

Ventura Family Lawyers
Our attorneys at SANTO MEHAS A Professional Law Corporation have over 70 years of combined experience advocating for our clients’ best interests. We represent clients in a variety of family law services, including:
Devoted Advocacy for Families in Their Time of Need
As you compete with your current spouse on matters such as child custody or alimony, or are dealing with a different family law issue, you need compassionate and powerful representation. Here at SANTO MEHAS, we are committed to finding the best resolution for your unique family law issue. You can have confidence that we will always put your child or children first.
Our team of experienced attorneys knows the importance of protecting the rights and interests of the family as a whole, which is why we keep this focus through the entirety of each case. We can put our combined 7 decades of experience to work for your case to defend your rights.
How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Family Law Case?
The time required to resolve a family law case in Ventura can vary significantly depending on several factors. The complexity of the issues involved, the level of cooperation between the parties, and the court's schedule all play a role in determining the duration of the case. For example, an uncontested divorce, where both parties agree on all major issues such as child custody, spousal support, and property division, can be resolved relatively quickly—often within a few months. However, if the case is contested and involves disagreements over these critical issues, it may take a year or more to reach a resolution.
More complex family law cases, such as those involving high-value assets, business ownership, or contested custody battles, can take much longer to resolve. In these cases, the discovery process, which involves gathering and exchanging information between the parties, can be time-consuming. Additionally, if the case goes to trial, scheduling conflicts and court backlogs can further extend the timeline. It's important to work closely with a Ventura family law attorney who can help navigate the process efficiently and advocate for a resolution that meets your needs.
To learn more about our services, contact us online or call us at (805) 222-7818. We offer same-day appointments!


Our Satisfied Clients
Real Stories from Real People
-
“Working with Donna Santos and Michael Mehas was such a blessing.”
“Working with Donna Santos and Michael Mehas was such a blessing.”- Melissa A. -
“Thank you, Michael, you're a true professional and a very good attorney.”
- Judy M.We had a real legal emergency at our business and Michael Mehas was there to immediately respond to the other side, allowing us to resolve our matter favorably. Thank you, Michael, you're a true professional and a very good attorney, and I would recommend you for any business or other legal matter.
-
“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.
-
“It’s like a family & they wanna make sure your family is well taken care of”
- ErikaI 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.
-
“Mr. Mehas is very kind and approachable”
“Mr. Mehas is very kind and approachable”- Nicole H. -
“A+ lawyer!”
- JessIt's been a constant struggle with my son's father, before acquiring Ms. Donna Santo as my attorney, I had no chance to show the courts the stress my ex was causing for me and my son. Ms. Santo and her team have helped me exercise my rights as a mother and legally they have put me in a position to ultimately give my son the best life possible. Her staff was extremely professional and helpful. I was very satisfied with the services I received and I would highly recommend her. She is a good listener and she gave me great advice. Ms. Santo went above and beyond to make sure I fully understood the process and responded quickly to emails and voicemails. She is the greatest lawyer ever.
-
“A final settlement in a reasonable amount of time at a price”
- David G.When I brought in this law firm to represent me in my divorce, my wife and her lawyer knew I had gained the ability to fight back if necessary. From that point on, negotiations could proceed. Peace through strength. Fortunately, no protracted or unnecessary fighting was necessary. Due to longstanding relationships, understandings, and trust between my team and my wife's team, deals were worked out on several fronts, avoiding crossing anyone's red lines and resulting in a final settlement in a reasonable amount of time at a price far below what either of us expected to pay.
-
“They were prepared and ready for anything.”
“They were prepared and ready for anything.”- Madisen R.

Cases We Handle
No matter how complex or contentious your situation is, we will clearly outline your options and develop a thorough strategy for achieving your objectives.

Unwavering Dedication to Our Clients
Our true focus and passion are, and will always be, our clients. We take a hands-on, proven approach to assisting our clients and always put them first. For us, client success and happiness are paramount and our commitment to this can be seen in all that we do here at SANTO MEHAS A Professional Law Corporation.
Do You Need to Go to Court for a Family Law Case?
Whether or not you need to go to court for a family law case depends on the specifics of your situation and the level of agreement between you and the other party. Not all family law cases require court appearances, and in many instances, disputes can be resolved through negotiation, mediation, or collaborative law without the need for a formal court hearing.
If both parties can agree on the key issues, such as child custody, support, and property division, the case can often be settled out of court. In these cases, the parties can work with their attorneys to draft a settlement agreement, which is then submitted to the court for approval. Once the judge reviews and approves the agreement, it becomes a legally binding court order without the need for a court appearance.
However, if the parties cannot reach an agreement, or if there are contested issues, a court appearance may be necessary. In such cases, the judge will hear evidence from both sides and make decisions on unresolved matters. A Ventura family law attorney can represent you in court, presenting your case effectively and advocating for your interests.
What Is Mediation, and How Does It Work in Family Law?
Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution that is commonly used in family law cases. It involves a neutral third-party mediator who helps the parties communicate and negotiate to reach a mutually agreeable resolution. Mediation is often used as an alternative to going to court and can be particularly beneficial in family law cases, where maintaining a cooperative relationship is important, especially when children are involved.
During mediation, both parties meet with the mediator to discuss the issues at hand, such as child custody, support, and property division. The mediator facilitates the conversation, helping the parties explore their options and find common ground. Unlike a judge, the mediator does not make decisions or impose solutions; instead, the goal is to help the parties reach a voluntary agreement.
Mediation can be faster, less expensive, and less adversarial than going to court. It allows the parties to have more control over the outcome and often leads to more amicable solutions. Additionally, mediation is confidential, which can be an advantage for those who prefer to keep their family matters private. If an agreement is reached through mediation, it can be submitted to the court for approval and become a legally binding order. However, if mediation is unsuccessful, the parties may still need to resolve their issues in court.
Contact Our Ventura Family Law Attorneys Today!
Conflict resolution and family restructuring are key parts of a family law case.
You can trust a family law attorney committed to these components. Your family’s wellbeing counts on it. With seven decades of experience helping families navigate their issues, you can rest assured that we will provide you with fair and compassionate representation. We are committed to helping families come to the best possible resolution in regard to child custody and alimony decisions during this difficult time in their lives. You and your children are in good hands with our Ventura family lawyers who care about the outcome of your case and the future of your family.

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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.

Guiding Clients through Family Law Matters
It can be very difficult to confront a legal challenge involving your family. Whether you’re dealing with divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, or all of the above, it helps to have dedicated legal support in your corner.
With SANTO MEHAS A Professional Law Corporation, you can gain the assurance that only a legal advocate like one of our family law attorneys in Ventura can provide. With many years of service to our clients comes the experience necessary to help people like you with creative and sophisticated legal solutions.
As we guide you through whatever it is you’re going through, you can feel confident about the process and hopeful for how things may resolve.
Reach out online or call us at (805) 222-7818 for a free 15-minute consultation to learn more about our family law services.

