Divorce and Bipolar Disorder

Divorce can be a significant factor when a married person lives with a Bipolar spouse. Current statistics show you face some pretty poor odds of staying in a marital relationship if living with Bipolar disorder. Current divorce rates are astounding at 90%. Divorce is not always the final straw. There are couples who recognize the horrific effects of Bipolar as a mental illness, and work towards trying to keep their marriage in tact.

There are others who face a spouse who is unwilling to seek treatment for the disorder. These people feel there is nothing wrong with them, do not want to face the fact that they may be labelled as psychotic, or in turn try to self medicate – which can cause further harm to the victim or their spouse. As many as 50% of people with the illness are not treated at any point in time.

Failed marriages due to bipolar may have been drawn out for years of dealing with emotional roller coaster rides for the partner of bipolar person. Some couples hang on for an average of 10 years or more prior to seeking medical treatment at which time it may be too late and the marriage is already severly scarred from adultery, domestic violence and emotional selfishness often associated with the disorder.

When facing a divorce with issues of this nature, your skilled attorney should understand the delicate nature of those facing the disorder, and strategically evaluate the case to best represent the client. Call our family law firm today.