Lottery winner demonstrates the right way to claim a big jackpot

Mar 20, 2008, 5:14 pm (87 comments)

Mega Millions

The Illinois woman knew on Dec. 18, the winning lottery ticket she held would change her life.

On March 19, she was claiming an oversized check from the state and answering questions from news media.

That the winner picked up the $81.5 million prize, her half of a $163 million Mega Millions jackpot drawing, is a big deal.

That it took three months is a rarity. She spent the time to work with lawyers and financial advisers to maintain anonymity and protect assets — something the state lottery agency wants other potential winners to note.

Sporting large sunglasses, the winner, a pharmacist, came forward, but she refused to provide her name or where she lived. An occasional player, she bought the winning ticket at a gas station at 851 S. Sutton Rd. in Streamwood.

"I came back home. My husband said, 'Let me check your ticket,' " she said. A quick confirmation through an Internet site and the two were screaming in delight. "It was a shocking moment."

The first step wasn't to get the money. A family member referred them to Wood Dale attorney Terry Zimmer, who assembled an advisory team, including estate planner Richard Kuenster.

"I told her get an unlisted number A.S.A.P.," Kuenster said.

The team helped the family create the JYS Family Limited Partnership and put together entities to keep the winner's identity from the public, and shield the money from some taxes, creditors and frivolous lawsuits while providing for her, her husband, children and any future grandchildren, Kuenster said.

"We're so proud of them for taking that time," said acting Illinois Lottery Superintendent Jodie Winnett. "What a sharp winner we have in Illinois and we hope that the rest of our community will hear this and that they'll take a deep breath and consider protecting themselves."

The winner of an $81 million lottery prize picks up her check Wednesday with her lawyer, Terry Zimmer.

Thanks to JackpotWanna for the tip.

Chicago Sun-Times

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Todd's avatarTodd

Awesome story about a smart lady - congrats!

I wonder if that's a wig...

MissNYC's avatarMissNYC

Much more responsible than those others who recently claimed winnings within days of winning. Hats off to people who use their heads!

ThatScaryChick's avatarThatScaryChick

Congrats to her! It looks like she really did her homework. Yes Nod

mil0724

Very smart lady.  This is something that I said I would do when I WIN big but now, seeing that someone really did it, I know that I am really on to something.  Maybe it is fate or something.  I'm Next!

MADDOG10's avatarMADDOG10

Very smart indeed...! Potential winners could learn a lot from this lady...

Congrats to her and the family.

MaddMike51

I saw this on the 9pm news on WGN last night and wondered if it was gonna be on this website today.A very,very smart lady,indeed.

 

I wonder if the winner of the January 16th (?) Powerball drawing in Louisiana is doing the same thing.

Littleoldlady's avatarLittleoldlady

I wonder if they took 1/3 of her winnings.

lotterywannawin's avatarlotterywannawin

Very smart and responsible lady.  I am very happy for her.

Jack Pot's avatarJack Pot

Very, very smart move. She had a good make-up artist too. I think the nose and the chin were fake, but the smile was real.Smile Congratulations!!!Banana

ConstantlyB's avatarConstantlyB

Quote: Originally posted by Todd on Mar 20, 2008

Awesome story about a smart lady - congrats!

I wonder if that's a wig...

I can't tell from this angle....if it were a frontal view I could tell better. She may have extensions...lol...for added fullness.

Now I feel like she's an LP FAMILY MEMBER if she's not a member she is indeed the spouse of a member. She has exhibited some strong LP family member traits ya'll.

NOW THAT'S APPLYING WHAT YOU HAVE  LEARNED!!!!!

Hurray!                                               Dance                                                Banana

BevsPicks2

Quote: Originally posted by Todd on Mar 20, 2008

Awesome story about a smart lady - congrats!

I wonder if that's a wig...

ROFL Looks like a wig to me! LOL

gocart1's avatargocart1

Quote: Originally posted by MissNYC on Mar 20, 2008

Much more responsible than those others who recently claimed winnings within days of winning. Hats off to people who use their heads!

I Agree!  I think i'd go into hiding and form my dream team.

gocart1's avatargocart1

Quote: Originally posted by gocart1 on Mar 20, 2008

I Agree!  I think i'd go into hiding and form my dream team.

o....sorry  .......and congrats to the lucky lady .....wtgParty

gocart1's avatargocart1

Quote: Originally posted by gocart1 on Mar 20, 2008

o....sorry  .......and congrats to the lucky lady .....wtgParty

but it could be a guy in drag ......that would really throw everyone off

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