15 Million Reasons Why You Should Stop Putting Off Getting Divorced
- Royce Nunley
- Jun 19, 2019
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 3, 2025
Why Delaying Your Divorce in Michigan Could Cost You More Than You Think
As much as everybody loves going to court to air their dirty laundry in front of a bunch of strangers, many people kick that can down the road for as long as they can. Sometimes people decide to stop living as a married couple, move into separate residents, and for all intents and purposes, begin to lead separate lives long before filing for divorce. Sometimes people let months or even years pass by before formally getting divorced.
Does this sound like your situation? You’ve separated from your spouse, you’re not living together, and you figure there’s no rush to make it official. Maybe things are amicable. Maybe it’s just not a priority. But here’s something you probably didn’t expect:
The Michigan Court of Appeals just gave you 15 million reasons to stop waiting and finalize your divorce.
At The Nunley Law Group, we regularly speak with clients who delay filing for divorce for years—sometimes for financial reasons, sometimes for emotional ones. But as the case of Zelasko v. Zelasko shows, delaying a divorce can have massive consequences when it comes to property division, asset rights, and financial exposure.
The $15 Million Lottery Case That Changed Everything
In Zelasko v. Zelasko, the plaintiff filed for divorce in September 2011. Rather than rushing through the process, the couple opted to use an arbitrator and resolve issues slowly—taking nearly four years to finalize their divorce.
Then, on July 5, 2013, five years after the couple had separated, the husband bought a $1 lottery ticket and won a staggering $80 million. After taxes, he took home $38.8 million.
Seems like a stroke of luck, right? Not entirely.
When the wife argued that the lottery winnings should be considered marital property, the husband disagreed, claiming they had long been separated and were deep into divorce proceedings. But both the arbitrator and the Court of Appeals disagreed. Because the parties were still legally married at the time the lottery ticket was purchased, the court ruled that the winnings were subject to equitable distribution under Michigan divorce law.
The result? The wife was awarded $15 million.
What This Means for Michigan Couples Considering Divorce
Michigan is an equitable distribution state. This means that nearly all property and income acquired during the marriage—up to the date the divorce is finalized—is considered marital property and subject to division.
That includes:
Lottery winnings
Business income
Real estate or investment purchases
Inheritances (in certain situations)
Retirement contributions
And yes—debts, too
This case is a prime example of why delaying a divorce can result in either a major financial gain—or a serious financial loss, depending on your situation.
The Flip Side: Marital Debts Are Also Shared
Just as new assets may be divided, so can new debts. If your estranged spouse is racking up credit card bills, taking out loans, or mismanaging joint finances while you delay finalizing your divorce, you could be held partially responsible.
If you’re separated but still legally married, any financial decisions made by your spouse could come back to haunt you—whether they hit the jackpot or fall into debt.
Why Waiting “Until Things Settle Down” Can Backfire
It’s common for couples in Michigan to separate without filing for divorce, sometimes for months or even years. But as Zelasko v. Zelasko shows, the law doesn’t care how long you’ve lived apart—if you’re still legally married, you’re still legally tied to your spouse’s financial actions.
The result? You might:
Lose a share of unexpected assets
Be stuck with a share of unexpected debts
Complicate an otherwise straightforward divorce
Prolong your legal and financial uncertainty
✅ Protect Yourself: Finalize the Divorce Sooner, Not Later
At The Nunley Law Group, we understand that divorce can be overwhelming—but delaying it can put you at risk for unintended consequences. Whether you’re separated, unsure where to start, or have already filed but feel stuck in the process, our experienced divorce attorneys in Metro Detroit can help you move forward.
We’ll walk you through:
Your rights to marital property
Debt division concerns
How to protect future assets
Strategies for equitable outcomes
Ready to Move Forward?
Don’t wait until your spouse wins the lottery or racks up debt in your name. Protect your financial future today.
Contact The Nunley Law Group for a confidential consultation with a top Michigan divorce attorney. We’ll help you take control of your situation and make informed decisions that safeguard your best interests.
| About the Author
Email. Royce@nunleylawgroup.com
Tel. 586-778-4555
Royce Nunley is the founder and lead attorney at The Nunley Law Group, where he represents clients in the areas of Family Law, Criminal Defense, Social Security Disability, and Personal Injury. Known for his client-focused approach and legal insight, Royce is deeply committed to delivering personalized legal solutions tailored to each individual's needs.
Royce earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish, Cum Laude, from Wayne State University, and continued his education at Wayne State University Law School, where he received his Juris Doctorate, also Cum Laude. His academic excellence laid a strong foundation for a career marked by both compassion and tenacity in the courtroom.
Royce has been recognized for his outstanding work in Family Law, earning the distinction of Super Lawyers "Rising Star" for six consecutive years—2019 through 2024—an honor reserved for only the top 2.5% of attorneys in the state.
With a reputation for taking the time to truly understand his clients and their legal challenges, Royce ensures that every person who walks through his door receives the respect, transparency, and tireless advocacy they deserve.
Other Helpful Resources:
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