Corpus Christi Divorce Attorney

Trusted Advocated. Experienced Representation. 

Divorce is a legal and emotional journey that has lifelong repercussions. And because it can impact your life, finances, and family for years to come, having experienced legal guidance is crucial – regardless of whether your divorce is amicable or contentious.

At Law Offices of Rudy Santos, L.L.C., we’ve made it our mission to help folks and families across South Texas navigate the Texas divorce process. As a firm that narrows our focus to divorce and family law, we have the experience and resources to take on all types of cases.

Our Corpus Christi Divorce attorney offers personalized consultations to help you learn more about your rights, options, and how we can help. Call (361) 309-9758 for our Corpus Christi office or (956) 476-3337 for our Laredo office, or contact us online to request yours.

Comprehensive Divorce Representation

We provide skilled legal support in all aspects of divorce, including:

• Property Division. We assist in the fair and equitable division of marital assets, including complex estates, business ownership interests, retirement accounts, and real estate.
• Child Custody & Support. Divorce cases involving children require careful handling. We advocate for custody arrangements that prioritize the child’s best interests while ensuring fair financial support obligations.
• Spousal Support (Alimony). We help clients seek or contest spousal maintenance claims to ensure fair financial arrangements post-divorce.
• Court Order Modifications & Enforcement. If your circumstances change after divorce, we assist in modifying custody, support, and spousal maintenance orders. We also handle enforcement actions if an ex-spouse fails to comply with court orders.
• Mediation & Collaborative Divorce. We offer alternative dispute resolution methods, including mediation and collaborative divorce, to help clients reach amicable solutions and minimize conflict.

Factors to Consider When Divorcing

Divorce involves more than just the legal process; it requires thoughtful planning and consideration of the following:

• Children’s Well-Being – Custody, visitation, and child support arrangements must prioritize the best interests of the children.
• Financial Security – Understanding property division, debt allocation, and potential support obligations is crucial.
• Long-Term Future – Planning for post-divorce stability, including housing and career changes, can make the transition smoother.

Texas Divorce Process

Every divorce is unique, but the general Texas divorce process includes:

1. Filing the Petition – One spouse files a divorce petition with the court.
2. Serving the Other Spouse – The petition must be legally served to the other spouse.
3. Waiting Period – Texas law requires a mandatory 60-day waiting period before finalizing a divorce.
4. Negotiation & Settlement – Spouses may reach agreements on key issues through mediation or negotiation.
5. Court Proceedings – If disputes remain, a judge will decide unresolved matters in court.
6. Final Decree of Divorce – Once all issues are resolved, the court issues the final divorce decree.

Grounds for Divorce in Corpus Christi

Texas allows both fault-based and no-fault divorces. Most divorces in Texas are filed under insupportability, a no-fault ground meaning the marriage has become irretrievably broken with no hope of reconciliation. This allows couples to divorce without proving wrongdoing.

Fault-based grounds may still be used in certain cases and can impact matters like property division or spousal support. Common fault-based grounds include:

• Adultery – If one spouse engages in extramarital affairs, it could influence asset division.
• Cruelty – If one spouse treats the other with cruel and inhumane behavior, it may affect custody and alimony decisions.
• Abandonment – If a spouse has left for a continuous period of at least one year.
• Conviction of a Felony – If a spouse has been convicted of a felony and imprisoned.
• Living Apart – If the spouses have lived separately for at least three years.

While fault is not required to obtain a divorce, proving fault can sometimes affect aspects of the case, such as financial settlements or parental rights. Our attorneys help clients assess whether citing fault is in their best interest.