In this episode, Dallas divorce attorney Jennifer Hargrave, owner and managing partner of Hargrave Family Law, explores the growing curiosity about open relationships and polyamory through the lens of Divorce.
Drawing from her experience with divorcing couples in Dallas, she explains the differences between open relationships and affairs, the challenges of throuples, and why trust, authentic consent, and communication are often missing when couples try this lifestyle. Jennifer also highlights the common reasons these relationships fail and why so many end up in divorce.
Transcript:
Host:
We are very happy to have Jennifer Hargrave on the program — the Compassionate Dallas divorce attorney, owner, and managing partner of Hargrave Family Law. According to the Dallas Observer, a study from Sister Wives, a dating app dedicated to matching polyamorous couples, shows Dallas is the third most curious city about open relationships. And who would know about open relationships better than a divorce attorney? Jennifer, thanks for coming on today.
Jennifer Hargrave:
Absolutely happy to be here.
Host:
Well, never a dull moment in your world.
Jennifer Hargrave:
That’s right, it is not! So, what’s all this about? First, we need to start with the understanding that 100% of the couples coming into my office — whether monogamous or polyamorous — are seeking a divorce. And yes, we definitely do see couples who have tried a polyamorous lifestyle, and for whatever reason, it did not work out for them.
Host:
Would you define that for us?
Jennifer Hargrave:
Sure. Polyamory comes in different “flavors,” if you will. Sometimes it’s an open relationship where both partners pursue other relationships but are open with each other about it. Unlike cheating, it isn’t a secret — both parties know it’s happening. But as you can imagine, that can still lend itself to distrust, jealousy, and hurt feelings.
The other version is when couples invite another person into their relationship — what’s often called a “throuple.” That can also become problematic, because navigating emotional intimacy and trust among three or more people is very challenging.
Host:
Wow. So, when people come to you and they’ve tried this, are they sincere about wanting it to work?
Jennifer Hargrave:
I think many couples are sincere in trying to save their marriage, but often the problem is that one partner agrees to it not because they want to, but because they’re trying to please their spouse. That creates resentment and, over time, distrust. So if a partner consents without it really being aligned with their values, it usually ends in a lot of hurt feelings. Authentic communication and true consent are absolutely critical.
Host:
Do you have a percentage of how many polyamorous relationships actually work?
Jennifer Hargrave:
Well, I can only speak from my experience — 100% of the polyamorous couples who come into my office are ending their relationship. That doesn’t mean it never works for anyone, but in my experience, it tends to put a lot of strain on a marriage. I’m sure there are people who would say it works great for them, but I only see the ones for whom it hasn’t.
Host:
Jennifer Hargrave is the owner and managing partner of Hargrave Family Law. Jennifer, thanks so much for coming on today.
Jennifer Hargrave:
Thank you.
Checkout WBAP News Radio Here: News Talk WBAP 820 AM and 93.3 FM | News Talk WBAP-AM
Collaborative Dallas Divorce Attorney, Jennifer Hargrave
Dallas Divorce Resources
• Texas Divorce Process: What to Expect
• Understanding Confidentiality in Divorce Cases
• How to Protect Your Privacy in a Divorce
• Divorce for Business Owners: Protecting Your Livelihood
• Navigating a Dallas High Net Worth Divorce
• Politics, Love, and Divorce: Can Couples Survive Different Beliefs?
• Dallas Divorce Real Estate Insights: What Happens to the House
• Divorcing with Real Estate in Dallas
• Find a Dallas Divorce Lawyer
Don’t Face This Alone – We’re Here to Help
Hargrave Family Law – Compassionate Dallas Divorce Lawyers
Hargrave Family Law was founded by Dallas divorce lawyer Jennifer Hargrave with a strong mission in mind. Using non-adversarial techniques, our firm advocates for you during this challenging life transition in a way that helps you protect what matters most. Reach out to our team of compassionate Dallas divorce lawyers at Hargrave Family Law for the support you need to navigate divorce and other family law matters. We offer a complimentary case evaluation to start your journey with us. Together, we will work towards safeguarding the happiness and well-being of your family, allowing you to write your next chapter with hope.
