Dallas recently ranked as a top-three U.S. city for open marriages, and compassionate Dallas divorce attorney Jennifer Hargrave joins the discussion to unpack what that means for couples. She explains the different ways polyamory shows up in relationships, the legal implications in Texas, and why consent and communication matter so much. Jennifer also shares how attempts to “save” a marriage through polyamory can backfire, often leading to jealousy, resentment, and divorce.
Transcript
Host: Right now, I want to turn to an interesting statistic. Dallas is a top three city for open marriages, and the compassionate Dallas divorce attorney, Jennifer Hargrave, is on with us now. Jennifer, thanks for coming back on the show.
Jennifer Hargrave: Happy to be here.
Host: So polyamory, huh? Dallas–Fort Worth, especially Dallas, ranks high for open marriages. What exactly does that mean?
Jennifer Hargrave: It can mean different things for different couples. Sometimes it’s simply a night out with partner swapping. Other times, it’s inviting a third—or even a fourth—person into the committed relationship. There are a variety of ways couples approach polyamory.
Host: So is this all sexual? Or are some of these relationships just emotional?
Jennifer Hargrave: For many couples, it’s sexual. Traditionally, marriage has meant two people committed only to each other, but polyamory involves opening that relationship to additional sexual partners. That said, sometimes people describe emotional connections as well, but in most cases, it involves intimacy.
Host: And legally, how does that play out here in Texas?
Jennifer Hargrave: Texas law defines marriage as a committed relationship between two people. You can’t legally marry more than one person at a time. But in divorce, adultery is still a ground for fault—it can affect property division or other outcomes. Consent is the big factor, but often one spouse “consents” just to please the other, which can create jealousy, resentment, and ultimately lead to the breakdown of the marriage.
Host: Right, so sometimes couples try to “save” their marriage by bringing someone else in, but that can make things more complicated.
Jennifer Hargrave: Exactly. And if one spouse develops feelings for the new partner, it often creates even more conflict.
Host: No doubt. Before we wrap up—why do you think Dallas ranks so high for polyamory?
Jennifer Hargrave: Population size definitely plays a role—we’re a big metro area with lots of new people moving in. But it’s interesting, because while Dallas is a very religious city with lots of churches, we’re also seeing more diverse lifestyles and perspectives.
Host: Always great insight. We love having you on, the compassionate Dallas divorce attorney. You can find Jennifer Hargrave at hargravefamilylaw.com/. Thanks, Jennifer.
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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.



