Making sure you don't blow the nation's largest-ever lottery jackpot within a few years means some advice is in order before the Mega Millions drawing Friday, especially if you're really, really, really lucky. People also can sign a written agreement naming the participants in the pool, how much they're going to contribute, and how the group will divide the proceeds if they win. At the very least, keep it where you know it's protected. "You never think about these things until after you won," Gagnon said. Lopes cashed it without telling his co-workers, and walked away with more than $17 million in one lump sum after taxes. Twenty-three co-workers received $56,000 a year for 25 years after taxes. "That's the problem, and that's what makes the litigation necessary." Unless you understand that, you can become a victim very quickly," says Steve Thornton, an attorney in Bowling Green, Ky., who has represented two jackpot winners. In November 2009, one of the tickets he bought hit the $38.5 million jackpot.
– You're probably not going to hit the jackpot in tonight's $540 million Mega Millions drawing—but what if you do? First of all, if you bought a bunch of tickets with a pool of co-workers or friends, you might want to take a moment to write up a formal agreement before the 11pm ET drawing, the Houston Chronicle reports. Another good idea: distribute photocopies of the tickets to each pool member. "You never think about these things until after you won," one attorney says. "And that's what makes the litigation necessary." The AP offers more tips for after you win: DO sign the back of the ticket, make a copy, and hide it or lock it up somewhere safe. DON'T call everyone you know to tell them the good news—soon you'll be overwhelmed with people hoping to share in your newfound riches. DO get in touch with a lawyer and a financial planner—preferably people you trust. Can't think of anyone? Ask a trusted family member or friend for a recommendation. DON'T make your identity public if you don't have to. Depending on where you live, you may be able to form a trust and keep your identity private. DO think long and hard about whether to take the lump sum ($359 million before taxes) or the annual payments (about $19 million per year, before taxes, for 26 years). There are benefits and drawbacks to both, and the final decision will likely depend on how good you are at managing money—and what your tax advisor says. DO splurge a bit—but if you're trying to keep your winnings under wraps, you may not want to park your new Porsche out front. After all that, a reality check: Click to see why you're not going to win.