When the lottery jackpots soar into the billions, the buzz is undeniable. Everyone starts to imagine what they’d do with that life-changing ticket—quit their job, buy a dream house, or maybe even post about it on social media. But here’s the thing: winning isn’t just about cashing a check and going on a shopping spree. There’s a lot more to it than meets the eye.
Take last Saturday’s $1.8 billion Powerball drawing. Nobody in Pennsylvania snagged the winning numbers, but the excitement is still rolling. The Mega Millions jackpot sits at $358 million, and Pennsylvania’s own Match 6 drawing is up to $4.5 million for Tuesday night. Those numbers are enough to make anyone start dreaming.
But let’s step back. Imagine your numbers actually hit. Now what?
According to Sam Cortes, a Chester County attorney and managing partner at Fox Rothschild LLP, the very first step after calling your spouse, partner, or parents isn’t to plan a trip to Vegas. Instead, it’s time to build a protective team.
Why you need a team
Cortes has spent years working with lottery winners—not just helping them plan but also handling messy disputes that can pop up after a big win. He’s seen it all:
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Disagreements over group-purchased tickets
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Lawsuits when annuity winners later want a lump sum
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Families torn apart because the prize wasn’t properly managed
That’s why Cortes says the golden rule is simple: get professional help right away. At a minimum, that means hiring:
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An attorney
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An accountant
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A financial planner
Together, this trio becomes your safety net, ensuring you don’t lose your fortune to poor planning, taxes, or worse—your own excitement.
The immediate to-do list
One of the first concerns? Claiming your ticket. You usually have up to a year to validate it, but deadlines for choosing a lump sum versus an annuity can sneak up fast. Each option has pros and cons depending on your personal circumstances. That’s why Cortes insists winners should never decide alone.
And don’t underestimate the privacy factor. Depending on your state, your name might go public when you win, and suddenly, you could be dealing with unwanted attention—or even disputes if coworkers or family claim they were part of the purchase.
What winners often get wrong
Cortes warns that rushing is the biggest mistake. The thrill of winning makes people want to run to the lottery office the very next day. But taking just a little time to plan, he says, can make the difference between lifelong wealth and watching millions disappear in just a few years.
He’s seen it firsthand: people who won millions and wound up nearly broke a few years later. Without guidance, the excitement fades and the reality of financial missteps sets in.
Is advice only for billion-dollar jackpots?
Not at all. Cortes makes it clear that even “smaller” wins—say, $5 million—deserve the same careful planning. Every situation is different, but his advice doesn’t change: don’t go it alone. Whether it’s tax strategies, estate planning, or protecting your privacy, professional help ensures your money lasts.
The bottom line
Winning the lottery is thrilling, but it’s not a free pass to endless riches. It’s a complex, life-changing event that requires careful thought. As Cortes puts it, “Don’t wait too long, but a little bit of caution and a little bit of planning will go a long way to make sure you get the prize and keep it.”
So if the stars align and your ticket is the lucky one—pause, take a breath, and surround yourself with experts. That way, your jackpot doesn’t just change your life for a moment, but for generations to come.
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