Jesus vs. Santa

No — this is not the name of the next Hollywood movie in the vein of Freddy vs. Jason.  Instead, the battle was between spouses in a Texas appellate court in Corpus Christi in 2003 (coincidentally, the same year as the afore mentioned movie).

After forty-plus years of marriage, Santa filed for divorce in 1993. In July 1994, the parties went to mediation and decided to permanently separate instead of pursuing a divorce. Jesus and Santa signed a separation agreement that became effective on July 21, 1994. The agreement states that they will at all times live separately and apart as if they were unmarried. The agreement’s stated purpose is to divide their property and provide for the custody and support of their only remaining minor child.

On July 8, 2001, Santa filed suit against Jesus for fraud and breach of contract regarding this agreement. She alleged that Jesus had misrepresented their marital assets, rendering their agreement unfair and unenforceable. The jury found the agreement not enforceable and awarded Santa $735,735, as well as pre- and post-judgment interest.

How did the appellate court rule?   I am not going to spoil this one.  You will have to read the case: Morales v. Morales, 98 S.W.3d 343 (Tex. App.–Corpus Christi 2003, pet. denied).