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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
  • “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
  • “I recommend them”
    Never fun needing to hire a lawyer but Michael and Donna were great to work with and helped to make the process go smoothly. They were both easy to reach, offered clear advice, and were honest in all of their interactions. I recommend them if you find yourself in need of solid legal help.
    - Brian L.
  • “We are forever grateful to Mr. Mehas”
    Hiring Santo Mehas Professional Law Firm, specifically Michael Mehas has been a tremendous blessing. Divorce and child custody is a very stressful, unpleasant and unpredictable experience and Mr. Mehas has been our sword and shield throughout the process. Without the support and guidance of his expertise, I’m not sure where my family would be. We are forever grateful to Mr. Mehas for fighting for us and we are very happy with the outcome of our case.
    - Lupe V.
  • “5 stars is not enough.”
    5 stars is not enough. Mr. Mehas and Ms. Santo are the A team of attorneys. They are comprehensive, strategic, one step ahead, and a powerful team! When you hire the Santo Mehas firm to manage your case, you have hired a team of legal advocates who care, who will keep you informed, who will fight for you, and be the voice you need to represent you. Without the help of the entire firm, I know that I would not have had the successful outcomes I have had. They took on an extremely difficult case and encountered issues that no one expected and few had ever seen. They worked tirelessly to make sure that the truth was told and presented it perfectly. They stood by every one of my requests and guided me through the entire lengthy process. Though there were challenges, they strategically and diligently with compassion met them head on and never faltered. Their expertise and thoroughness provided us the pathway we needed to rise to victory. I am proud to be a client and will continue to retain them for all legal matters that may arise as I know I am in the best hands.
    - Christy B.
  • “It is my opinion there's no better family law firm, period.”
    “I had a very complicated and emotional interstate child custody case on which both Donna Santo and Michael Mehas provided me with expert legal advice to bring the matter to a positive conclusion.”
    - Nick C., director of The Notebook
  • “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.
  • “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.
  • “They were there for me from the beginning to the end”
    “They were there for me from the beginning to the end”
    - Lawrence J.