Legal dissolution of marriage in Arizona where one party has a gambling problem involves unique considerations under state statutes. Arizona is a community property state, meaning assets acquired during the marriage are generally owned equally by both spouses. A spouse’s gambling habit can impact the division of these assets, particularly if marital funds were used to support the gambling activity, resulting in potential dissipation of assets.
The presence of a gambling disorder can significantly complicate divorce proceedings. It raises issues of financial responsibility and potentially affects spousal support (alimony) awards. Historically, courts have considered a spouse’s wasteful or destructive behavior, including gambling, when determining a fair and equitable distribution of property. Documenting the extent of the gambling activity and its impact on the marital estate is critical for the spouse seeking redress. This may involve tracing financial transactions, obtaining bank statements, and potentially utilizing expert testimony.
