Texas Divorce Rate – Latest Statistics

Marriage can be a beautiful thing to be a part of, and when you make the decision to walk down the aisle, you probably do not anticipate a future that will one day end in divorce. However, unfortunate circumstances arise every day across Texas, and many couples find themselves seeking a legal divorce. For some facing divorce, it can help to know you are not alone. At the Vaught Law Firm, we want to help you understand the Texas divorce rate.

Understanding the current divorce rate in the Lone Star State can also help you to be aware of what can cause a couple to seek a divorce. Texas recognizes both fault and no-fault divorces. Each of these can lead to further complications, but knowing you are not alone in this experience can give you the strength necessary to move forward.

Divorce in Texas

In Texas, the rate of divorce has steadily decreased over the last several years. When looking at the overall divorce rates of the United States, Texas is one of the regions with the lowest divorce rate in the entire country. In 2021, the divorce rate stood at 1.4 divorces per 1,000 residents of the state. This number has consistently dropped from a high of 3.3 in 2010. With such a drastic decrease, it might appear that divorce is quickly becoming a thing of the past.

Unfortunately, this is not the case. People in Texas still seek divorce proceedings every day. In fact, there are five counties in Texas that still see a rather high percentage of divorce cases each year. These counties include Tarrant County, with a divorce rate of 11.1%; Bell County, with a rate of 11.2%; Galveston County, with a rate of 11.5%; Nueces County, with a rate of 12%; and Johnson County, with a rate of 12.1%.

In most divorce cases nationwide, women are the driving force behind the opening of official court proceedings. Research shows that nearly 69% of all divorce cases in the country are initiated by women. People may wonder why this is the case. While it can be difficult to offer an exact reason, some believe that many women seek divorce due to their frustrations regarding inequality between genders.

Reasons for Texas Divorce

Though you do not necessarily need to assign fault in a divorce case in Texas, it can be useful if you are the party wronged in the marriage. In Texas, grounds for a fault-based divorce can include the following:

• Adultery
• Abandonment for at least one year
• The existence of domestic violence
• Felony conviction
• Any type of abuse
• Mental incapacitation

It is important to keep in mind that, in Texas, once you file for a divorce based on some kind of fault, you will need to offer evidence to support the kind of fault you have listed. If you do not believe that you will be able to prove this fault, it can prove vital to speak with an attorney who can either help you uncover usable evidence or counsel you to seek a no-fault divorce instead.

Factors Contributing to No-Fault Divorce in the Lone Star State

In a no-fault divorce case in Texas, the two spouses must agree that they no longer wish to be married and will formally acknowledge the fact that neither party is necessarily guilty of any wrongdoing or misconduct that has led to them seeking a divorce. Rather, they can simply cite grounds based on irreconcilable differences.

When a couple decides that this is the correct course of action for them to take, they simply state to the court that their marriage has reached a point where it can no longer be saved, and the couple can no longer reside peacefully together. To prove that the marriage is no longer sustainable, you may need to testify in court. There are several factors that may contribute to seeking a no-fault divorce in Texas, including:

• Lack of physical or emotional intimacy
• Conflict or discord between the couple
• Conflict between the personalities of each individual
• Issues regarding the couple’s finances
• There is a lack of or breakdown in communication between the couple
• The couple has differing political views

FAQs

Q: What Is the Most Common Reason for Texas Divorces?

A: In recent years, the most common reason that couples cite when seeking a divorce in the Lone Star state is that of “irreconcilable differences” or believing that their marriage is no longer supportable or sustainable. In these cases, both parties involved in the marriage reach an agreement that their marriage is broken, and there is no way they can achieve reconciliation.

Q: Is There a Waiting Period for Divorce in Texas?

A: Yes, in Texas, there is a mandatory waiting period for all divorce cases. However, in situations where an act of family violence has occurred, the judge involved in your case may waive this waiting period to speed up the process. In these situations, you must first file a restraining order or protective order against your spouse or show that they have been convicted of family violence or abuse.

Q: What Can Increase the Risk of Divorce?

A: There are several factors that can increase the risk of divorce in Texas. These risk factors include the age at which you are married, as many individuals who marry younger in life will face an increased risk of divorce, the education levels of the spouses, as those who have a higher level of education will be less likely to get divorced, and the financial health of the couple.

Q: How Long Can a Divorce Case Take in Texas?

A: It can be difficult to offer an exact timeline as to how long a divorce case might take in Texas. Depending on the nature and complications involved in the divorce, a case can take a long time to resolve. In cases where the divorce is contested, or the couple cannot agree on certain aspects of the divorce, like property division or child support, the overall time frame can increase.

Speak With a Trusted Texas Divorce Lawyer Today

Though it can be important to understand the latest statistics on divorce in Texas and know you are not alone, it is important to hire an attorney who doesn’t treat you like just another number. At the Vaught Law Firm, we care about you and your future stability. Allow us to come alongside you and your loved ones during this difficult time and offer the support you need. Contact our offices today to schedule a consultation with our team.