Winning the lottery can be life-changing and a big deal, so hiring the right professional can be a huge help. This is especially true if you don't have experience managing large sums of money and finding the right way for it. Fortunately, there are several types of experts you can consult to guide you through your moments of joy and doubt.
- Lottery Lawyer
A lottery attorney you can trust is worth more than the money you spend on their fees, as long as they are true experts. It should be someone who specializes in lottery winnings and tax related matters, most of them also work as accountants. Hiring a lottery attorney is one of the first things you should do when you win the lottery.
A professional serving as your advisor can help you understand your rights and obligations as a lottery winner, starting with taxes. Additionally, that person can also help you remain anonymous when you win the lottery and protect your privacy through a trust.
By paying a good attorney a lottery ticket of about $20,000, you can have someone clarify all possible fears and warn you of dangers that are usually ignored. Note that this price comes from the creation of a trust and some services, but you will be charged for each hour spent working exclusively on your case.
For example, if someone tries to scam you or lie about something to get their hands on your money, having a specialist on your side can help you avoid the “lottery curse”. This is especially true because other people who didn't win the lottery won't be able to fund the same thing.
We have a complete list of the best lottery lawyers that you should check out. Overall, this type of professional is good for you because:
- Lottery taxes are fully understood.
- Protects traders from scams.
- Possibility to keep the winner anonymous.
- Financial Advisor
A financial advisor is an important step if you want to make sure your money finds the best destination. Simply insisting on not spending too much and putting your money in bank accounts that manage lottery money is not the best strategy. Instead, sooner or later you will realize that you have spent more than you should and your money is not growing.
So, to increase your chances of becoming one of those lottery winners who still remain wealthy, it makes sense to hire a financial advisor. Find someone with a qualification, such as a CFP (Certified Financial Planner). A professional may cost more, but you have a complete plan of where your money will go and how much you can use for happiness.
You may just need a start and a plan for where your money will go. However, even if you feel the need to accompany and update your plan, a consultation every few months is okay. Expect a similar first complete review to cost around $10,000.
Of course, if you want someone else to help you manage your money, this will incur additional costs. It depends on the value you expect from your time and if you believe and are willing to pay someone to manage your money is the right decision.
- Stay safe with an accountant
If you can, an accountant will tell you to avoid lottery taxes of some kind when you play on a lottery site. Hiring a CPA after winning will definitely help you understand what you can keep and what the government can keep.
These are all details you can study yourself, including our guide between a lump sum and annuity payments. However, be prepared to pay unreasonable interest and fines if you miss something.
How much does it cost to get professional help after winning the lottery?
It always depends on the scope and length of help you need. If you think you can take care of everything after the first consultation, it will cost a small portion of your winnings.
Can someone steal my prize from me?
As long as you cash in your winning lottery ticket, no one else can claim it but you. When you give a power of attorney to claim your prize through a trust, make sure you have a reliable trustee with a secure contract.
Do I have to pay the lottery attorney forever after winning the lottery?
The main job of a lottery lawyer after winning the lottery can be just one take or it will be for at least a year or so. After that, you probably don't need their services anymore.