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SANTO MEHAS A Professional Law Corporation SANTO MEHAS A Professional Law Corporation
A Team of Compassionate Legal Advocates 805-222-7818
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Spousal Support Guiding You Through Difficult Times

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:
  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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
  • “Donna peacefully found ways to resolve these issues without remorse.”

    Donna and her staff are highly experienced/knowledgeable with family law. My case was complicated by child custody and divorce issues. For several years, my ex sought to always try and bring me back to court for mundane issues. Donna peacefully found ways to resolve these issues without remorse. I highly recommend Donna to anybody needing a qualified legal professional with a heart.

    - J.T.
  • “Donna fought for me and she will fight for you.”
    I have a pretty complicated case that needed a lot of things done quickly and Donna was able to not only get them done but she knocked it out of the park and I am very happy with the outcome. She is also great at communicating things throughout the process in a way that I could understand.
    - Wayne
  • “They were there for me from the beginning to the end”
    “They were there for me from the beginning to the end”
    - Lawrence J.
  • “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.
  • “Donna Santo is a very professional lawyer”

    Donna 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!!

    - Kathy
  • “Donna did a great job on my divorce.”
    “They kept the case on track, knew which options were optimal, and responded well to my preferences for proceeding.They kept legal bills to a minimum as they worked expertly on my behalf.”
    - David
  • “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
  • “The level of honesty and professionalism is beyond compare, not to mention compassion.”
    “The level of honesty and professionalism is beyond compare, not to mention compassion. I feel that any attorney that can show compassion to their client as well as represent them is by far the best attorney.”
    - Erin H.