Buying a home that is a fixer upper can offer a couple varieties of benefits, including:
- The potential to buy a property in a great location for the fraction of the cost of other homes in the same neighborhood.
- The potential to turn a profit after the repairs and updates are completed.
- The potential to learn how to complete repairs for yourself.
- The potential to have a home that is truly your own.
Unfortunately, it appears that home renovations have additional potential, a potential couples would likely prefer to avoid – divorce.
The notion that a home renovation can lead to a divorce is not a new one. In fact, the phenomenon is common enough to have its own term: the renovation divorce. There are now statistics to support the phenomena. According to a survey conducted by the leading online platform for design and home remodeling needs Houzz, 12 percent of homeowners going through a remodel consider divorce or separation from their spouse. The site pointed out that the renovation was not likely the cause of turmoil within the relationship, but instead served as a type of spotlight shining a light on the troubles that already existed.
In some cases, the pressures tied to a home renovation project could amplify these problems. If the problems within the relationship cannot be fixed, a couple may consider divorce.
Divorce Laws in Texas
Divorce is governed by state law. Those who are divorcing in Texas can cite a variety of reasons for the divorce when filing a divorce petition with the court, including:
- Insupportability. This refers to a marriage that is irreparable due to discord or conflict and that there is no reasonable expectation of reconciliation.
- Adultery. A court may grant a divorce if one spouse is guilty of infidelity.
- Cruelty. A court may grant a divorce if one spouse is guilty of cruel treatment toward the other spouse.
These are just a few of the reasons that can be cited to support a divorce petition. Additional legal matters to consider include jurisdiction, or which court to file the divorce and correctly completing and filing the necessary paperwork.
Between the emotional turmoil of ending a marriage and the stress of filing the correct paperwork in the correct jurisdiction, completing a divorce can be difficult process. As a result, those who are considering a divorce should consult with an experienced Texas divorce attorney to better ensure a favorable outcome.