Real Answers for Life’s Money Challenges
I left my husband in 1990.
We were in a bitter custody battle for two years before I left.
I was awarded sole custody.
He had visitation rights, which he never used.
Long story short, he never saw our children from the time I left him.
He was on Social Security Disability, which meant the children received money from Social Security.
He had to pay child support, which he was behind on for several years.
My attorney at the time had the support order changed so it came directly from his SSD check.
For me, it was the end of a nightmare of endless court battles.
We never got divorced.
There was no reason other than I was mentally drained with him trying to financially ruin me.
I raised three wonderful sons.
At the time, I was paying $650 a month for a family plan in 2004.
Child support also ended at that time.
He was supposed to pay for insurance for three more years.
My sons want nothing to do with him and dont want me to pursue this.
Im torn on whether to proceed or not.
But its also getting easier to keep your name private when you win the jackpot.
The other 39 states require that winners names become part of the public record, at least in theory.
But in practice, these records are often ridiculously difficult for the public to obtain.
Also, winners can often avoid making their names public by setting up a trust or an anonymous LLC.
Im curious about the person who told your son of your exs winnings.
Was it someone your son trusts who would actually be privy to this information?
Or did this news come from a friend of a friends second cousin twice removed?
I get that your sons dont want you going after this money.
But convincing your eldest to get a few more details from the source may be the easiest starting point.
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It would certainly make for poetic justice if your husband had to split his lottery winnings with you.
The laws for assets acquired after a couple has separated vary by state.
Many states treat property one spouse acquires after a permanent separation as belonging solely to them.
Talk to an attorney in your state.
Your attorney may be able to help you figure out whether your husband actually won.
If he did win, your attorney can tell you whether you have a legitimate claim.
Obviously, you might expect a nasty fight if you proceed.
You deserve to be made financially whole after all these years.
Even if this turns out to be a rumor, consider finalizing your divorce already.
Walking away with your exs lotto money would certainly be a sweet parting gift.
Robin Hartill is a certified financial planner and a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder.
Send your tricky money questions to[email protected].
