The increasingly contentious split between 90 Day Fiancé stars Thais Ramone and Patrick Mendes has entered a new phase, with Ramone assembling a legal team to fight for custody of the couple's 3-year-old daughter, Aleesi, and to address concerns tied to her immigration status.
According to Us Weekly, the Brazilian-born TLC star has retained immigration attorney Kathleen Martinez and Las Vegas family attorney Carmen Marisol as divorce proceedings continue in Nevada. The move comes after Mendes filed for divorce in May and sought sole legal custody and primary physical custody of their daughter.
“Let me be clear: Thais has rights, and those rights will be protected,” Martinez said in a statement released Wednesday. “No one should ever be made to feel powerless because of their immigration status, and no one should be bullied into silence. My team and I will vigorously defend Thais’ interests and ensure she is treated fairly every step of the way.”
Marisol echoed that message, saying, “Based on the information currently available, we are confident that the evidence will demonstrate that Thais is a loving, capable, and devoted mother. We look forward to presenting the facts and ensuring her rights are fully protected throughout this process.”
Police were called after Mendes alleged that Ramone slapped him during an argument at her home shortly after he served her with divorce papers. According to the police report, officers observed marks on Mendes' face and reviewed video evidence he provided.
Ramone told police that Mendes had been "controlling" throughout their relationship and maintained that she acted in self-defense. Although she was arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor domestic battery, prosecutors declined to pursue charges two days later.
Ramone's representatives previously urged restraint in the public discussion surrounding the case. “Situations involving relationships and family dynamics are rarely black and white, and she has no interest in escalating negativity publicly,” a spokesperson said.
The statement added that Ramone is “a devoted mother, deeply family-oriented, and someone who has always led with heart.”
Meanwhile, Mendes recently sought a default judgment in the divorce after alleging that Ramone failed to respond within Nevada's required timeframe. Court filings reviewed by Us Weekly indicate that Aleesi has been splitting her time between both parents since early May, with Mendes claiming their daughter spends four to five days each week with him and three to four days with Ramone.
In response, Ramone's team says it intends to focus on “achieving a fair resolution while prioritizing stability, family, and the best interests of her child.”
Thais’s talent manager, Dominique Enchinton, said the goal is bigger than simply winning a legal dispute.
“Thais deserves the opportunity to live in peace, raise her child, and move forward with dignity,” Enchinton said. “We have assembled an exceptional team committed to ensuring she has access to the strongest legal and professional support available as she navigates this chapter of her life. Our hope is for a peaceful resolution for all parties.”
The couple first rose to fame during Season 9 of 90 Day Fiancé before returning for 90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After? and, most recently, Season 3 of 90 Day: The Last Resort, which is currently airing on TLC.
