Wheel of Fortune Spins for Divorcing Couple

Scott Dole, while in the midst of a divorce, won $51,600 on the "Wheel of Fortune" television show over a year ago.  As reported by the Seattle Times, Dole has yet to collect a penny of it.

Dole and his wife placed his winnings in escrow until the courts decide how it should be divided.

Carrie Dole, Scott Dole's estranged wife, filed for divorce before he taped the television show.  The couple had reconciled briefly and she feels that warrants her half of his winnings.

Scott Cole may actually be liable for taxes on his winnings before he collects any money.  In response to the delay, he said, "This could have been done in 90 days."

Carrie Dole filed for divorce in Clark County Superior Court in March of 2008.  At a later date, the Doles reunited, and moved back in together.

Carrie Dole is credited for prompting Scott to audition for "Wheel of Fortune" during open casting calls held in 2009 in Portland.  Scott, working as a part-time longshoreman, said, "I'm good at the show, so she signed me up."

Within a week Scott received a letter congratulating him.  He was told that he would be on during the show's Pet Lovers Week.

The couple traveled together to Culver City, California, in October of 2009 for the show's taping.  But, the two had begun arguing again and, by the time of the filming, they were no longer on speaking terms.

It was after Scott won on the show that Carrie talked to him.  Of her coming to the set to congratulate him, he said, "It's pretty funny how money mends wounds."

By the following month Carrie had moved out once again.  She renewed her petition for a divorce and the trial is scheduled to being on May 2.  Carrie also requested that the winnings from the game show be placed into a trust pending the divorce.

An escrow account was created for the $46,988 remaining winnings after taxes.

The issue is whether the winnings can be considered community property.  Carolyn Drew, Scott Dole's attorney, has disputed the idea.  She filed a motion in September stating that the money is separate property, the couple was separated at the time and it was her client's sole earnings.

Drew stated, "While it may not sound like working, it's considered working that he was on 'Wheel of Fortune'."

High-profile Vancouver divorce attorney, Scott Horenstein, said, "It's not clear-cut, everything you do when you're married is joined, including winning a game show while on your marriage is on the rocks."

Carrie Dole, an elementary teacher, contends she needs the funds to help her pay her bills.  In court declaration she said, "If Mr. Dole gets his hands on any of that money, it will be the last that I see of it, and it won't matter to Mr. Dole if the judge tells him to pay me back. I will have to spend years trying to get that money from him."

If you are in the midst of a divorce, and are concerned about protecting your assets, contact a divorce attorney from our directory.