VENTURA ASSET & PROPERTY DIVISION LAWYERS
Legal Representation for Matters Involving Community Property During Divorce
Determining asset and property division is an important part of the divorce process. California is a community property state, which means that there is a general presumption that both spouses are entitled to one half of property acquired together during their marriage.
Unfortunately, asset division during a divorce is not as easy as it might seem. There are many other factors to consider when dividing assets, such as:
- Who should get the marital home?
- What happens to shared debts?
- How should a property be divided?
- What do you do if you suspect your spouse has hidden assets?
- What are the separate property claims of either spouse?
- How do you trace the separate property or community property claims?
An asset and property division attorney can walk you through this process, answer any questions you might have and assist you with property valuations.
How Are Assets & Property Divided in California?
According to California’s community property laws, both spouses own all assets and debts acquired together during their marriage. If they get divorced, they must divide these assets equally. They can divide these assets by allowing one spouse to buy out the other, selling the assets and dividing the amount equally, or assigning certain assets to each spouse.
Spouses have the option of deciding how to divide these assets as equally as possible, or they can go to court to seek assistance from a judge.
When it comes to property, spouses will need to determine which property can be divided. Community property can be divided; on the other hand, separate property does not legally have to be shared or divided equally.
Understanding Community vs. Separate Property in Divorce
In California, property acquired during the marriage is presumed to be community property, subject to separate property contributions to the acquisition of the property. Property that is determined to be community property is equally owned by the spouses. Separate property is property that was acquired before the marriage, after the date of separation, or by gift or inheritance.
Strategies for Fair Property Division in Ventura
The following steps should be considered when you and your spouse decide to divide your property:
- Determine whether your property is community or separate property
- Figure out what the value of your community property is
- Decide what you and your spouse want to do with your community property
- Decide how to divide your community property
- If you need assistance, hire an experienced attorney
How Our Ventura Asset & Property Division Lawyers Can Help
Our attorneys are experienced in representing clients in complex divorce matters involving extensive assets. When appropriate, we will engage the services of qualified experts for community property appraisals or valuations. A thorough review and analysis of your financial assets and liabilities could result in a reasonable settlement without the necessity of costly, protracted litigation.
Contact us online or via (805) 222-7818 to book a consultation to discuss your case today.
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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Holistic Approach
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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Collaboration
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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Children Come First
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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Compassionate Legal Services
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.
Our Satisfied Clients
Real Stories from Real People
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“It is my opinion there's no better family law firm, period.”
“I had a very complicated and emotional interstate child custody case on which both Donna Santo and Michael Mehas provided me with expert legal advice to bring the matter to a positive conclusion.”- Nick C., director of The Notebook -
“Michael and Donna are amazing!”
Michael and Donna are amazing! Very supportive, quick with responses and they made my proceedings go so smoothly, providing all information and options I needed to decide what was best for me, and are there if I'm in need of any other information. Highly recommended!- Kristin N. -
“If you think you need help, you do and I recommend this firm.”
If you think you need help, you do and I recommend this firm. After a very sticky situation in court, Donna and Michael came in and saved the day on short notice. Not only are they a very knowledgeable firm but truly care about their clients. They take the time to listen and in turn explain the legal side to bridge the gap in feelings vs law.- Bonnie V. -
“I’d choose her services again without hesitation”
“I’d choose her services again without hesitation”- Parker C. -
“If 10 stars had been a choice I would have given them 10 STARS.”
“If 10 stars had been a choice I would have given them 10 STARS.”- Paul R. -
“During an emotional and stressful trial, she was the voice of calm and reason.”
“Donna Santo has gone above and beyond the call of duty. She evaluated the case and set a road map towards a realistic goal. Donna continuously deescalated personal issues and conflicts while keeping the focus on the welfare of the child involved.”- Eli G. -
“I was able to be a part of my child’s life which is priceless.”
- Matthew A.I had a divorce and child custody case and Santo Mehas represented me. Michael Mehas traveled from his Ventura office to Fresno to appear on my behalf and was diligent in fighting for my rights as a parent. We had a positive outcome with agreeable visitation rights. I was able to be a part of my child’s life which is priceless.
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“5 stars is not enough.”
5 stars is not enough. Mr. Mehas and Ms. Santo are the A team of attorneys. They are comprehensive, strategic, one step ahead, and a powerful team! When you hire the Santo Mehas firm to manage your case, you have hired a team of legal advocates who care, who will keep you informed, who will fight for you, and be the voice you need to represent you. Without the help of the entire firm, I know that I would not have had the successful outcomes I have had. They took on an extremely difficult case and encountered issues that no one expected and few had ever seen. They worked tirelessly to make sure that the truth was told and presented it perfectly. They stood by every one of my requests and guided me through the entire lengthy process. Though there were challenges, they strategically and diligently with compassion met them head on and never faltered. Their expertise and thoroughness provided us the pathway we needed to rise to victory. I am proud to be a client and will continue to retain them for all legal matters that may arise as I know I am in the best hands.- Christy B.
