I feel like my dad has at least admitted he has a problem and is seeking help. On the other hand, my mom seems to be unwilling to be honest with herself or me. She went gambling with my dad A LOT, and she played along with a series of lies they told me for years and years, including about financial matters that directly impact me (since they.
By Judge Cheryl Moss
- ‘Gambling Killed Our Son' – This Is the Unseen Addiction Crisis Spreading In Britain Britain knows it has a gambling problem. One mother wants to know why nobody is talking about its links.
- I am so worried about my son. He has had a gambling problem (sports betting) for approx. He is in his early 20's. He never has any money. He has a good paying job, but looses most of what he makes gambling. He really is such a good person, and this addiction that is destroying him is breaking my heart!
What does one expect when they land themselves in family court because of a gambling addiction issue? This article describes how a family court judge navigates through court cases involving problem gambling. Your questions are welcomed at the end.
Evaluating the impact of gambling on the family
How does a family court judge address the issue of gambling addiction when it is brought up in the courtroom? First, one must understand that gambling addiction can exist within a marriage or family and it is never brought up in court until and unless one party makes the allegation. If it is an issue, then the judge must figure out what impact the addiction has on the family or marital community.
What is marital waste?
As between spouses, the claim can be relevant to the division of assets and debts. In simple terms, the term 'marital waste' involves the spending or dissipation of assets or monies for personal use that did not benefit the marriage and/or caused adverse economic consequences. The most obvious fallout is substantial debts being incurred through ATM withdrawals, credit card charges, payday loans, and cashing out of retirement accounts, among other things.
Child custody cases
In the context of child custody cases, the judge must always consider the best interest of the children, including their safety and well-being. There have been instances where the gambling parent forgets and leaves the children in their car while inside the casino. A parent will likely claim that the other parent spends too much time away from home and has not been caring for the children due to gambling.
Gambling assessments for parents
Some courts, including Nevada, have referred spouses or parents for gambling assessments to determine if there is a problem with gambling. Certified problem gambling counselors do the assessments and report back to the judge. The outcome can be:
- No finding of a gambling problem
- Some signs of gambling but not severe enough
- At the extreme end, problem gambling requiring inpatient treatment and aftercare
If the gambling problem is not severe, the judge may order the gambler to attend education classes on the effects of problem gambling on the marriage and the family.
The debate about the distribution of assets
There is debate in the legal community if a gambling addiction means that the gambler's conduct was intentional or deliberate. Some lawyers would argue that the gambler acted with deliberation and knew what he or she was doing when they gambled away marital funds. Other lawyers would argue that gambling addiction is a disease and therefore the gambler is unable to control his gambling until he or she gets help. This is relevant to the extent that the judge must decide whether there should be an equal or unequal distribution of the parties' assets.
Posing a danger to self or children
In the custody context, the judge would monitor the gambler-parent as it relates to his or her care, custody, and control of the minor children. The judge must ensure the gambler-parent does not pose a risk or danger to himself or herself and to the children.
Judges need to recognize and understand the problem
It is important for judges to recognize gambling addiction issues that come before them. Understanding the problem will be helpful when they issue court orders ensuring the preservation of marital assets and promoting the best interest of children.
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About the Author: Judge Cheryl Moss is a family court judge in Las Vegas, Clark County, Nevada. She has served on the bench for over 15 years and presided over domestic relations cases involving gambling addiction. Judge Moss is the first judge in Nevada to utilize problem gambling assessments in divorce and child custody cases. Judge Moss serves on the Subcommittee on Legal Issues of the Advisory Commission on Problem Gambling. She was a national presenter on problem gambling and the courts at NCPG and NCRG conferences. Judge Moss is the 2009 recipient of the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling's Shannon L. Bybee Award.
Are you concerned that someone you know has a gambling problem, but not sure what type of things to look for? Knowing the warning signs can help you decide what action to take.
It is common to notice changes in the person's finances, mood and behaviour or how they spend their time.
Financial signs
Trabajo casino alicante. Some common financial warning signs that someone may have a problem with gambling include:
- Money missing from bank accounts, wallet/purse or money jar
- Household items and valuables missing
- Regularly short of money even though they earn a wage
- Borrowing money on a regular basis
- Having many loans at the one time
- Being secretive about financial records or payslips
- Unpaid bills/disconnection notices
- Lack of food in the house.
Mood and behavioural signs
When someone develops a gambling problem, there are often noticeable changes to their mood and behaviour, including:
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It is common to notice changes in the person's finances, mood and behaviour or how they spend their time.
Financial signs
Trabajo casino alicante. Some common financial warning signs that someone may have a problem with gambling include:
- Money missing from bank accounts, wallet/purse or money jar
- Household items and valuables missing
- Regularly short of money even though they earn a wage
- Borrowing money on a regular basis
- Having many loans at the one time
- Being secretive about financial records or payslips
- Unpaid bills/disconnection notices
- Lack of food in the house.
Mood and behavioural signs
When someone develops a gambling problem, there are often noticeable changes to their mood and behaviour, including:
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- Becoming withdrawn from others/family events
- Performance at work is being affected
- Seeming worried, agitated or upset for no apparent reason
- Reporting feeling hopeless, depressed, frustrated or suicidal
- Changes in personality - sleeping, eating, or sexual relationship patterns
- Controlling and/or manipulative behaviour
- Using threats, lies or charm to manipulate others.
Time related signs
Some common time-related signs that could indicate someone has a problem with gambling include:
- Spending more and more time gambling
- Being secretive about unexplained absences
- Often being late for commitments
- Taking a lot of sick days or days off
- Taking an unusual amount of time for simple tasks (e.g. taking two hours to get the paper from the shops).
Remember gambling behaviour is often hidden
It can be difficult to know if someone has a problem with gambling. Initially we may not want to believe that someone we know or love has a problem with gambling.
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It can also be difficult to detect a gambling problem, because many people who gamble do not show their feelings and may lie or get angry if questioned about their behaviour.
People sometimes say they feel that they should have noticed sooner, but remember the person gambling may have gone to great lengths to hide it from you.
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Once you have noticed there are many ways we can help you and the person gambling – why not start chatting to one of our Counsellors today, it's free, confidential and available 24/7: Casino nova scotia halifax poker room facebook.
