The Journal
Plain-English Estate Law
Plain-English guidance on wills, trusts, probate, and protecting your family in California.
Lottery Winnings and Divorce in California
Written by Eric Ridley, California lottery lawyer and estate planning attorney, Ridley Law. Last reviewed September 28, 2026. In California, a lottery ticket bought during the marriage with…
Read →California Lottery Lawyer: Estate Planning for Lottery Winners
Written by Eric Ridley, California lottery lawyer and estate planning attorney, Ridley Law. Last reviewed September 28, 2026. I’m a California lottery lawyer, which in practice means an…
Read →California Lottery Tax Calculator: Cash Option vs. Annuity, After Tax
Written by Eric Ridley, California lottery lawyer and estate planning attorney, Ridley Law. Last reviewed September 28, 2026. A California resident who wins on a ticket bought in…
Read →How Lottery Winnings Are Taxed in California (2026)
Written by Eric Ridley, California lottery lawyer and estate planning attorney, Ridley Law. Last reviewed September 28, 2026. California doesn’t tax a prize from the California Lottery, including…
Read →Lottery Lump Sum vs. Annuity in California: How to Choose
Written by Eric Ridley, California lottery lawyer and estate planning attorney, Ridley Law. Last reviewed September 28, 2026. The Powerball and Mega Millions annuity pays the full advertised…
Read →Won Powerball or Mega Millions in California? What’s Different Here
Written by Eric Ridley, California lottery lawyer and estate planning attorney, Ridley Law. Last reviewed September 28, 2026. A Powerball or Mega Millions ticket bought in California works…
Read →Already Claimed a California Lottery Prize? What to Do Now
Written by Eric Ridley, California lottery lawyer and estate planning attorney, Ridley Law. Last reviewed September 28, 2026. Once you’ve claimed, your name, the store, and the prize…
Read →Just Won the California Lottery? What to Do Before You Claim
Written by Eric Ridley, California lottery lawyer and estate planning attorney, Ridley Law. Last reviewed September 28, 2026. Sign the back of the ticket, photograph both sides, lock…
Read →Want a straight read on where you stand?
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