Do I need a lawyer before claiming my prize?

Yes—consult a lottery-experienced attorney first. They can advise on anonymity options, trusts/LLCs, gifting, and tax planning before you contact the lottery commission.

What kind of financial advisor should I hire?

Choose a fee-only fiduciary (CFP®/CFA) who will sign a fiduciary oath. Avoid advisors paid by commissions or who pitch complex products without transparent fees.

Can a lawyer keep my name private?

Some states allow anonymity or entity claims; others do not. A lottery attorney can explain the rules where you bought the ticket and implement the best available privacy strategy.

Lottery Lawyers and Financial Advisors

Note: AfterLotto is not currently accepting new clients or providing personalized referrals at the moment. This page is an independent guide to help you build the right team.

Why You Need a Team—Immediately

Before you claim your prize, assemble professionals who can protect your privacy, reduce taxes, and help you avoid costly mistakes. Start with:

Lottery tax attorney (federal/state planning, entity setup, anonymity where allowed)
Fiduciary financial advisor (CFP®/CFA) paid by fee-only (no commissions)
CPA for multi-year tax modeling and compliance
Estate attorney for trusts, beneficiary planning, and asset protection

First steps to take today: secure your ticket and estimate your after-tax prize with our Lottery Tax Calculators. Then review Maintaining Control After Winning and Lump Sum vs Annuity.

Lottery Tax Attorneys

A seasoned lottery tax attorney helps you structure your claim, plan charitable gifts, and avoid pitfalls (e.g., gift taxes or public disclosures). In many states, they can guide the use of a trust or LLC to protect your identity where permitted by law.

What they do: entity/claim strategy, privacy where allowed, gift/estate planning, audit readiness
When to hire: before contacting the lottery commission or publicly sharing news
How they charge: flat fee or hourly; avoid contingency fees tied to your payout

Financial Advisors

Choose a fiduciary, fee-only advisor (CFP®/CFA) who is legally obligated to act in your best interest. They’ll build an investment, income, and risk plan that fits your goals—whether you take a lump sum or the annuity.

Ask for: written fiduciary oath, ADV Part 2 brochure, clear fee schedule (AUM or flat retainer)
Expect: a customized plan for taxes, cash reserves, debt payoff, giving, and long-term income
Avoid: “can’t-lose” pitches, opaque products, or pressure to decide fast

Build-Your-Team Checklist

Use our calculators to ballpark after-tax amounts
Interview 2–3 lottery attorneys; ask about anonymity options and entity timelines
Interview 2–3 fee-only fiduciary advisors; request a sample plan and references
Open a dedicated bank account at a new institution; tighten online security (new email/phone/2FA)
Draft a quiet period plan (no social posts, no big purchases, no loans to friends)
Update estate basics: will, beneficiaries, and a simple revocable trust; expand later as needed

Group Wins & Pools

If you won in a pool, document contributions and shares immediately. A lawyer can formalize the agreement, prevent disputes, and help you structure the claim to minimize tax/administrative headaches. For background, see our Lottery Pools overview.

Red Flags to Watch For

Advisors who won’t sign a fiduciary statement
Compensation tied to product sales or your winnings
Pressure to move money fast or invest in “exclusive” deals
Promises of “guaranteed” returns

Helpful Next Reads

This page is for general information only and is not legal, tax, or investment advice. Laws vary by state and change over time; consult qualified professionals before acting. 18+ (or 21+ where applicable). Play responsibly. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. In NY, call 1-877-8-HOPENY (467-369) or text HOPENY (467369).