The divorce rate in Texas has steadily declined over the last several decades. In fact, Texas now has one of the lowest divorce rates in the country, with about 1.4 divorces for every 1,000 people in 2021.
This is less than half of the 3.3 divorces per 1,000 people seen in 2010, and in 1990, the state had about 5.5 divorces per 1,000 people. With such a drastic decrease in Texas’s divorce rate, it may seem like marriage dissolutions are a thing of the past.
Yet, the reality is that even with 1.4 divorces per 1,000 people, the state is still seeing more than 40,000 people get divorced each year.
Who is driving Texas’s divorces?
The statistics are clear that women are a driving force of divorce in Texas. In fact, recent research has shown that as many as 69% of all divorces in Texas are initiated by women.
Why is that the case? We can only speculate, but some think that women seek divorce more regularly in Texas due to frustrations over perceived gender inequalities. Some women find themselves worn out as they work and take care of the household, which can breed resentment in several relationship.
What causes Texas divorces?
Texas recognizes fault and no-fault divorces. Many of Texas’s divorces are considered no fault and are identified as “insupportable” marriages. This simply means that the spouses agree that the marriage has broken down and can’t be saved. This type of divorce oftentimes leads to a more equal split of the marital estate.
When fault is implicated in a divorce, though, then there can be additional fighting over marital assets and spousal support. This is often seen when infidelity is alleged, which at least one survey found was a contributing factor in 60% of divorce cases.
However, there may be other issues that lead to divorce in a particular case, including poor communication, financial strain, domestic violence, and mere incompatibility. Any one of these issues, especially if left unaddressed, can fester into toxicity that ruins a marriage.
Is there anything else that contributes to Texas’s divorce rate?
Statistics have shown that there are several factors that can increase the risk of divorce. This includes:
- The age at which you’re married, as those who marry younger in life are at an increased risk of getting divorced.
- The spouses’ education levels, since research has shown that those with higher levels of education are less likely to get divorced.
- Financial health, given that financial strain can cause marital problems and more quickly lead to divorce.
- Whether the couple has children, as those who do are more likely to stay together and avoid divorce.
Of course, these factors are very case-specific. Even the biggest challenges in a marriage can be overcome by some, but you don’t want to be trapped in a toxic or dangerous marriage that threatens your well-being. So, if your marriage is struggling, then you might want to start thinking about divorce.
You’re not just another divorce statistic
These statistics are helpful in recognizing that you’re not alone in facing marital difficulties. Yet, you’re much more than just a statistic. If you’re thinking about divorce, then the way you handle your marriage dissolution is going to have a significant impact on your life for years to come.
That’s why you need a custom-tailored approach that helps you protect your interests and achieve your goals. That can be stressful to consider when you’re dealing with the emotional aspects of divorce, but you can find support to help you get through the process and secure a fresh start in the next chapter of your life.