Census Reveals Changing Definition of Family In Texas
Data unveiled from the 2010 census shows an increasing number of non-traditional family living circumstances across the nation, including in Texas.

September 18, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The U.S. Census bureau recently released its most detailed look at family living arrangements from the 2010 census. Data unveiled shows an increasing number of non-traditional family living circumstances across the nation, including in Texas.

A majority of Texas children still grow up under the care of a married couple, with 61 percent living in a traditional "nuclear family" -- that is, a heterosexual married couple. However, those nuclear families are more likely to include a stepparent or stepsiblings.

It is also becoming both more prevalent and socially acceptable to have non-traditional living arrangements. In Texas, 20 percent of children live with a single parent. Just under 10 percent of children live with a grandparent.

Same-sex couples are also increasingly openly living together. In some parts of Texas, the data show an increase of same-sex partners living together by as much as 38 percent. Yet despite the increase, the actual number of same-sex partners living together is still less than 1 percent of overall Texas households.

According to statistics compiled in the 2009 American Community Survey, regional differences in the U.S. regarding views on marriage abound. In Texas, people are more likely to marry, and tend to get married younger, than in other parts of the country. This in turn leads to more divorces and second marriages in Texas. Second marriages also tend to last longer in Texas than elsewhere. In other parts of the country, such as the far western part of the U.S., less social pressure to marry may result in more unmarried couples cohabitating.

Legal Issues Changing With Varied Family Living Arrangements

The census data reflects what many family law attorneys in Texas are experiencing. Whether going through a divorce, filing a paternity suit or obtaining a cohabitation agreement, different living arrangements and life situations requires various legal help.

Cohabitation agreements, for example, allow an unmarried couple living together the opportunity to spell out financial arrangements during the relationship and can greatly ease any transition in case the relationship dissolves.

Adoption can be complicated with new living arrangements, but occurs frequently. Same-sex partners may wish to adopt children. Stepparents living with their minor children may wish to adopt their new family members. A grandparent may seek a termination of parental rights for the biological parent and adopt the child.

For further information regarding adoption or any other family law matter, contact an experienced family law attorney.

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