Bi-polar marriage and divorce

Statements taken from divorce360.com  and the following webpage:   http://www.divorce360.com/divorce-articles/causes-of-divorce/general/divorcing-a-bipolar-spouse.aspx?artid=1106

“When married to someone with bi-polar, the risk for divorce is higher because of the significant impairment that the spouse with bi-polar may exhibit. I have had numerous bi-polar clients that during their marriage compulsively spend or gamble away money, use drugs, have affairs during a manic period, but also have times when they cannot get out of bed during a depressed cycle," he said.
 
“What we more commonly associate with bi-polar disorder, such as the extreme mood swings and dramatic shifts between manic and depressive behaviour, is sometimes not present until a major life crisis triggers a full blown episode of mania.”
　

If the bi-polar spouse is not proactive in addressing their condition, the possibility of divorce increases, according to Burchell. “During a divorce, dealing with a bi-polar spouse can be likened to the difference between ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ with extreme shifts in mood and behavior. The emotional strain and stress associated with divorce has been associated with triggering the onset of a severe manic episode or relapse of some sort," she said.

Divorcing a bipolar spouse becomes more complex if children are involved. “Clients also have to be very aware of the amount of time the bi-polar parent has with the children as they can be often make irresponsible decisions, putting the children in emotional or physical danger,” said Price.

“There may be accusations regarding who is ‘fit’ when there are children involved,” added Coleman. “A mental health professional may be asked to perform a court-ordered evaluation. A mental health evaluation often involves a personal interview and possibly submission of psychological tests or questionnaires. A summary evaluation is submitted to the court.”