Ventura & Oxnard Divorce Mediators
Offering Alternative Resolutions to Divorce in California
Our mediation program is led by Donna Carol Santo, a Certified Specialist, Family Law California Board of Legal Specialization and Certified Mediator through the Institute for Dispute Resolution, Pepperdine University School of Law, who will focus on your specific needs and will work with you to develop a plan that is tailored to you and your family.
We approach the mediation process with the firm belief that you are more suited to make decisions for your family than the court. We believe that empowering you to work through conflict, evaluate your interests and generate options will help you arrive at a resolution that meets your needs and can create a platform for improved communication in the future.
Call today to get started on your case with a free consultation!
Is Mediation the Right Path for Me?
Known as a form of alternative dispute resolution, divorce mediation involves assistance from a neutral third party, also known as a mediator. Divorce mediation offers benefits that going to court does not, including the ability to resolve your marital issue(s) without interference from the court.
In the event of a contested divorce, you have two options:
1. Go to court to have a judge settle disputed matters with your spouse
- If the court resolves your issues, there is a chance you may not like the court's decision.
2. Retain a divorce mediator to resolve differences with your spouse outside of court
- Divorce mediation, on the other hand, allows you and your spouse to resolve your matters together.
The Benefits of Having a Divorce Mediator
The mediator is responsible for helping you and your spouse reach an amicable agreement about issues such as:
- Spousal support
- Child custody
- Asset and property division
How to Prepare for Mediation
Preparing for mediation is essential for its success. When parties come together for their first mediation session, it is not uncommon for them to feel overwhelmed with information. By preparing ahead of time, they eliminate some of that strain.
Here are a few ways that you can prepare for mediation:
- Compile a list of questions, comments, or concerns for both the mediator and the opposing party
- Create a proposed parenting plan if it applies to your case
- If applicable, speak with your lawyer before and after the session to get more clarification
- Research the laws and statutes that apply to your specific issues or questions
Navigating Divorce Options?
Not sure whether litigated divorce or mediation is right for you? Rest assured that our seasoned attorneys and mediators will help you make the right choice for yourself and your family.
Contact us online today or call us at (805) 222-7818 to book an initial consultation.
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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“I highly recommend Donna Santo and the Santo Mehas law firm.”
“I highly recommend Donna Santo and the Santo Mehas law firm.”- John J. -
“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. -
“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. -
“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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“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. -
“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 -
“The divorce was finalized with agreeable terms. I am so glad to get this difficult time settled and behind us.”
- Rhonda A.My son was filing for divorce and he had child custody problems. The divorce was contentious and we hired Donna Santo because she is well known for handling these types of difficult situations. She was very easy to work with and was able to do most of the family law work via phone or e-mail. The divorce was finalized with agreeable terms. I am so glad to get this difficult time settled and behind us, and we have a great relationship with our grandchild.
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“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.