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Commonly Asked Family Law Questions

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  • What is family law?
    Family law deals with legal issues related to family relationships, such as divorce, child custody, adoption, and domestic violence.
  • Why should I hire a family law attorney?
    A family law attorney can provide legal guidance, support, and representation during a family law case. They can help you navigate the legal system and work towards a favorable outcome.
  • What is the difference between a contested and uncontested divorce?
    A contested divorce is when the parties involved cannot agree on the terms of the divorce, such as division of assets and child custody. An uncontested divorce is when both parties agree on all terms of the divorce and can file jointly.
  • Can I modify a child custody agreement?
    Yes, a child custody agreement can be modified if there has been a significant change in circumstances, such as a relocation or a change in the child's needs.
  • What is mediation in family law?
    Mediation is a process in which a neutral third party helps the parties involved in a family law case to reach a mutually acceptable resolution. It can be a less adversarial and less expensive alternative to going to court.

Our Satisfied Clients

Real Stories from Real People
  • “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
  • “Santo Mehas is the law firm you want on your side.”
    If you have to go through divorce and child custody, Santo Mehas is the law firm you want on your side. Both lawyers are very professional and knowledgeable yet caring and want the best for their clients. They work hard for their clients at every level and go above and beyond to make their clients relaxed and comfortable with the family law processes.
    - Jasmin R.
  • “Donna Santo is a very professional lawyer”

    Donna Santo is a very professional lawyer, along with a very professional staff. I was searching for a lawyer familiar with military law, and Donna was the top of the search!! I needed a divorce attorney, and she has amazing military knowledge. She kept me up to date on everything and if I did not understand something she was very patient and explained in detail, until I completely understood the situation. When it came down to spousal support, a lump sum was not satisfactory, and Donna "fought" for me until I was awarded a lump sum and full monthly spousal support (we did not have children) and now I am able to live comfortably without worrying if I am going to make ends meet. If you need a professional lawyer, whether or not you need military law, consider Donna Santo, you will definitely NOT be disappointed!!

    - Kathy
  • “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
  • “Michael Mehas showed true professionalism”
    “Michael Mehas showed true professionalism”
    - Mary H.
  • “They were prepared and ready for anything.”
    “They were prepared and ready for anything.”
    - Madisen R.
  • “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.
  • “A final settlement in a reasonable amount of time at a price”

    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.

    - David G.

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