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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 guided me through at a comfortable pace on both a personal and professional level.”

    I was going through a difficult divorce, one which was stressful to both my wife and myself, so I needed to find solutions which would be fair and just and to relieve the tension. I was living in the Bay Area at the time and did much of the work on the phone, on my computer and at the Santo Mehas office in Ventura. I had heard of the reputation of the Santo Mehas law firm and trusted Donna as a person of integrity and sensitivity which is who I needed to get through this difficult process. I was not looking forward to working with the personal sensitive issues or the introspection necessary to get through this difficult process. Donna guided me through at a comfortable pace on both a personal and professional level. The case ended in a fair and respectable settlement for both parties and my ex and I are still friends years later. I am much happier for knowing that this is from a previous life and I have moved on. I still keep in contact with the family law lawyers at Santo Mehas as well as my ex.

    - Phillip M.
  • “I have the highest recommendations for this office”

    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.

    - Chris L.
  • “Professional, Experienced, Real!”

    Deciding 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.

    - Tiffany
  • “Donna and Michael handled my case with care”
    “Donna and Michael handled my case with care”
    - Laura Q.
  • “I recommend them with 5 stars”

    I have deep appreciation for my family law attorneys Donna Santo and Michael Mehas.  Thank you so much for your help in my highly complex divorce.   I have witnessed the great professionalism with which Donna defends me in Court.  And I appreciate the sincerity, loyalty and moral support that Michael provides to his clients.  He’s always ready to answer questions and take my calls.  I recommend them with 5 stars, as they are simply the best lawyers and family law firm in Ventura county.

    - Maria C.
  • “Donna is amazing! Very supportive, quick with response and willing to fight for you.”
    Donna is amazing! Very supportive, quick with response and willing to fight for you. She made my proceedings go so smoothly, provided all information and options I needed to decide what was best for me, and is there if I'm in need of any other information. Highly recommend!
    - Anonymous
  • “I would definitely recommend their firm for anyone who needs family law assistance!”
    The SantoMehas team has been exceptional in handling my case. They are very experienced, have given me good advice and representation, and they have worked on my particularly complex case almost as if I were family. They have shown support beyond professionally, but also personally. They have worked with me financially, and are very fair and understanding. I would definitely recommend their firm for anyone who needs family law assistance!
    - Heather L.
  • “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