A man who had already been separated from his wife for more than two years when he struck it rich has been ordered to hand over half.
Rich Zelasko, from Pontiac in the US, won a life-changing $US30 million ($A43 million) after buying a $1 Mega Millions lottery ticket in 2013.
At that stage, he and his ex-wife Mary-Beth Zelasko had been separated for well over two years, and the couple were in the middle of divorce proceedings.
Mrs Zelasko and her lawyers believed she was entitled to half the winnings, and an Oakland County Circuit Court judge agreed, ruling in her favour.
According to the Associated Press, that decision was appealed — but now, the Michigan appeals court has also sided with Mrs Zelasko and ordered her ex-husband to hand over $US15 million ($A21.6 million).
That’s because arbitrator John Mills ruled the lottery jackpot was considered “marital property” at the time of the win because although they were separated, the Zelaskos’ divorce had not yet been finalised.
That meant their separation wasn’t legally recognised, even though official proceedings were underway.
“It’s true that (the) defendant spent $1 to purchase the winning lottery ticket, however the dollar spent was arguably marital money and, as such, a joint investment,” Mr Mills ruled, according to the Associated Press.
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[–]ValhallaWillCome30 points31 points32 points (3 children) | Copy Link
This is just fucked up. They were seperated for two years already. Are the courts even suggesting they were still using the same joint bank account? I highly doubt that, knowing the STBX will probably spend every penny he puts on said account, just to fuck him over.
The brightside: he still has $15M left. Plenty of money to invest into early retirement. More than enough money to leave for greener pastures and ditch the US entirely.
[–]BrendenS92[S] 26 points27 points28 points (0 children) | Copy Link
My understanding of the argument used in this situation is something as follows. He purchased a $1 ticket, the $1 was community property because the divorce wasn’t processed, therefore the $1 ticket was a joint investment, and she deserves half.
It is total bullshit, he even lost the appeal. But he can still live off it forever if he’s smart you’re right.
[–][deleted] 2 points3 points4 points (1 child) | Copy Link
When I got divorced, finances were considered 100% separate from the moment of legal separation, not upon signing of the divorce decree. I believe that it is that way everywhere and that this is just an example of the simps in court ignoring actual precedent and law in the name of helping this poor woman because they think that it would be unfair for the man to be rich after divorce and for her not to be.
Patriarchy my fucking ass.
[–]Mecha_Hobbit17 points18 points19 points (2 children) | Copy Link
He's a fool. Seperated means still married.
Tax code tip: you're still on the hook for six months after the divorce, too. (lottery, inheritance, etc)
[–]rejac2184 points5 points6 points (0 children) | Copy Link
Those community property states. Nightmares! Just don't get married!
[–][deleted] 1 point2 points3 points (0 children) | Copy Link
IN most states, an inheritance is never considered marital property unless co-mingled with other marital funds. No. Inheritance received by one person six month's after a separation would definitely not be marital property.
[–]Delita_Wasnt_Wrong8 points9 points10 points (3 children) | Copy Link
On the bright side, she will blow through 15m way faster than him
[–]Ukhupa4 points5 points6 points (0 children) | Copy Link
Was thinking of this. Even after taxes, he should still have several millions to his name which she'll of course feel entitled to. If he's smart he'll have those secured and untouchable by then.
[–][deleted] 1 point2 points3 points (0 children) | Copy Link
I bet she is broke in 4 years and he will be worth like 23 million.
[–]PhoenixAZisHot1 point2 points3 points (0 children) | Copy Link
She’ll for sure think she can spending money like Paris Hilton, or the Kardashian’s and as a result be broke within a couple years. That will be fun to watch
[–]Pruny858 points9 points10 points (1 child) | Copy Link
TAKE THE MONEY AND RUN!
[–]BrainBoy0001 point2 points3 points (0 children) | Copy Link
If I were him, I would've kill her and run out of the country....
[–][deleted] 8 points9 points10 points (0 children) | Copy Link
While this is absolute bullshit, dude was an idiot for claiming that ticket before his divorce was finalized.
One of the first things my divorce attorney told me was if I come into any windfalls, not to do a single goddamn thing before calling him first.
He straight up told me anything I earn before the divorce is finalized is considered "marital property" and she can snatch it.
He actually brought up the lottery. Most states have mandatory identification laws for lottery winners for "transparency" when the reality is you're likely to get hounded or even killed once people know who you are.
Most people who aren't stupid consult and attorney and form an LLC or other company-like entity so you can claim the winnings as a representative of your "company" and you can legally conceal your identity that way. Then when you have your winnings, dissolve the "company" and ride anonymously into many beautiful sunsets with both middle fingers in the air.
