

Ventura Family Lawyers
Our attorneys at SANTO MEHAS A Professional Law Corporation have over 70 years of combined experience advocating for our clients’ best interests. We represent clients in a variety of family law services, including:
Devoted Advocacy for Families in Their Time of Need
As you compete with your current spouse on matters such as child custody or alimony, or are dealing with a different family law issue, you need compassionate and powerful representation. Here at SANTO MEHAS, we are committed to finding the best resolution for your unique family law issue. You can have confidence that we will always put your child or children first.
Our team of experienced attorneys knows the importance of protecting the rights and interests of the family as a whole, which is why we keep this focus through the entirety of each case. We can put our combined 7 decades of experience to work for your case to defend your rights.
How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Family Law Case?
The time required to resolve a family law case in Ventura can vary significantly depending on several factors. The complexity of the issues involved, the level of cooperation between the parties, and the court's schedule all play a role in determining the duration of the case. For example, an uncontested divorce, where both parties agree on all major issues such as child custody, spousal support, and property division, can be resolved relatively quickly—often within a few months. However, if the case is contested and involves disagreements over these critical issues, it may take a year or more to reach a resolution.
More complex family law cases, such as those involving high-value assets, business ownership, or contested custody battles, can take much longer to resolve. In these cases, the discovery process, which involves gathering and exchanging information between the parties, can be time-consuming. Additionally, if the case goes to trial, scheduling conflicts and court backlogs can further extend the timeline. It's important to work closely with a Ventura family law attorney who can help navigate the process efficiently and advocate for a resolution that meets your needs.
To learn more about our services, contact us online or call us at (805) 222-7818. We offer same-day appointments!


Our Satisfied Clients
Real Stories from Real People
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“Donna Santo is a very professional lawyer”
- KathyDonna Santo is a very professional lawyer, along with a very professional staff. I was searching for a lawyer familiar with military law, and Donna was the top of the search!! I needed a divorce attorney, and she has amazing military knowledge. She kept me up to date on everything and if I did not understand something she was very patient and explained in detail, until I completely understood the situation. When it came down to spousal support, a lump sum was not satisfactory, and Donna "fought" for me until I was awarded a lump sum and full monthly spousal support (we did not have children) and now I am able to live comfortably without worrying if I am going to make ends meet. If you need a professional lawyer, whether or not you need military law, consider Donna Santo, you will definitely NOT be disappointed!!
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“I would trust them with any of my needs”
“I would trust them with any of my needs.”- Ron H. -
“Professional, Experienced, Real!”
- TiffanyDeciding to file for divorce was by far one the most difficult decisions I have had to make. Having no idea where to start, who to believe, where to go, Donna was recommended by a friend. Upon calling her office, I was able to make an appointment right away. When I met with her, she listened to me attentively, asked questions and she explained the process from beginning to end. She did not sugar coat anything, she clearly explained all the different scenarios that I was facing, specific to my divorce and child custody matters. Donna helped me during the most overwhelming and stressful time in my life. I am grateful for her support and guidance throughout the entire process, I could not have do ne it on my own.
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“Working with Donna Santos and Michael Mehas was such a blessing.”
“Working with Donna Santos and Michael Mehas was such a blessing.”- Melissa A. -
“We are forever grateful to Mr. Mehas”
Hiring Santo Mehas Professional Law Firm, specifically Michael Mehas has been a tremendous blessing. Divorce and child custody is a very stressful, unpleasant and unpredictable experience and Mr. Mehas has been our sword and shield throughout the process. Without the support and guidance of his expertise, I’m not sure where my family would be. We are forever grateful to Mr. Mehas for fighting for us and we are very happy with the outcome of our case.- Lupe V. -
“I would recommend him to anyone who needs a good attorney.”
- Molly C.I am lucky to have had Michael Mehas handle my family law child custody and visitation matter, personal injury, and business and employment matters, and he's the only attorney I've ever used. He's very compassionate in what he does and combines many years of experience with a great understanding of the law. I would recommend him to anyone who needs a good attorney.
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“They are a tremendous blessing.”
Hiring Santo Mehas Professional Law Firm, specifically Michael Mehas has been a tremendous blessing. Divorce and child custody is a very stressful, unpleasant and unpredictable experience and Mr. Mehas has been our sword and shield throughout the process. Without the support and guidance of his expertise, I’m not sure where my family would be. We are forever grateful to Mr. Mehas for fighting for us and we are very happy with the outcome of our case.- Lupe V. -
“Exceptional Lawyer”
Attorney Michael Mehas was one of the most straight forward people I have ever met. He handled my cases immediately. He accomplished something for me and my family that three Los Angeles County divorce lawyers failed to do: He got child support from my ex husband within short periods of time. He guided me through the process with honest advice, and his legal fees were very reasonable, he's professional, and I have referred him to family members. Since then, Mr. Mehas has also handled several civil matters for me and is the only attorney I turn to when I need legal help. I’d hire him again, such a positive experience in the middle of a bad situation. Thank you, Michael Mehas, for all you've done for me and my family.- Jess

Cases We Handle
No matter how complex or contentious your situation is, we will clearly outline your options and develop a thorough strategy for achieving your objectives.

