
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:
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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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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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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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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 was able to be a part of my child’s life which is priceless.”
- Matthew A.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.
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“I recommend them with 5 stars”
- Maria C.I have deep appreciation for my family law attorneys Donna Santo and Michael Mehas. Thank you so much for your help in my highly complex divorce. I have witnessed the great professionalism with which Donna defends me in Court. And I appreciate the sincerity, loyalty and moral support that Michael provides to his clients. He’s always ready to answer questions and take my calls. I recommend them with 5 stars, as they are simply the best lawyers and family law firm in Ventura county.
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“Donna fought for me and she will fight for you.”
I have a pretty complicated case that needed a lot of things done quickly and Donna was able to not only get them done but she knocked it out of the park and I am very happy with the outcome. She is also great at communicating things throughout the process in a way that I could understand.- Wayne -
“Michael & Donna EXCEEDED my expectations”
“Michael & Donna ! Where do I begin! ?? You two are VERY SPECIAL HUMAN BEINGS ? I Can't thank you enough for the UNBELIEVABLE support & services I have received from your office. I was in a VERY tough place in the situation I was unfortunately, unex”- Alyssa S. -
“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 -
“I highly recommend Donna Santo and the Santo Mehas law firm.”
“I highly recommend Donna Santo and the Santo Mehas law firm.”- John J. -
“A knowledgeable attorney with a strong character and ethical integrity.”
- Donald T.Thank you Michael for everything you have done for me. You are a knowledgeable attorney with a strong character and ethical integrity.
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“Donna Santo is a no nonsense, highly professional family attorne”
- ScottDonna 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.
