Financial settlement and Gambling Addiction

[AustinRd]

Does anybody have any experience in this space? Specifically how this was looked upon by the judge when ruling, what recognition/consideration was given? I’d rather not go into details in open forum but basic background:
Equal earners, 2DC reside with mother, father recovering GA (Long history predating marriage and hidden throughout)

[NotSuchASmugMarriedNow1]

I wouldn't think the fact that your ex has a gambling problem would make any difference to the final financial settlement. How would you even prove that he has a gambling addiction anyway?

[waterSpider]

Can sometimes make a difference, under behaviour it would be inequitable to ignore. But would have to be severe, well documented, and argument about why it should affect any division.

[AustinRd]

Thanks, at its worst we are talking amounts in a week larger than monthly earnings, 30k debt in 6m, inequitable contributions to day to day family expenses, house purchase etc. I was lead to believe this was due to disparity in earnings. It wasn’t (also sold shares, lied about no bonus when actually received 20k) All over 12y

[catspyjamas123]

I think you are stuffed. The law does not care about financial abuse like that.

[AustinRd]

@catspyjamas123 is that your professional opinion? My solicitor and barrister would disagree with you as it could cost DC their home. I was looking for somebody who had experience. Thx

[catspyjamas123]

You have to pay for professional opinions, not seek them out on MumsNet. I didn’t mean to offend, I am speaking from experience as a divorced mother who was the main earner and contributed far, far more to the relationship both in earnings and in parenting. None of that matters in law. The law sees contribution as equal. My ex wasted money on an addiction. That didn’t matter. I couldn’t afford to argue the point in court because costs would have been prohibitive and I was advised I would not get anywhere. My ex got 55%, I have all the expenses of raising the kids. I have no faith in British justice but I wish you the best.

[AustinRd]

@NotSuchASmugMarriedNow1 he’s admitted it as it factored into Cafcass reports and CAO. There also the debt but the total cost is possibly unquantifiable it’s more about it being a factor and taken into consideration

[waterSpider]

this post indicates that sometimes it is taken into account, and sometimes it isn't:
www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/blog/2017/07/07/does-behaviour-affect-your-divorce-settlement/