When Angela Paxton filed for divorce from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, the phrase that grabbed headlines wasn’t “irreconcilable differences” but her reason for divorcing him: biblical grounds. This was how a very private heartbreak became a very public vocabulary lesson about faith, marriage, and how those two collide, or politely sidestep each other, inside a courtroom.
From a lawyer’s perspective, this case is a reminder that divorce filings can be part legal brief, part personal declaration, and sometimes part Old Testament poetry. But even when the heavens get referenced, the divorce process itself stays firmly rooted on Earth. Who knows — maybe even angels need lawyers.
The following case presents an opportunity to explore how religious language fits, or doesn’t, into modern family law. And if you’re wondering whether a judge will flip through Exodus before issuing a ruling, the answer is a polite but resounding “no.”
Biblical vs. legal grounds for divorce
Let’s clear one thing up: citing “biblical grounds” in a divorce petition is more of a personal framing than an actionable legal basis. Texas doesn’t keep a list of spiritual provisions next to its statutes, and no US family court will ask whether the filing party can recite the Ten Commandments from memory.
In Texas — and in Washington State, where we practice family law — the courts operate on no-fault divorce principles: one or both spouses claim that their marriage isn’t working anymore. That’s it. No dramatic or divine citations needed.
Does religion matter in some cases? Yes, but not in the way headlines suggest. Judges may consider religious upbringing when determining parenting plans or holidays, but they won’t grant or deny a divorce because someone references Deuteronomy or the Psalms. If someone filed a motion based on the “Thou shalt not commit adultery” clause, it would be noted (politely, of course) and then the court would return to the Family Code, where the actual legal authority lives.
Still, the Paxton filing sparks an interesting and slightly humorous question: What happens when personal faith language enters a legal document? The short answer is that it adds emotional context, but it doesn’t alter legal standards.
The lawyer’s perspective
Divorce attorneys have seen many things, including heartfelt letters, strongly worded texts, pet custody standoffs, and the occasional attempt to cite Shakespeare. So when a client references scripture, the reaction is not panic. It’s a measured, “Okay, let’s translate that into something the court can actually use.”
Lawyers understand that divorce petitions are part legal tool, part personal expression. Some people choose dramatic wording to make a point. Others do it to signal values or frame the narrative. But in the end, the paperwork still needs to align with state statutes, not Leviticus.
And yes, unusual filings do complicate public-facing cases. When high-profile couples separate, lawyers often have to deal with media attention, unusual wording choices, and a general cloud of online speculation. That doesn’t change the core process but does require steady hands, careful strategy, and sometimes a reminder that the courtroom is not a theological debate.
If an attorney ever stood before a judge and said, “Your honor, I present Exhibit A: Exodus 21:10,” the judge might smile. But they’ll gently redirect everyone back to civil procedure. Family law runs on evidence, assets, parenting plans, and statutes. Scripture, while personally meaningful, is not legally binding.
Takeaways and reflections: Divine grounds, legal eyes
Let’s not forget that behind every divorce, biblically headline-grabbing or otherwise, are real people with real emotions going through a really difficult transition. But regardless of whether you’re a public figure or a private citizen, the legal system will treat the human side of divorce with structure and boundaries instead of judgment.
The Paxtons’ story reminds us that even the most unusual filing still boils down to familiar themes: two people making a major life change, often with mixed feelings and competing narratives. Lawyers don’t untangle the theology. They untangle logistics, rights, and responsibilities, and provide advice on practical next steps.
At LaGrandeur & Williams, we help clients navigate the emotional twists of divorce with clarity and empathy. Plus, we do it with a sense of humour; after all, life is already intense enough without needing to cross-reference the Bible and the legal code simultaneously.
If you ever find yourself reaching for scripture to explain your marriage woes, remember: if you cite scripture, also cite a lawyer (preferably ours). Faith may shape your perspective, but the law shapes the outcome. Call us today.