What are the Leading Reasons for Divorce in Texas?

Divorce happens. Tens of thousands of couples file for divorce in Texas each year (National Center for Health Statistics NCHS). Marriages end for a wide variety of reasons. At Lindamood & Robinson, P.C., we are a family law firm with extensive experience handling divorce cases. Here, our Houston divorce attorney explains the leading reasons why couples split up in Texas.
Reason One: A Breakdown of Communication
Strong communication is one of the keys to a successful marriage. When communication starts to break down, that is a problem. In most cases, communication is poor long before spouses file for divorce. The silence becomes structural. Disagreements stay unresolved. Even seemingly small misunderstandings can lead to big conflicts. The majority of divorcing couples cite poor communication as at least one of the causes in their separation.
Reason Two: Mental Health Disorders
When one of the partners develops a mental health disorder it will immediately put a strain on the marriage. There is a reported increase in mental health diagnoses post-Covid and these very serious problems can leave a spouse with very few answers. Psychological issues leading to divorce include bi-polar disorder, borderline personality disorder, depression, anxiety, ADHD, among others. The parties should seek professional medical help first. With many couples, a continued successful relationship seemingly becomes impossible even with the best of psychological care. If you are in this position, obtain a confidential consultation with LINDAMOOD & ROBINSON, P.C. to learn your options before you make any long term decisions.
Reason Three: Financial Stress
Finances are one of the leading causes of family stress and they are also one of the most common reasons why people file for divorce. Texas is a community property state, so financial strain becomes a legal issue as well as a personal one. Spouses often disagree about spending habits, budgeting, saving, or risk tolerance. When financial stress continues for years, it can undermine a marriage.
Reason Four: Infidelity and Loss of Trust
Infidelity remains one of the clearest predictors of divorce in Texas. Trust fails fast once deception enters the relationship. The betrayal changes every conversation. Even if the couple attempts reconciliation, they carry the memory of secrecy. Texas allows fault-based divorce on grounds of adultery. That can influence the division of community property when the innocent spouse proves misuse of marital assets. Though, you can still get a no-fault divorce even if infidelity was the cause.
Reason Five: Substance Abuse
Substance abuse disrupts safety, stability, and financial security. It could be alcohol abuse, drug abuse, or some combination. Impairment creates unpredictability. One spouse carries the household load while the other spirals. Severe substance abuse is a strong predicter of divorce and can even endanger the spouse or children. It also affects child custody because Texas courts assess the best interests of the child.
Reason Six: Mismatched Expectations About Family Life
Not all divorces in Texas have a “bad guy.” Spouses might just grow apart sometimes. Some couples discover that their expectations about parenting, careers, or lifestyle simply do not align. People change. Work schedules shift. Parenting philosophies diverge. Over time, the mismatch becomes a fundamental incompatibility. Insupportability covers these situations under Texas Family Code § 6.001. You can get divorced without proving that either spouse did anything wrong.
Consult With Our Houston Divorce Lawyer Today
At Lindamood & Robinson, P.C., our Houston divorce attorneys are standing by, ready to help you find the best path forward. Regardless of the reason why you are considering divorce, we are here as a family law resource. Please contact us today for a fully confidential, no obligation initial consultation. With an office in Houston, we handle divorce cases throughout the entire region.


