When a couple makes the decision to wed, most of them truly believe it will be for the rest of their lives. Unfortunately, the high rate of divorce in this country attests to the fact that this is simply not the case. There are many reasons why couples decide to call it quits. According to national statistics, more than 20 percent of couples will have divorced or separated in the first five years of their marriage. For those couples who make it to the two-decade mark, more than 50 percent have ended their relationship.

Multiple studies show that there are reasons couples cite as the cause of their breakup that tend to show up over and over again. The following are some of the main causes of divorce that people say drove them apart.

Cheating

Infidelity is one of the biggest issues that cause a spouse to file for divorce. And it is not just physical affairs that can signify the end of a marriage. Many spouses cite emotional affairs as just as damaging to their relationship as physical ones. With the popularity of social media, many people are reconnecting with old loves or meeting new people online, which has caused a significant spike in the number of marriages shattered by cheating.

In addition to the emotional stress of ending a relationship, many Texas couples facing divorce confront the additional challenge of figuring out how to pay for divorce. Divorce is notoriously expensive at times, and couples who think their divorce should be simple and straightforward may wonder if they can do it without hiring an attorney. 

Although there is software available online that guides couples through a “do-it-yourself” divorce, these programs are one-size-fits-all solutions that may neglect crucial issues. Before using these services or deciding to get divorced without any help at all couples should speak with an attorney to ensure that such a strategy is appropriate for their situation. 

Am I Legally Required to Hire a Divorce Attorney? 

Individuals are not legally required to have a divorce attorney, although if your spouse has already hired an attorney it is almost certainly a good idea for you to do so as well. You will be at a significant disadvantage in divorce proceedings if your spouse has legal counsel and you do not. Individuals without attorneys are at risk of agreeing to fundamentally unfair divorce decrees because they do not know their rights. 

There is never an ideal time for divorce, but facing an unexpected divorce when you are deployed can be daunting. You may wonder whether you will be expected to respond to court proceedings and how this could impact your relationship with your children when you get back. 

Understanding how military divorce laws work in Texas is of utmost importance. This article gives a brief overview of common questions that deployed service members may have. A Texas divorce attorney with experience in military divorces can help you understand your legal rights and advocate on your behalf for a favorable outcome. 

When Can A Spouse File for Divorce in Texas?

In order to file for divorce in Texas, certain residency conditions must be met: 

Child Protective Services are words no parent wants to hear. The tumultuous feeling of having your child forcibly taken from you is one you never thought you would have.

Has a CPS worker contacted you about a complaint the department received about the alleged neglect or abuse of your child? Can they take away your child? Here are some facts about Child Protective Services.

1. What do they investigate?

CPS protects the rights of the child by investigating reports of child abuse or neglect. The state requires CPS to investigate all allegations it receives, whether those claims are true or false. Neglect is failing to provide the child such things as:

After a divorce, you may experience hostility from your ex. In some cases, your former spouse may try to use your children against you. They may try to alienate you from your children.

According to Healthline, the term parental alienation syndrome became known in 1985. While not an official syndrome, it does refer to the mental health effects that children may suffer from because of one parents' actions.

How do children react to parental alienation?

If you fear your ex wants to alienate you, there are warning signs to look out for. One of the first signs is that your children will criticize you unfairly. They may not have strong evidence or justifications for the criticism but will not recognize that fact. Parental alienation causes children to lack ambivalence. They will not feel guilty or unsure about their feelings.