Expert: Terry Leeders - 9/4/2009

Question
how long after winning a lottery can I claim bankruptcy?  6 months, year, 3 years.....If the money is all gone and I need to claim bankruptcy would I be denied the claim because of my past winnings?

Answer
You do not need to wait to file. If you have spent the proceeds, and have no assets remaining you can file at any time. The court may question what you spent the money on. If you paid family and friends any money within the last 2 years, the court may be able to get the money back from them to pay your creditors.