I left my husband in 1990. We had been in a bitter custody battle for 2 years earlier than I left. I used to be awarded sole custody. He had visitation rights, which he by no means used. Lengthy story quick, he by no means noticed our youngsters from the time I left him.
He was on Social Safety Incapacity, which meant the kids acquired cash from Social Safety. He needed to pay little one assist, which he was behind on for a number of years. Youngster assist enforcement was very new at the moment in my state, so making an attempt to get them to go after him turned a nightmare.
My lawyer on the time had the assist order modified so it got here straight from his SSD examine. For me, it was the top of a nightmare of infinite court docket battles. We by no means obtained divorced. There was no motive aside from I used to be mentally drained with him making an attempt to financially wreck me.
I raised three great sons. Not too long ago, my oldest son knowledgeable me that he was instructed my ex gained a considerable sum of money in our state lottery.
As I discussed we’re nonetheless married legally, so I do know I’m entitled to a portion of that cash. How would I’m going about discovering out how a lot he gained and if he claimed it himself or had another person do it?
I must also point out he minimize off the household’s medical insurance that he was ordered to pay till the youngest little one turned 21, which precipitated me monetary pressure. On the time, I used to be paying $650 a month for a household plan in 2004. Youngster assist additionally ended at the moment. He was alleged to pay for insurance coverage for 3 extra years.
My sons need nothing to do with him and don’t need me to pursue this. I’m torn on whether or not to proceed or not.
-Separated for 30 Years
Pricey Separated,
You’ll be able to examine your state’s lottery web site to see in case your estranged husband is listed among the many winners. Even when he didn’t settle for an enormous examine at a information convention, his identify could also be listed in accordance along with your state’s open data legal guidelines.
Nevertheless it’s additionally getting simpler to maintain your identify non-public if you win the jackpot. Eleven states — Arizona, Delaware, Georgia, Kansas, Maryland, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia — now enable lottery winners to remain nameless.
The opposite 39 states require that winners’ names develop into a part of the general public report, a minimum of in idea. What meaning is that even when the state doesn’t show the names of all winners on its lottery web site, it is best to have the ability to ask the state’s lottery for the names of winners.
However in follow, these data are sometimes ridiculously troublesome for the general public to acquire. A staff of six journalists from the Columbia Journalism Overview made 100 public records requests to state lotteries and located that many ignored or declined the requests, redacted info, or claimed the request would end in exorbitant charges. Additionally, winners can usually keep away from making their names public by organising a belief or an nameless LLC.
That was my long-winded manner of claiming: Simply since you don’t discover proof that your ex gained the lottery doesn’t imply it didn’t occur. I’m interested in the one that instructed your son of your ex’s winnings. Was it somebody your son trusts who would really be aware about this info? Or did this information come from a buddy of a buddy’s second cousin twice eliminated? I get that your sons don’t need you going after this cash. However convincing your eldest to get a couple of extra particulars from the supply stands out as the best place to begin.
It will actually make for poetic justice in case your husband needed to break up his lottery winnings with you. Sadly, although, you shouldn’t assume that you just’ll be entitled to your husband’s cash — that’s, if it really exists.
The legal guidelines for property acquired after a pair has separated range by state. Many states deal with property one partner acquires after a everlasting separation as belonging solely to them. Speak to an lawyer in your state. Your lawyer could possibly assist you determine whether or not your husband really gained. If he did win, your lawyer can inform you whether or not you’ve got a reputable declare.
Clearly, you may anticipate a nasty battle when you proceed. However I believe it’s value pursuing if this cash exists and your lawyer thinks you’ve got an inexpensive shot at getting a part of it. You should be made financially complete in spite of everything these years.
Even when this seems to be a rumor, think about finalizing your divorce already. Strolling away along with your ex’s lotto cash will surely be a candy parting present. However even when there isn’t a cash, it’s time to sever your ties with this man after 30 years.
Robin Hartill is a licensed monetary planner and a senior author at The PNW. Ship your difficult cash inquiries to [email protected].