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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.
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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.
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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.
Our Satisfied Clients
Real Stories from Real People
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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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“Santo Mehas is the law firm you want on your side.”
If you have to go through divorce and child custody, Santo Mehas is the law firm you want on your side. Both lawyers are very professional and knowledgeable yet caring and want the best for their clients. They work hard for their clients at every level and go above and beyond to make their clients relaxed and comfortable with the family law processes.- Jasmin R. -
“I highly recommend them!”
“The attorneys and staff were professional and helped guide me through a difficult process. The fees were very reasonable and the entire process took much less time than I anticipated. I highly recommend them!”- Michael S. -
“They are definitely five stars in their legal experience”
“They are definitely five stars in their legal experience”- Bryan -
“They were prepared and ready for anything.”
“They were prepared and ready for anything.”- Madisen R. -
“I have the highest recommendations for this office”
- Chris L.Concern for my personal well being through the divorce process was present from our initial meeting. The process was thoroughly described and projections on the length of time to achieve the outcome made clear. The financial projection was painful but provided me time I needed to arrange my assets. I have the highest recommendations for this office.
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“There is no other choice than Michael and Donna!”
“There is no other choice than Michael and Donna!”- Gina G. -
“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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