Many Texas readers are familiar with the recently released documentary called Divorce Corp. The film claims to give viewers an inside view of the “divorce industry” and the “truth” about divorce in America. However, the vision of divorce presented in the film is a far cry from the experience that many Texas couples have when ending their marriage and making child custody decisions.
Overall, the documentary chooses to focus on the most contentious divorce and custody cases imaginable. While it is true that some couples will fight to the bitter end over every detail of their divorce, this is far from the norm. In fact, the vast majority of divorce and child custody matters are settled between the parties, outside of a courtroom.
As for the claim that the “divorce industry” is more focused on profits than favorable outcomes for families, there is a significant flaw in assuming that any such “industry” even exists. Divorce is a matter governed by state law, and the rules and statutes that guide the divorce process are different in each state. While it is true that most individuals use the services of divorce attorneys to complete the process of ending the marriage, there is no overarching “industry” that guides those attorney/client relationships.
In the best outcomes, Texas spouses are able to find an attorney who shares their approach toward divorce and child custody, and then leverage that working relationship to structure a settlement that all parties can agree upon. Divorce settlements can be as flexible as needed, and many spouses are able to create a child custody and property division agreement that works best for those affected. At the end of the day, a divorce is only as dramatic and contentious as the parties allow, and not every case turns combative.
Source: The Huffington Post, The Truth About Divorce? You Decide!, Deborah Moskovitch, Jan. 21, 2014