Many Texas residents have noticed that when one individual in their social circle ends a marriage, others seem to follow right behind. Now, a group of researchers have found evidence that suggests that divorce may be contagious within social groups. In fact, it appears that as spouses are 75 percent more likely to get a divorce if a close friend has gone through divorce, and 33 percent more likely if a mere acquaintance decides to divorce.
That might be due to a reaction that occurs when a friend chooses to move on from a marriage that just isn’t working. Such a move prompts people to begin examining their own lives, and that level of scrutiny can sometimes reveal underlying issues. Seeing someone else move through a divorce also underscores the fact that there is life after divorce.
Another factor is watching a friend rediscover his or her own passions and interests once a marriage has ended. That level of freedom and time for self-exploration can seem very appealing to someone who is used to the daily compromises required in a marriage. A “grass is greener” perspective is a dangerous thing to a marriage that is already faltering.
For Texas spouses who are watching their friends move past divorce and are beginning to consider their own fresh start, sitting down with a family law attorney can bring clarity to the matter. Knowing how a divorce is likely to lay out, and what the financial ramifications might be, can help spouses make informed decisions that are in line with their best interests. If it turns out that a divorce is on the horizon, that level of preparation can make the entire process easier to weather.
