Divorce Rates in Texas: How Many Marriages End in Divorce?

Marriage is supposed to last forever, but well, things don’t always work out as planned. Every year, tens of thousands of people are divorced in Texas. The same is true for every state in the nation.

So, if your thinking about getting a divorce – or you have already filed for divorce – you can take solace in the fact that you are not alone. In this article, we’ll take a look at Texas’ divorce rate, as well as the national divorce rate, and offer some common reasons for divorce.

What is the Divorce Rate in Texas? 

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Texas’ divorce rate, which also includes annulments, was 1.4 divorces for every 1000 people in 2021, the most recent year statistics are available. While this may not seem like a high percentage, it’s important to remember that Texas is the biggest state in the country with a huge population.

So, if Texas’ population was roughly 29 million people in 2021, then an estimated 40,600 people got divorced in the Lone Star State in 2021. That’s a lot of broken hearts.

Having said that, Texas’ divorce rate is the lowest it has been since 1990. That year, Texas’ divorce rate was 5.5 divorces for every 1000 people.

What is the Divorce Rate Nationwide?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the national divorce rate, which also includes annulments, was 2.5 for every 1000 people in 2021, the most recent year statistics are available. To break that down further, 689,308 people got divorced nationwide in 2021. That number is slightly down from the year before, when 630,505 got divorced nationwide.

And while that’s a lot of marriages that reached an unfortunate end, it’s still a much lower divorce rate than the early 2000 and 2001 when the divorce rate was 4 divorces for every 1000 people. That comes out to 944,000 and 940,000 people, respectively.

So why are fewer marriages ending in divorce on a state and national level? One reason is that fewer people are getting married. For example, 2,315,000 people got married in the year 2000, compared to 1,985,072 in 2021.

There are a lot of other factors that could contribute to the decrease in divorces, including an increased emphasis on counseling and mediation services and people waiting until later in life to tie the knot.

What Factors Affect Texas’ Divorce Rates?

Several factors can contribute to Texas’ divorce rate. Here are some of the most significant:

• Age at Marriage

Research shows couples who get married at a younger age are more likely to get divorced. In Texas, the average age for a first marriage is around 27 for women and 29 for men. However, many couples get married much younger, which may contribute to immaturity and higher divorce rates.

• Education Level

Higher levels of education are associated with lower divorce rates. In Texas, the divorce rate for people with a college degree is significantly lower than for those without one. This may be due to several factors, such as greater financial stability and better communication skills.

• Income Level

Financial stress can definitely be a trigger in a marriage. In Texas, the divorce rate is higher for those with lower incomes. This may be because financial difficulties can lead to marital conflict, making it harder to stay together.

• Children

Having children can both strengthen and strain a marriage. In Texas, couples with children are more likely to stay together than those without them. However, if a couple does get divorced, issues such as child custody and child support can make the process more complicated.

What are Common Reasons for Divorce in Texas?

Divorce can happen for a variety of reasons but at Varghese Summersett Injury Law Group our attorneys have seen patterns over the years. In our experience, here are some of the most common reasons for divorce:

Cheating/Infidelity

Infidelity is one of the leading causes of divorce. Cheating can lead to a breakdown of trust and can be emotionally devastating for the partner who was cheated on. Many marriages cannot overcome this breach of trust.

Communication Problems

A lack of communication can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts in a marriage. When couples stop communicating effectively, they can drift apart and the relationship can unravel. This can lead to misunderstandings, anger, and resentment that ultimately leads to divorce.

Money Issues

Money is one of the most common sources of conflict in a marriage. Disagreements over finances, such as overspending or not saving enough, can lead to tension and resentment between partners.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a serious issue that can lead to divorce. If one partner is physically or emotionally abusive, the other partner may feel unsafe and need to leave the relationship. Physical domestic violence is also a crime that can lead to criminal charges and jail time. When domestic violence comes into play, it creates a complex dynamic that can be difficult ever to overcome.

Incompatibility

Sometimes, couples just grow apart over time. They may have different goals, values, or interests that make it challenging to maintain a healthy, exciting relationship. Sometimes, it’s just better to part ways instead of trying to force the relationship.

Headed for Divorce? Contact Us.

If you think your marriage is headed for divorce, don’t wait for your spouse to make the first move. There are some advantages to filing first and getting out in front of the process. We can help.

At Varghese Summersett Family Law Group, our experienced divorce lawyers will help you navigate the complex legal process and protect your rights and interests. We can handle all aspects of divorce, including child custody, spousal support, and property division. We also provide you with invaluable advice and support during this difficult time.

Ultimately, how and why marriages end in divorce can vary widely based on the couple’s circumstances and relationship dynamics. No two divorces are alike, but with the right help and support, it is possible to move forward in a healthy way.

If you live in Fort Worth or the surrounding area, Call Varghese Summersett today at (817) 900-3220 to schedule a consultation with an experienced Fort Worth divorce lawyer.