Texas House Bill HB1699

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the commission of family violence as grounds for an annulment of a marriage.

Impact

The proposed law would apply to marriages entered into before, on, or after the effective date of the act, signifying that existing marriages are not excluded from this amendment. This creates a broader applicability for those seeking annulment based on claims of family violence, thereby enabling victims to seek a legal remedy that addresses their situation. By framing family violence as a specific ground for annulment, the bill underscores the seriousness of domestic abuse and facilitates a more supportive legal framework for affected individuals.

Summary

House Bill 1699 aims to amend the Family Code in Texas by establishing family violence as a valid ground for annulment of marriage. Specifically, it allows a court to grant an annulment if one party in the marriage has committed family violence against the other, as defined under Texas law. This addition seeks to provide protection for victims of domestic abuse by affording them legal recourse to terminate a marriage that may be harmful and unsafe due to past violence.

Contention

While proponents of HB 1699 argue that it is a necessary step towards protecting victims of family violence and providing them with an option for annulment when facing abusive situations, there may be concerns regarding potential misuse of the provision. Critics could argue that the broad definition of family violence could result in cases where individuals seek annulments for reasons not directly tied to actual threats or physical harm, potentially complicating the legal landscape surrounding marriage annulment. Nevertheless, advocates maintain that the primary focus should be on the protection of victims and the recognition of domestic violence within marital relationships.