someone to accidentally spill something on it, or the dog to run off with it!
• Avoid celebrating: The minute you realize you have won the lottery IS NOT the perfect time to update your social media account! Our lawyers recommend telling as few people as possible, perhaps only your partner. By announcing your winnings, you may potentially make yourself a target for criminals.
• Consider how you want to claim your prize: If you want to stay anonymous, your lawyer will create a trust through which you claim your money. In some lotteries, you may also have the choice of a lump sum or an annuity payout. Start thinking about the option you’d prefer.
• Find a lottery lawyer: Start looking for a lottery lawyer immediately. The sooner you have a lottery lawyer to assist you, the easier and more compliant the whole process will be.

Final Thoughts

Winning a lottery jackpot is life-changing. Making use of a lottery lawyer’s services will ensure that your money is kept safe and that you can enjoy it for years to come. Use our tips to help you find the best lottery lawyer to offer you the best advice for your unique situation!

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