Hurst, TX, Feb. 18, 2017 – The days of couples being able to file for divorce without assigning blame for the end of the union may be coming to an end in Texas. A bill moving through the Legislature seeks to rewrite the laws, making it more difficult for couples to seek a quick and relatively uncomplicated split.“The proposal is meant to provide incentives for couples to seek ways to work through differences whenever possible,” explains Barbara D. Nunneley, the founder of Nunneley Family Law. “When no fault is assigned, the bill would essentially create a three-year waiting period before divorce proceedings can commence. If blame is assigned, the process would be expedited, however. Allowable fault would include arrest, adultery and allegations of cruelty, which would then have to be proven in court.”
Although still a long way from becoming law, the bill has lined up a number of backers and opponents so far. Proponents say it will help strengthen the bonds of marriage and family in the state of Texas. Opponents fear the measure would unnecessarily complicate divorce proceedings and place a heftier financial and emotional burden on families by requiring more legal fees to justify fault in court proceedings.
The bill is similar to a measure floated in the Texas Legislature a few years back. That bill did not make it through to the governor’s desk.
“While the fate of this latest proposal remains very much unknown at this time, it is important for couples to understand the potential complexities it may add to divorce proceedings,” says Nunneley.
The proposal is being floated at a time when the divorce rate in the United States and across Texas is on the decline. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of divorces in 2014 added up to about 3.2 per 1,000 people across the country. That number is down from about 4 divorces per 1,000 people in 2001.
Couples who are considering divorce are urged to speak with a family law attorney for advice in navigating current laws governing divorce in the state of Texas. To find out more about the team at Nunneley Family Law, visit the practice online at www.NunneleyFamilyLaw.com.
About Nunneley Family Law Firm
Nunneley Family Law has been helping families in the Fort Worth and Mid-Cities area resolve complicated family law issues for over 35 years. Their team of professionals provides the clarity and focus you need to break through the turmoil and reach equitable and fair closure.