Divorce is a time of transition and change. If a newly divorced spouse does not have custody issues or a job keeping them in the same area, some find that a change to fresh surroundings is part of their new life. At least, this is likely part of the mindset of an estimated 4,828 women who, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2019 American Community Survey, moved to the Lone Star state within 12 months of their divorce. Other popular destinations for women were Florida and Georgia. Florida and Texas must have a similar appeal, with the highest percentage of women leaving one state for the other.
Both genders on the move
The article tracked the behaviors of divorced spouses of both genders. It found:
- That 26% of women and 23% of men moved to a new home within 12 months.
- The top destinations for men were Florida (an estimated 2,581 moved there within 12 months of their divorce), with California and North Carolina rounding out the top three.
- Forty-three percent of newly divorced men (vs. 10% of women) in Alaska left there within 12 months of the divorce, while 40% of men left Washington, DC, and 23% left Montana.
- Thirty-seven percent of women with children at home and 23% of men with children at home moved within 12 months.
It pays to plan ahead
Spouses planning to move after their divorce often find it useful to plan for that contingency. Unless there is an agreement in place, they may find it challenging to move to a different state if they share child custody with their ex-spouse.
There are other considerations, so it is often helpful to discuss potential moving plans with their attorney before finalizing their agreement. Those with questions or concerns about protecting their best interests often find it beneficial to hire an experienced, Board-certified Family Law expert attorney.