Ventura Spousal Support Attorneys
Serving Ventura County, Oxnard & Surrounding Areas
In California, the court has discretion over determining spousal support or alimony – especially when it comes to deciding the duration of the support. Certain “equitable principles and guidelines” are referenced to establish both the amount of support and its duration.
While spousal support can be established without the court’s discretion, it is not always this easy. If you or your spouse are unable to settle your spousal support issue, you should contact an experienced attorney.
Contact us online or call us at (805) 222-7818 to speak with our attorney today!
How Spousal Support Is Calculated in California
Either spouse can request spousal support based on need and ability to pay.
Spousal support requests require each spouse to divulge their financial information, including income, bills, assets, property, debts, and additional expenses and calculate accordingly
Types of Spousal Support in California
The types of spousal support in the state of California are temporary or permanent. Under certain circumstances, California recognizes reimbursement to the community for community contributions to a spouse’s education or training.
Temporary Spousal Support:
This type of support is to maintain the status quo giving the lower-earning spouse time to establish himself/herself financially. It is typically used to cover living expenses during the divorce process. The support may be awarded from the date of the request until the divorce is finalized.
Permanent Spousal Support:
Permanent spousal support is determined based upon several factors, some of which are:
- Each spouse’s earning capacity
- Each spouse’s needs based on the accustomed marital standard of living
- Each spouse’s assets, debts, and other financial information
- Each spouse’s age and health conditions
- The amount of time the spouses were married
- The paying spouse’s ability to pay spousal support
- If there is a documented history of domestic violence against either spouse or the child
- If either spouse has a criminal conviction
- The amount the paying spouse contributed to further the education or professional development of the supported spouse
Is Spousal Support Tax Deductible in California?
The short answer is “no”.
Can Spousal Support Be Modified?
The short answer is “yes”. Spousal support can be modified.
Why Hire Our Ventura Spousal Support Lawyers
Spousal support can be very complicated to figure out. While the court does consider many factors when calculating spousal support, there is not an exact formula that will let you know what the amount will be. It is important to hire a lawyer who will protect your rights and interest when it comes time to determine spousal support.
We offer free initial consultations to new clients. Contact us online or call us at (805) 222-7818 to get in touch.
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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“She and her staff are professional with decades of experience.”
- JasonI recommend Donna Santo and her staff. She and her staff are professional with decades of experience. They understand the law and how family law cases are heard in the courts. I had an extremely complex custody case with dozens of health professionals, collateral contacts, and opinions floating around. There were so many accusations, crisis, and charges; and every one of them felt extremely important to me. My concerns were serious, and the innumerable quantity along with counter accusations overwhelmed the courts. Donna's office was able to sift through and make sense of things to help get things on track. Donna's office took the time to relate this to the courts in a logical digestible manner for the best possible outcome. It took time. I needed to trust. She knows her stuff, and is strong at the right times.
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“It’s like a family & they wanna make sure your family is well taken care of”
- ErikaI needed assistance ASAP! I called many firms & I was turned away due to COVID & the emergency of my case. I contacted Donna & Michael & they were there so fast, helped me prep, told me what to expect, what they needed from me & explained the processes. I highly recommend their services but be prepared to go to battle because Donna & Michael will literally go into that battle & win it. I have had great experiences with them as a professional team & know when I need them they are there to help, guide & support. It’s like a family & they wanna make sure your family is well taken care of. I appreciate them so much. Thank you.
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“a special Thank You”
Santo Mehas is a very helpful and understanding group to to work with- and a special Thank You to Michael for all your support.- Gail F. -
“Mr. Mehas is very kind and approachable”
“Mr. Mehas is very kind and approachable”- Nicole H. -
“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 -
“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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“Donna obtained a good result for me, for which I am ever grateful.”
- Carla H.I met Donna Santo over 20 years ago, when I needed an attorney to represent me in a post-judgment custody dispute trailing across three states due to my nomadic military background. As prior military I had a great respect for the courts. I met Donna first, and she scared me. But of course that was what I wanted: a sharp, assertive attorney. The onset of that custodial dispute marks one of the most horrible periods of my life. Fortunately, Donna and her team were my guides as well as my advocates. To this day, when on occasion I have needed a family law attorney, I have called Donna. She has always obtained a good result for me.
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“I recommend them”
Never fun needing to hire a lawyer but Michael and Donna were great to work with and helped to make the process go smoothly. They were both easy to reach, offered clear advice, and were honest in all of their interactions. I recommend them if you find yourself in need of solid legal help.- Brian L.
