Reader's Question of the Month

Prosperity Partners

I am a Maryland lottery winner, and recently I've been getting lots of mail and phone calls about selling my payments. I am tired of being hassled and just want to know the facts. I could certainly use the extra money, but I have always heard that we couldn't sell our payments in Maryland. Has the law changed? Cliff C., Baltimore, MD

A new law (State Government Article, MD Code Annotated, 9-122) goes into effect on June 1, 2006 that makes it possible for Maryland lottery winners to assign their future payments. That means that lottery winners in Maryland will have the same rights as lottery winners in several other states to sell their future lottery payments and take control of their winnings now. The process requires that a court order be obtained, so make sure you select a company with proven experience in getting these types of deals approved. For more information, you can call us at 1-800-868-6230.