Divorces can take their toll on the individuals involved. This obvious notion, however, is often times take for granted until someone is actually embroiled in a divorce. Most people do not appreciate the challenges until they are directly confronted with them. Unfortunately, the emotional toll that can accompany certain divorces can lead some people to marginalized behavior.
According to a recent report, divorce can be a catalyst to a gambling addiction, especially for women. One study suggested that almost 40 percent of gambling addicts were divorced while only about 18 percent of non-gamblers had been divorced. Although the report concluded that divorce can drive women to fill the void with gambling, it is also possible that a divorce can be caused by gambling or any other addiction.
Minnesota residents can get divorced for any number of reasons. Often times, the couple is just no longer compatible. Other times, though, one spouse’s struggles with gambling, drugs, sex or alcohol can lead to the split – or the split itself can induce the sometimes destructive behavior. These situations can lead to especially critical legal issues during the divorce process.
One problem with any addiction is the expense. Alcohol and drugs cost money and few people get rich as gambling addicts. When a split is occurring, one spouse may jeopardize the financial stability of the other spouse and the couple’s kids. As a result, it is vital that splitting spouses know how to protect their assets.
It can also help to work with attorneys who know the divorce process. Although splitting from one’s spouse may never be considered easy, understanding the process with the advice of a seasoned professional can help minimize the psychological toll and the parties work towards a mutually acceptable resolution. While divorce can be a trying time, the process can be made to run as smooth as possible to protect the financial and mental health of all involved.
Source: The Huffington Post, “Gambling Addiction: Is Divorce a Catalyst,” May 8, 2013