It's especially good to hear of a state's first jackpot winner choosing lump sum. More so if the annuity value is nine figures.

Wait a minute!!!

Does this mean that Oklahoma lottery winners can remain anonymous with the help of a trust?

For someone who wanted to maintain their privacy, those beneficiaries released a lot of statements to be read on their behalf.  If they say that much privately, then it's likely their friends and neighbors know who they are.

I agree with both of you. The article seems to indicate that a Trust will protect the names of the winners. In FL I've seen jackpots claimed in a Trust, but the names of the winners are still printed in the news release.  However, as RJOh writes, these people need to be careful and button their lips if they want to keep their secret hidden from neighbors and relatives. Still, not announcing the names in the paper is a great help and, if I ever win a jackpot, that would certainly save me a lot of aggravation.

I guess all the worrywarts can just go find something else to worry about now..

I remember seeing headlines wondering who won and when the winners would come forward.

Not everyone goes running down to the Lottery HQ the first business day after the win- some people, like the above,  are SMARTer than that...

DD

So many times I read on the FL site that "Joe Brown, an 82 year old retired machinist" or "Sally Johnson, a 78 year old retired secretary" won amulti-million $$ jackpot.  It will go on to say they plan to share some of their good fortune with their children and grandchildren.  I'm not an attorney, but the little I know about gift & estate tells me it makes more sense to either form a Trust, LLC or just let one of your children or grandchildren claim the prize when your that age.

Yikes, another bad storm...bye 4 now!  

I also agree. I think it was a good idea for them to take their time and not go rushing in. I never understood why people have this need for others to come forward right away.

I think people will claim their prize in their own time depending on their personal circumstances.  My financial planner is a relative and my  lawyer is a relative also , so I will be really good on that end when I win the lottery.  I just feel that if you've been financially planning for years for retirement then you should  have no problem with a large sum of money should it happen. Retirement for me is basically 30yrs off so either way I am planning.  I would more than likely claim my money within a week or two of winning based solely on what I've already been doing in life.

Good for them taking cash value. This is a great story.