713-333-4430Divorce on Biblical Grounds: What Does it Mean Legally in Texas?
When someone announces that they are seeking a divorce on biblical grounds, it’s bound to start a discussion. Divorce is a unique legal matter in that it often has both a legal side and a spiritual side—but what does it mean to seek divorce on biblical grounds, and what does that mean for people filing for divorce in Texas? With the help of a divorce attorney, you can navigate the complexities of this challenging stage with the support you need.
At Boudreaux Hunter & Associates, LLC, we understand the mental, financial, and emotional toll that divorce can take on an individual. Attorney Shannon L. Boudreaux has spent her career advocating passionately for her clients, working toward fair divorce agreements and child custody agreements that put children first. Find out how our high net worth divorce law firm can help you by calling us at 713-333-4430.
Biblical Grounds vs. Legal Grounds in Texas
First, it’s important to note that divorce on biblical grounds is not a legal matter or term in Texas, nor anywhere else in the United States. The use of this phrase refers less to the legal part of divorcing and more to the personal beliefs that determine when divorce is or is not an option. Per biblical scholars, grounds for divorce generally include sexual immorality (or infidelity), abandonment, and abuse. Parties seeking fault-based divorce often rely on divorce lawyers to help them prove their claims in court.
While the legal issue of divorce is separate from biblical beliefs surrounding divorce, Texas law does grant fault-based divorce—and several of the reasons for fault-based divorce happen to line up with those described above. Under Texas law, fault-based divorce may be granted due to cruel treatment, abandonment, adultery, living apart, and felony conviction. However, Texas also recognizes no-fault divorce, which does not require either party to prove the other party’s role in the split.
Why Religious Language Still Makes Headlines
If the court does not recognize biblical grounds for divorce, why does this language still sweep the headlines—as it did when Texas State Senator Angela Paxton announced her pending divorce from Attorney General Ken Paxton after 38 years together? She cited “biblical grounds” in her announcement, causing Google searches for “biblical grounds for divorce” to spike around the country.
For many people in religious communities, a reference to biblical grounds in a divorce announcement may provide justification for a decision that can be controversial. It hints that it is not a decision made lightly by the individual and that they only arrived at that decision after extensive reflection and consideration.
When a Politician’s Personal Life Becomes Public
In today’s world, where news spreads like wildfire via shared links and reposts, few things are private—especially for politicians. Divorce filings, including the grounds cited, are typically public record. These are generally interesting enough on their own in a culture interested in others’ business, but they are even more intriguing when they involve public figures who have made a name for themselves by appealing to religious voters and groups.
In the case of the Paxtons, what is undoubtedly a deeply personal and painful time has been further complicated by speculation, media frenzy, and whispers about potential scandals. Public perception of events and statements can affect the people involved personally and, in this case, professionally.
Consequences for Public Image and Electoral Prospects
The world of politics is somewhat unique in that politicians’ private lives and public reputation are tightly intertwined. Well-managed divorces may elicit sympathy among voters, while divorces with clear at-fault parties and victims may lead to permanently damaged credibility, voter alienation, and intense scrutiny. It’s for these reasons that those in this field often work with PR professionals and divorce attorneys to navigate the fallout.
The public doesn’t just judge the divorce itself. They also look at how both parties handle it. Were they respectful in their announcement, especially with regards to their ex’s role as a parent—or did they use inflammatory language that showed a lack of restraint? Was there transparency in the lead-up to the divorce, or did the couple professionally benefit from their standing as a married couple even while trouble was brewing behind the scenes? This is an incredibly complex issue to navigate, and even those who take the utmost care can never truly predict how the public will react.
Discuss Your Concerns With Our Divorce Lawyers
If you’re worried about the possible public fallout of your divorce, it’s important to work with an attorney who can handle your case with discretion. Schedule a consultation with our divorce law firm to plan your next steps—just call us at 713-333-4430 or reach out online.
Shannon L. Boudreaux is a passionate advocate for her clients, working on their behalf to help them reshape their lives, their families, and their futures. For two decades, she has helped reunite parents with their children and helped clients negotiate contentious custody disputes. Learn more here.
