Texas House Bill HB3007

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to annulment of a marriage on the grounds of fraud, duress, or force.

Impact

The bill's amendments primarily affect family law in Texas by refining the legal stipulations around annulment cases. By streamlining the requirements for proving fraud or duress, the legislation aims to protect individuals who may have been manipulated into marriage. This is particularly significant in cases where individuals may feel trapped in their marital situations due to coercive tactics. The clear timeline established for ceasing cohabitation post-discovery of fraud strengthens the victim's position in legal proceedings, potentially leading to more favorable outcomes in annulment cases.

Summary

House Bill 3007 proposes amendments to the Texas Family Code, specifically addressing the grounds for annulment of a marriage, focusing on fraud, duress, or force. The bill allows a party to seek annulment if they were induced into the marriage through these means and have since ceased cohabitation with the other party within one year of learning about the fraud or being released from duress. The changes are aimed at clarifying the conditions under which a marriage can be annulled and ensuring victims of coercive circumstances can seek legal recourse more effectively.

Contention

While the bill has received broad support, including a vote of 143 to 0, it may raise discussions regarding the definitions of fraud and duress in marital contracts. Opponents could argue that the criteria for annulment should be more rigorous to prevent misuse of this provision. Further, there may be concerns about how the courts interpret these terms, which could lead to variability in the application of the law across different jurisdictions. The focus on quick resolution within one year of discovering fraud or being released from duress might also lead to rushed decisions in emotionally charged situations.