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SANTO MEHAS A Professional Law Corporation SANTO MEHAS A Professional Law Corporation
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Asset, Property, & Debt Division Guiding You Through Difficult Times

VENTURA ASSET & PROPERTY DIVISION LAWYERS

Legal Representation for Matters Involving Community Property During Divorce

Determining asset and property division is an important part of the divorce process. California is a community property state, which means that there is a general presumption that both spouses are entitled to one half of property acquired together during their marriage.

Unfortunately, asset division during a divorce is not as easy as it might seem. There are many other factors to consider when dividing assets, such as: 

  • Who should get the marital home?
  • What happens to shared debts?
  • How should a property be divided?
  • What do you do if you suspect your spouse has hidden assets?
  • What are the separate property claims of either spouse?
  • How do you trace the separate property or community property claims?

An asset and property division attorney can walk you through this process, answer any questions you might have and assist you with property valuations.

How Are Assets & Property Divided in California?

According to California’s community property laws, both spouses own all assets and debts acquired together during their marriage. If they get divorced, they must divide these assets equally. They can divide these assets by allowing one spouse to buy out the other, selling the assets and dividing the amount equally, or assigning certain assets to each spouse.

Spouses have the option of deciding how to divide these assets as equally as possible, or they can go to court to seek assistance from a judge.

When it comes to property, spouses will need to determine which property can be divided. Community property can be divided; on the other hand, separate property does not legally have to be shared or divided equally.

Understanding Community vs. Separate Property in Divorce

In California, property acquired during the marriage is presumed to be community property, subject to separate property contributions to the acquisition of the property. Property that is determined to be community property is equally owned by the spouses. Separate property is property that was acquired before the marriage, after the date of separation, or by gift or inheritance.

Strategies for Fair Property Division in Ventura

The following steps should be considered when you and your spouse decide to divide your property:

  • Determine whether your property is community or separate property
  • Figure out what the value of your community property is
  • Decide what you and your spouse want to do with your community property
  • Decide how to divide your community property
  • If you need assistance, hire an experienced attorney
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How Our Ventura Asset & Property Division Lawyers Can Help

Our attorneys are experienced in representing clients in complex divorce matters involving extensive assets. When appropriate, we will engage the services of qualified experts for community property appraisals or valuations. A thorough review and analysis of your financial assets and liabilities could result in a reasonable settlement without the necessity of costly, protracted litigation.

Contact us online or via (805) 222-7818 to book a consultation to discuss your case today. 

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
  • “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
  • “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.
  • “She and her staff are professional with decades of experience.”

    I recommend Donna Santo and her staff. She and her staff are professional with decades of experience. They understand the law and how family law cases are heard in the courts. I had an extremely complex custody case with dozens of health professionals, collateral contacts, and opinions floating around. There were so many accusations, crisis, and charges; and every one of them felt extremely important to me. My concerns were serious, and the innumerable quantity along with counter accusations overwhelmed the courts. Donna's office was able to sift through and make sense of things to help get things on track. Donna's office took the time to relate this to the courts in a logical digestible manner for the best possible outcome. It took time. I needed to trust. She knows her stuff, and is strong at the right times.

    - Jason
  • “Donna obtained a good result for me, for which I am ever grateful.”

    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.

    - Carla H.
  • “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 is a fantastic attorney!”

    Can’t get a better attorney than Donna Santo. Donna is a fantastic attorney! She was able to comprehend the complications associated with nasty child custody problems and bitter divorce disputes. Donna and her staff were and continue to be extremely caring and empathetic to my family’s needs. I hold Donna with the utmost respect and recommend her to anybody who needs a knowledgeable and savvy attorney.

    - Eduardo
  • “It’s like a family & they wanna make sure your family is well taken care of”

    I needed assistance ASAP! I called many firms & I was turned away due to COVID & the emergency of my case. I contacted Donna & Michael & they were there so fast, helped me prep, told me what to expect, what they needed from me & explained the processes. I highly recommend their services but be prepared to go to battle because Donna & Michael will literally go into that battle & win it. I have had great experiences with them as a professional team & know when I need them they are there to help, guide & support. It’s like a family & they wanna make sure your family is well taken care of. I appreciate them so much. Thank you.

    - Erika
  • “I was able to be a part of my child’s life which is priceless.”

    I had a divorce and child custody case and Santo Mehas represented me. Michael Mehas traveled from his Ventura office to Fresno to appear on my behalf and was diligent in fighting for my rights as a parent. We had a positive outcome with agreeable visitation rights. I was able to be a part of my child’s life which is priceless.

    - Matthew A.