Estranged Spouse May Share Jackpot Millions

The Associated Press for Google News in Rathdrum, Idaho, has reported that a young woman's winnings from a Mega Millions jackpot may have to be shared with an abusive spouse she wasn't legally separated from.

Single mom, Holly Lahti, won $190 million on January 4.

Media, in its clamor to gain more information on the young woman, uncovered a mugshot from a 2003 domestic abuse incident.  The man that allegedly left her cut and bruised is her husband, Josh Lahti, who now has a claim to her winnings due to Idaho law.

Lahti and her two young daughters, aged 10 and 12, went into hiding after learning that she had won.

Josh Lahti's response upon hearing of his wife's winnings was, "That's awesome!  I won't have to pay child support!"  The two dated in high school, married in 2001 and separated in 2003.  The Lahtis never legally separated or divorced.  Idaho requires a  divorce filing to grant separation.  The filing is key in separating assets between divorcing couples.

Lahti has left her customer service position at a bank when she found out that she had won the lottery. 

Lahti asked her friends and family not to talk to reporters - and didn't attend a January 12 press conference to hear her name announced as a winner.

Josh Lahti visits his two daughters in the same home the couple shared while married in the Idaho Panhandle.

A decade-long neighbor, Jennifer Mayberry, hoping to squelch the image of the mugshot from the public's mind said, "She is kind. She is friendly. She is shy. My children play with her children."

Lahti has asked for her winnings in a lump-sum payment so it will be reduced to $120 million, as $80.6 million will go to federal and state taxes.

There were numerous incidents of violence during the Lahti marriage.  In 2001 Josh Lahti was charged with domestic violence but the charge was later reduced to disturbing the peace. 

In 2003 it was Holly Lahti that was arrested and charged in Kootenai County; the charges were later dismissed.  Josh Lahti was arrested on the same day and his charges were also dismissed.

Also in 2003, Josh Lahti was arrested for violating a non-contact order - again later dismissed - and charged with second-degree kidnapping, possession of drug paraphernalia, domestic abuse, battery and false imprisonment.

And though most of the charges had been dismissed again - he was sentenced to 180 days in prison and a three-year probation on the kidnapping charge.

Elizabeth Brandt, a professor of family law, said that almost all of the other United States - all except Idaho - have laws to differentiate between separation and divorce.  In both instances assets are clearly defined.  She said that there is no clear case law on the issue in Idaho.

Lottery winnings are considered community property. Lahti can still file for divorce and negotiate a settlement with her husband.

If your estranged spouse has gained funds, you may be due compensation if you are not legally separated.  Click here to contact a family law attorney from our directory.