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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
  • “Then I hired Ventura County family law firm Santo Mehas and everything changed for the better.”
    “Attorney Michael Mehas 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.”
    - Jessica C.
  • “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
  • “Working with Donna was refreshing.”
    “Working with Donna was refreshing.”
    - Daniel W.
  • “There is no other choice than Michael and Donna!”
    “There is no other choice than Michael and Donna!”
    - Gina G.
  • “I highly recommend them!”
    “The attorneys and staff were professional and helped guide me through a difficult process. The fees were very reasonable and the entire process took much less time than I anticipated. I highly recommend them!”
    - Michael S.
  • “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.
  • “I appreciated her absolute professionalism & integrity throughout the divorce process.”

    I have had the pleasure of retaining Donna Santo as my divorce attorney. Obviously, no one wants to retain a divorce attorney but sometimes life leads you to things you thought you'd never have to do. Donna came highly recommended by contacts, friends, and colleagues. She has been practicing law for over 40 years. I appreciated her absolute professionalism & integrity throughout the divorce process - something that was not mirrored from opposing counsel. I wanted as little drama as possible with the negotiations and proceedings and that is the way she conducted herself and my case. Her staff was truly wonderful to work with. I'm happy to speak with or provide a professional reference for her.

    - Jennifer C.
  • “I highly recommend them.”
    I knew from the moment I walked into Santos Mehas that I was in good hands. My case was a little unique as we had to get a lot of things done very quickly and that is exactly what Michael and Donna did. PS: Don't let Donnas small stature fool you. She is a force to be reckoned with in the court room. I highly recommend them.
    - Wayne W.