Mediation Guiding You Through Difficult Times

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 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

The Benefits of Divorce Mediation

There are various benefits to divorce mediation. Some benefits include the following:

Confidential - Mediation sessions, unlike court proceedings, are kept private and are not a matter of public record.
Less expensive - Mediation is generally much less expensive than litigation. Court appearances and the cost of additional legal hours can add up quickly.
Less time-consuming - You can resolve your marital disputes in as few as 3 to 4 mediation sessions. Mediation is typically completed in a few weeks or months, whereas a contested divorce can take a year or longer to reach a resolution.
Reach a resolution with your spouse - If you would like to be more in control when it comes to finding solutions to your marital issues, then mediation is for you. Court litigation will not end in a win-win solution, but mediation can – if you and your spouse are willing to work towards this.
Easier on the child(ren) in the family - The odds of you and your spouse being able to co-parent increase if you can resolve your issues through mediation. Mediation also keeps child custody matters out of court, which is healthier for your child(ren) in general as court proceedings can be lengthy and stressful on both you and your spouse.

What to Expect in a Mediation Session

Mediation sessions do vary according to each couple’s specific needs and may be addressed by category in different sessions. Some examples of these categories are financial, parenting, and property mediation sessions. The following steps will be taken during a typical mediation session:

The mediator will explain the process to both parties
The mediator will ask each spouse to bring up relevant issues and concerns
Each spouse will be given the opportunity to make a statement about their situation
The mediator will determine where you and your spouse agree, and which issues you need to resolve
Everyone will determine a plan to figure out how to best resolve these issues
The mediator will help you and your spouse negotiate
Once your negotiations are finished and you have resolved your issues, the mediator will write an agreement and, in many cases, a parenting plan.

Thinking About Divorce Mediation? Call Us Today!

Divorce mediation presents many benefits to couples determined to resolve their issues themselves and stay out of court. If you are considering divorce mediation to help you resolve your marital disputes, contact our office today. We strive to assist our clients in finding resolutions that are both fair and amicable.

A Note About Mediation

At SANTO MEHAS A Professional Law Corporation, we also offer mediation services to make your divorce as cost-effective as possible. Not only is Donna Carol Santo a board-certified family law specialist via the State Bar of California, but she is also a certified mediator through Pepperdine Law's Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution.

Our team understands that you are the most suitable person to make decisions for your family, as opposed to the court. We use mediation to help you work through conflict outside of court, which will save you time and money while helping you improve communication for the future. When you and your spouse resolve matters together, you are protecting your family and your privacy — all with the help of an experienced, compassionate mediator.

Mediation gives you more control of your situation and sets you up for success, especially when it comes to co-parenting. Our firm always puts your children’s best interests first, and mediation can be easier on the entire family than an extended, stressful court battle.

Of course, mediation is not an option for every divorce, but if you want another way through, we are here for you.

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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:

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

“I would recommend him to anyone who needs a good attorney.”
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.

- Molly C.
“A final settlement in a reasonable amount of time at a price”
When I brought in this law firm to represent me in my divorce, my wife and her lawyer knew I had gained the ability to fight back if necessary. From that point on, negotiations could proceed. Peace through strength. Fortunately, no protracted or unnecessary fighting was necessary. Due to longstanding relationships, understandings, and trust between my team and my wife's team, deals were worked out on several fronts, avoiding crossing anyone's red lines and resulting in a final settlement in a reasonable amount of time at a price far below what either of us expected to pay.

- David G.
“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.
“They were prepared and ready for anything.”
“They were prepared and ready for anything.”

- Madisen R.
“Donna Santo is a no nonsense, highly professional family attorne”
Donna Santo is a no nonsense, highly professional family attorney. She has many years of experience which I found to be critical when it came to working in the family court system. She has had experience with all the judges and therefore quickly formulates a plan that is realistic, and has the best chance of success. You could not make a better choice to help you through this incredibly difficult situation.

- Scott
“Donna, through her vast experience, was able to give me my financial life back and has made it possible for me to plan for my future.”
Great family law attorney. I consulted with Donna Santo regarding my complex family law case and was immediately impressed with her professionalism, knowledge and experience. Throughout my case I was given status updates and was able to pick up the phone and contact Donna. I never felt lost during the process. Donna was able to answer all of my questions and respond to all of my concerns. My ex wife went through several attorneys and even was self-represented for a while. Through all of this, Donna stayed the course, went to trial and we prevailed on all issues.
Because of Donna’s ability to understand real property laws, ours was in another country, complex income tax issues, self-employment and corporation income components, breach of fiduciary duty in my case, we were able to present our well-prepared case to the court.
Donna, through her vast experience, was able to give me my financial life back and has made it possible for me to plan for my future.
Needless to say I am pleased with the outcome in my case and highly recommend Donna, and her helpful staff, to anyone needing a professional Family Law attorney in Ventura County.

- Dan
“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
“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

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