[–]blackguygreg6 points7 points8 points (1 child) | Copy Link
He didn't need to claim the winning ticket for another 120 days. Wrap up the divorce then go get your ticket and quietly move to Barbados
[–][deleted] 3 points4 points5 points (0 children) | Copy Link
Fuck this. Any attachment whatsoever to a womyn will be a drain of your resources, period
[–][deleted] 5 points6 points7 points (0 children) | Copy Link
So sad she really raped him , not to mention the money gets taxed in the max bracket. So he’ll probably keep half of half os he’s lucky
[–]ctgjerts5 points6 points7 points (2 children) | Copy Link
Willing to put $100 bill the both of them are filing bankruptcy in 24 months or less. They'll both end up with $3M or more after taxes.
[–][deleted] 1 point2 points3 points (1 child) | Copy Link
They will not pay 80% in taxes
[–]ctgjerts0 points1 point2 points (0 children) | Copy Link
I'm not a CPA, nor do I play the lottery. IDK if this particular lottery has a cash payout or not - I assumed that. Last time the powerball got over $1B there were all kinds of articles about the actual take after taxes with a one time payout. Cash payout if I remember correctly took a third right off the top. Taxes depending on residence will take roughly half of the balance between state, local and fed.
Regardless of what the tax percentages are for winning the lottery, statistically they will both be worse off after this than they were before. All kinds of stories/shows about where are they now on past lottery winners. Vast majority blow it all like drunken sailors on shore leave.
[–]Kazbek892 points3 points4 points (1 child) | Copy Link
He had a year to cash the ticket, could he divorced her first wait 8 months and then cashed ticket and left the country
[–]rejac2181 point2 points3 points (0 children) | Copy Link
Yup. I like the LLC idea too.
[–]fasterfind2 points3 points4 points (0 children) | Copy Link
WTF!
[–]VlogIt2 points3 points4 points (0 children) | Copy Link
Lesson learned: When you win the lottery, never put your name on it. Hire a lawyer and let him sign it. Put that shit in an account not in your name but under your control (Trust).
[–]samsoldit1 point2 points3 points (0 children) | Copy Link
Isn't she worried he'll put out a hit on her?
[–]annonymous931 point2 points3 points (0 children) | Copy Link
I'd take all the money and run to a country with no extradition and live the rest of my life comfortable but carefully....Also, if he has kids, he doesn't have to feel bad about leaving them because essentially society forced his hand and it's not his fault for having to leave.
[–]JayCintheUsa1 point2 points3 points (0 children) | Copy Link
He should have seen how long he has until the ticket was no longer valid, THEN cashed it in once the divorce was finalized.
[–][deleted] 1 point2 points3 points (0 children) | Copy Link
Unreal. What an idiot.
[–]swellingsuperman1 point2 points3 points (0 children) | Copy Link
I would have given the ticket to a trusted family member.
[–]rejac2181 point2 points3 points (0 children) | Copy Link
Separated or divorced?
[–]eduardkoopman1 point2 points3 points (0 children) | Copy Link
The other way around, I doubt this would be the decision.
He has the kind of money, that he can run away to another country.
[–]Sneakybobo1 point2 points3 points (0 children) | Copy Link
Corrupt judge and lawyers want to man to spend his fortune on lawyer fees.
[–]KawiNinjaZX1 point2 points3 points (0 children) | Copy Link
I think this is his money, but even to be "fair" give her $1 million. I don't fathom giving her half. He probably made twice as much as her anyway and that money goes into their joint account.
[+]_be_happy_-6 points-5 points-4 points (3 children) | Copy Link
Come on guys... why are we bitching about it? The law is the law, it's shitty but it is how it is. They were still married so she has full right to half of the winnings. He made mistake years before when marrying her, but thats different topic.
Flip the sides, if she would win, he would be entitled to 15mi$ as well so I don't understand this post...
[+][deleted] (1 child) | Copy Link
[deleted]
[–]_be_happy_-2 points-1 points0 points (0 children) | Copy Link
I am not disagreeing to that. The case still stands: he knew they were married. The law is stating they still split all income since they are still married. Nothing to complain here. If they would be week after divorce and we would be complaining then I would understand. We don't know what would happen if genders would be reversed so it's a poor argument.
There are cases where crying about gynoce ntric system makes sense. It's just not this one.
[–]macauly-sulkin1 point2 points3 points (0 children) | Copy Link
Lmao