Despite the stereotype that women are more interested in marriage than men, studies show that they are more likely to seek a divorce. In 2015, research from the American Sociological Association found that in more than two-thirds of divorces, women were the initiators. Women in Texas and around the country may seek a divorce because of a lack of support for their career and an expectation that they will do most of the child care and housework even if they work outside the home.
In 2019, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that even when both spouses worked, 20% of men said they did daily housework compared to 49% of women. Furthermore, in 2019, a journal reported on a study of 6,000 couples that found many men became distressed when their wives began making more money than them.
Men get more emotional support within the marriage as well. Women tend to talk to their friends and have other sources of support, but men may rely solely on their wives, and this can make them reluctant to leave a marriage. Women who are financially independent are also less likely to remain in a marriage where there is infidelity or abuse.
Property is supposed to be divided equally in Texas, a community property state, and women who make more money than their husbands may be required to pay alimony. If the couple cannot agree on a plan for child custody and visitation, they may have to go to court. A judge will look at factors such as who the child’s main caregiver is and will try to make a decision that is in the best interests of the child. If possible, couples may want to try to reach an agreement out of court with the help of their respective attorneys since it can be quicker and less costly.