Richard Zelasko who hit a $80m Jackpot whilst playing the Mega Millions Lottery, some $38m after Federal and State taxes were taken into consideration, is today licking his wounds somewhat.
You see Zelasko and his wife Mary, of 7 years decided to part ways and get divorced in 2011. Then in 2013, whilst they were still negotiating the divorce settlement, Richard hit his big win playing the Mega Millions lottery.
Well a court arbitrator has now ruled that the winnings bestowed upon Richard thanks to his good fortune playing Mega Millions, has been declared marital property and as such, estranged wife Mary is entitled to half the proceeds.
Court papers that were filed by Mary Zelasko claim that it was she who was the main earner in the marriage, with her annual earnings averaging between $100,000 and $120,000. Whilst Richard Zelasko, in his role in advertising sales took home approximately $36,000 annually.
The couple who have three children together, have been arguing over the lottery win for the past six years and in 2013, a judge ruled that Richard should hand over $15m of the win. This was upheld in a ruling in the Michigan Court of Appeal last week.
