Texas House Bill HB922

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to a divorce on the ground of insupportability.

Impact

The implementation of HB 922 is significant because it introduces a more nuanced approach to divorce proceedings in Texas. By allowing divorces based solely on insupportability, the bill could reduce the emotional and financial strain typically associated with proving fault. This change is particularly relevant in cases where both parties can no longer reconcile their differences but want to avoid the adversarial nature of divorce litigation based on fault.

Summary

House Bill 922, also titled 'Relating to a divorce on the ground of insupportability', seeks to amend Section 6.001 of the Texas Family Code to allow for a divorce on the basis of insupportability when both parties agree that their marriage has become unsustainable. This amendment specifically addresses situations where discord or conflict damages the marital relationship, eliminating the requirement to establish fault in the divorce proceeding. This change aims to streamline the divorce process for couples in mutual agreement about the state of their marriage.

Contention

While HB 922 aims to simplify the divorce process, it may provoke discussions about the implications of recognizing insupportability as just cause for divorce. Lawmakers and community advocates might voice concerns over how this change can affect families, particularly regarding issues like child custody and property division, which can sometimes be contentious even when both parties agree on the divorce. As such, even with the benefit of expediting the process, there are important considerations around its broader social impact.