Despite the common perception that the rate of divorce is as high as ever, readers here in Texas may be interested to discover that the overall rate is actually slowly declining. A recent report indicates that the number of divorce cases across the country is decreasing. In 1980, the divorce rate was almost 50 percent. Today, it sits at just over 40 percent. Of course, statistics only tell part of the story and, for the most part, can't adequately describe a particular family's situation. For many Texas couples, the hard decision on whether to part ways simply cannot be attributed to numbers applied at large.
Four bills to prevent domestic violence in Texas
While most Texas families enjoy a peaceful and loving life, others must endure family violence, which includes sexual abuse, domestic assault and spousal abuse. Domestic violence is a growing problem in Texas, including the county of Houston.
Former Texas surgeon in jail for failing to pay child support
Parents in Houston, Texas, as well as in the rest of the country, have an obligation to raise their child properly and to provide care for and fulfill all the needs of their child. When parents divorce each other, they will need to resolve the issue of child custody, and in most of these cases one of the parents will be required to pay child support. In Texas, the amount of a regular child support payment may depend on the number of children and the needs of the child, such as the child's everyday expenses and health care. The parent's child support obligations must be paid, or serious consequences will follow.