Question:
Why does Texas law favor the validity of the most recent marriage, according to Nguyen v. Nguyen?
Answer:
In Nguyen v. Nguyen, 355 S.W.3d 82 (Tex. App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 2011, pet. denied), the court made clear that Texas law leans heavily toward preserving the validity of the most recent marriage. This preference springs from a desire to protect families, children, and society from the chaos of questioning established unions. The court reasoned that stability in marriage serves a public good. As the years pass, if the couple acts as married, shares a home, and raises children, the legal system builds a fence around that relationship. Anyone trying to tear it down must come with solid proof that another marriage came first and never ended. This isn’t just about facts—it’s about what the law chooses to protect.