Sadly, 50% of first marriage end in divorce, and if you are talking second third or fourth marriages, the statistics are even more frightening. If you are in the middle of a divorce in Texas you may feel like your world has literally been turned upside down, leaving you feeling fragile and vulnerable.
Additionally, during the first year following a divorce a woman's standard of living generally drops substantially, while her ex-husband's standard of living (unfairly) increases. Take heart, girlfriend, there is light at the end of the tunnel, and though your life may seem dark and depressing right now, you will feel joy again.
Grounds for Divorce in Texas
There are basically seven "grounds"--or reasons--for obtaining a divorce in the state of Texas. They are:
- Insupportability, which is the most common reason for divorce and simply means that you believe your marriage has become insupportable because of discord and conflict and that there is no reasonable expectation of reconciliation.
- Cruelty. You can be granted a divorce if your spouse is guilty of cruel treatment to the extent that further cohabitation between you and your husband is not possible.
- Adultery. The definition is obviously having sex with another person while married to another, and this is a difficult allegation to prove.
- Conviction of a Felony. If your spouse has been convicted of a felony in Texas and has been in prison for at least a year, this is grounds for a divorce--unless it was your testimony that put him there!
- Abandonment. If your spouse bailed and has not returned for one year, you can get a divorce based on his abandonment.
- Living apart. Somewhat like abandonment, just means you have lived apart for over a year.
- Confinement in a mental hospital. If your spouse is confined to a mental hospital, has been there for three years and is not getting better, you have grounds for divorce.
Financial Considerations
Texas passed a law in 1995 which grants spousal support, however the guidelines are fairly limited. If you were married at least ten years and will not have sufficient property after the divorce for living expenses, you are entitled to 20% of your ex-husband's monthly gross income for a maximum of three years, with a cap of $2500. You are also eligible for spousal support if you have a medical or psychological condition which prevents you from working, or if your husband was convicted of spousal abuse within the last two years.
Child Support
The Texas child support guidelines are fairly simple, offering a percentage of monthly net resources based on the number of children. For one child your ex must pay 20% of his monthly net resources, for two children, 25%, for three children 30%, for four children, 35% and a cap of 40% for five or more children.
Even though it may not feel like it at this particular time, the day will come when you will have your self-confidence and self-esteem back and will begin to feel like "yourself" again. Hiring an attorney to guide you through your divorce in Texas is a very wise decision so you can have a knowledgeable person in your corner, protecting your interests.
