Texas is a special place in oh, so many ways…

If you are rich enough and angry enough, you can demand a jury trial to end your marriage.  Some issues are determined by the judge, but almost all of the evidence a judge would hear is subject to jury testimony as well.  Divorces are always sad stories, but jury trials tend to make them both sad and sensational. Family disputes (over divorce, probate matters, family businesses, or who owns the snow blower) are among the least rational and most difficult to get settled.  We worked on a case a few years back where the woman was the wealthier partner prior to the marriage and the man was dependent on her financially. After years of marriage and a number of children, the woman sought to end the marriage due to her husband’s adultery.

Why, jurors wondered, would he be so stupid? He had a fabulous life—vacation homes, golfing treks with his friends, all the money he could possibly want, and a wife who paid for everything. What was wrong with him?

There were issues on both sides but she had been faithful and was furious that he had not been faithful as well. Turns out he was simply doing what men do when they are financially dependent on their female partners! Men are five times more likely to cheat when they are completely dependent on their female partner’s income. Women have the opposite pattern. (Ironically, when men make much more than their female partners they are also much more likely to cheat.)

So, does this fact do you much good in a legal dispute? As in “ladies and gentleman of the jury—this is what men do”? Probably not. But it certainly can help you understand why this happens. And likely will happen in increasing numbers. The Pew Research Center published a report in January, 2010 looking at the rise in relationships where women earn more income than their male partners. According to the Pew Report, in 1970, 4% of wives earned more than their husbands and in 2007, 22% did. Perhaps it’s simply a good fact to keep on hand when your wealthy female client plans to marry. A powerful prenup may be a very good idea.

Related posts:

1. Women are soft (and sweet) and men are hard (and tough)
2. Who knew we’d be such grumpy (but NOT old!) men and women?
3. New research on men: What do we know now?
4. Everyday racism at work: Hope for African American Women?
5. Women and true crime tales of rape, murder & serial killers

1. Lowell Steiger says:

   September 9, 2010 at 4:57 AM

   Men married to rich women are more likely to cheat (The Jury Room) http://bit.ly/atfDyg