Unwavering Dedication to Our Clients
Our true focus and passion are, and will always be, our clients. We take a hands-on, proven approach to assisting our clients and always put them first. For us, client success and happiness are paramount and our commitment to this can be seen in all that we do here at SANTO MEHAS A Professional Law Corporation.
Do You Need to Go to Court for a Family Law Case?
Whether or not you need to go to court for a family law case depends on the specifics of your situation and the level of agreement between you and the other party. Not all family law cases require court appearances, and in many instances, disputes can be resolved through negotiation, mediation, or collaborative law without the need for a formal court hearing.
If both parties can agree on the key issues, such as child custody, support, and property division, the case can often be settled out of court. In these cases, the parties can work with their attorneys to draft a settlement agreement, which is then submitted to the court for approval. Once the judge reviews and approves the agreement, it becomes a legally binding court order without the need for a court appearance.
However, if the parties cannot reach an agreement, or if there are contested issues, a court appearance may be necessary. In such cases, the judge will hear evidence from both sides and make decisions on unresolved matters. A Ventura family law attorney can represent you in court, presenting your case effectively and advocating for your interests.
What Is Mediation, and How Does It Work in Family Law?
Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution that is commonly used in family law cases. It involves a neutral third-party mediator who helps the parties communicate and negotiate to reach a mutually agreeable resolution. Mediation is often used as an alternative to going to court and can be particularly beneficial in family law cases, where maintaining a cooperative relationship is important, especially when children are involved.
During mediation, both parties meet with the mediator to discuss the issues at hand, such as child custody, support, and property division. The mediator facilitates the conversation, helping the parties explore their options and find common ground. Unlike a judge, the mediator does not make decisions or impose solutions; instead, the goal is to help the parties reach a voluntary agreement.
Mediation can be faster, less expensive, and less adversarial than going to court. It allows the parties to have more control over the outcome and often leads to more amicable solutions. Additionally, mediation is confidential, which can be an advantage for those who prefer to keep their family matters private. If an agreement is reached through mediation, it can be submitted to the court for approval and become a legally binding order. However, if mediation is unsuccessful, the parties may still need to resolve their issues in court.
Contact Our Ventura Family Law Attorneys Today!
Conflict resolution and family restructuring are key parts of a family law case.
You can trust a family law attorney committed to these components. Your family’s wellbeing counts on it. With seven decades of experience helping families navigate their issues, you can rest assured that we will provide you with fair and compassionate representation. We are committed to helping families come to the best possible resolution in regard to child custody and alimony decisions during this difficult time in their lives. You and your children are in good hands with our Ventura family lawyers who care about the outcome of your case and the future of your family.

An Emphasis on Strong Family Values
Our firm places a strong emphasis on the importance of family values. The balance between maintaining these family values and generating a better future for you and your family is one we strive to achieve with each case. Our values consist of:
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We aim to resolve conflict so you and your family can move on peacefully. We approach all aspects of a case, including the emotional, financial, and mental components, and advocate with you throughout.
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Collaborative divorce can be a great option for spouses looking to share joint custody of their child/children and the court looks favorably on this decision. When possible, we strive to come to a resolution that will benefit both spouses.
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We respect the fact that our clients trust us with important life-decisions. We strive to be as understanding and empathetic as we can with you and treat you like we would treat a close family member.
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We respect the fact that our clients trust us with important life-decisions. We strive to be as understanding and empathetic as we can with you and treat you like we would treat a close family member.

Guiding Clients through Family Law Matters
It can be very difficult to confront a legal challenge involving your family. Whether you’re dealing with divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, or all of the above, it helps to have dedicated legal support in your corner.
With SANTO MEHAS A Professional Law Corporation, you can gain the assurance that only a legal advocate like one of our family law attorneys in Ventura can provide. With many years of service to our clients comes the experience necessary to help people like you with creative and sophisticated legal solutions.
As we guide you through whatever it is you’re going through, you can feel confident about the process and hopeful for how things may resolve.
Reach out online or call us at (805) 222-7818 for a free 15-minute consultation to learn more about our family law services.

