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 highly recommend using them!”
Donna Santo and Michael William Mehas have been amazing to work with. Very professional, knowledgeable , and kind. They helped me with a custody case and my family and I couldn’t be happier.
They were a blessing to us and we will forever appreciate them.
Thank you so much ❤️!
I highly recommend using them!

- Kirstie D.
“The divorce was finalized with agreeable terms. I am so glad to get this difficult time settled and behind us.”
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.

- Rhonda A.
“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
“I highly recommend Donna Santo and the Santo Mehas law firm.”
“I highly recommend Donna Santo and the Santo Mehas law firm.”

- John J.
“You two are a true blessing”
Where do I begin? Donna Santo and Michael Mehas are a phenomenal team. From my initial phone call with Michael to my Victory with Donna. Everything from beginning to end was immaculate. I was handling my case on my own, and I gradually started to feel defeated and wanted to just give up, it was too much weight to carry. Then I was referred to SantoMehas PROFESSIONAL Law Corporation, and yes they are very professional. Mr. Mehas promised me they (he and Donna) would fight for me and they put up a big, huge fight ending in a victory. Donna picked up where I left off, when I was representing myself. I made a huge mess and Mrs. Santo cleaned it up effortlessly. She enters into the courtroom with confidence and knowledge. She indeed knows her stuff. I was unable to appear from time to time, so she represented me and called me right after the hearing to inform me of next steps and outcomes. I am happy with the outcome of my year-long custodial battle, of which was not looking good for me until Donna and Michael started representing me. I am truly grateful for them, without them, who knows how my life would have turned out, but with them it turned out exactly the way I wanted it. If you’re second guessing about having SantoMehas represent you, DON’T they’re literally there to fight for you, and the battle will not end until you win, thank you so much Michael Mehas and Donna Santo, you two are a true blessing.

- Kwameisha T.
“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
“Working with Donna Santos and Michael Mehas was such a blessing.”
“Working with Donna Santos and Michael Mehas was such a blessing.”

- Melissa A.
“I’d choose her services again without hesitation”
“I’d choose her services again without hesitation”

- Parker C.

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