VENTURA ASSET & PROPERTY DIVISION LAWYERS
Legal Representation for Matters Involving Community Property During Divorce
Determining asset and property division is an important part of the divorce process. California is a community property state, which means that there is a general presumption that both spouses are entitled to one half of property acquired together during their marriage.
Unfortunately, asset division during a divorce is not as easy as it might seem. There are many other factors to consider when dividing assets, such as:
- Who should get the marital home?
- What happens to shared debts?
- How should a property be divided?
- What do you do if you suspect your spouse has hidden assets?
- What are the separate property claims of either spouse?
- How do you trace the separate property or community property claims?
An asset and property division attorney can walk you through this process, answer any questions you might have and assist you with property valuations.
How Are Assets & Property Divided in California?
According to California’s community property laws, both spouses own all assets and debts acquired together during their marriage. If they get divorced, they must divide these assets equally. They can divide these assets by allowing one spouse to buy out the other, selling the assets and dividing the amount equally, or assigning certain assets to each spouse.
Spouses have the option of deciding how to divide these assets as equally as possible, or they can go to court to seek assistance from a judge.
When it comes to property, spouses will need to determine which property can be divided. Community property can be divided; on the other hand, separate property does not legally have to be shared or divided equally.
Understanding Community vs. Separate Property in Divorce
In California, property acquired during the marriage is presumed to be community property, subject to separate property contributions to the acquisition of the property. Property that is determined to be community property is equally owned by the spouses. Separate property is property that was acquired before the marriage, after the date of separation, or by gift or inheritance.
Strategies for Fair Property Division in Ventura
The following steps should be considered when you and your spouse decide to divide your property:
- Determine whether your property is community or separate property
- Figure out what the value of your community property is
- Decide what you and your spouse want to do with your community property
- Decide how to divide your community property
- If you need assistance, hire an experienced attorney
How Our Ventura Asset & Property Division Lawyers Can Help
Our attorneys are experienced in representing clients in complex divorce matters involving extensive assets. When appropriate, we will engage the services of qualified experts for community property appraisals or valuations. A thorough review and analysis of your financial assets and liabilities could result in a reasonable settlement without the necessity of costly, protracted litigation.
Contact us online or via (805) 222-7818 to book a consultation to discuss your case today.
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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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“Donna Santo is a very professional lawyer”
- KathyDonna 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!!
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“The divorce was finalized with agreeable terms. I am so glad to get this difficult time settled and behind us.”
- Rhonda A.My son was filing for divorce and he had child custody problems. The divorce was contentious and we hired Donna Santo because she is well known for handling these types of difficult situations. She was very easy to work with and was able to do most of the family law work via phone or e-mail. The divorce was finalized with agreeable terms. I am so glad to get this difficult time settled and behind us, and we have a great relationship with our grandchild.
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“I would recommend him to anyone who needs a good attorney.”
- Molly C.I am lucky to have had Michael Mehas handle my family law child custody and visitation matter, personal injury, and business and employment matters, and he's the only attorney I've ever used. He's very compassionate in what he does and combines many years of experience with a great understanding of the law. I would recommend him to anyone who needs a good attorney.
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“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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“I can't even begin to express my gratitude and appreciation for them.”
“I can't even begin to express my gratitude and appreciation for them.”- Roslyn F. -
“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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“You two are a true blessing”
Where do I begin? Donna Santo and Michael Mehas are a phenomenal team. From my initial phone call with Michael to my Victory with Donna. Everything from beginning to end was immaculate. I was handling my case on my own, and I gradually started to feel defeated and wanted to just give up, it was too much weight to carry. Then I was referred to SantoMehas PROFESSIONAL Law Corporation, and yes they are very professional. Mr. Mehas promised me they (he and Donna) would fight for me and they put up a big, huge fight ending in a victory. Donna picked up where I left off, when I was representing myself. I made a huge mess and Mrs. Santo cleaned it up effortlessly. She enters into the courtroom with confidence and knowledge. She indeed knows her stuff. I was unable to appear from time to time, so she represented me and called me right after the hearing to inform me of next steps and outcomes. I am happy with the outcome of my year-long custodial battle, of which was not looking good for me until Donna and Michael started representing me. I am truly grateful for them, without them, who knows how my life would have turned out, but with them it turned out exactly the way I wanted it. If you’re second guessing about having SantoMehas represent you, DON’T they’re literally there to fight for you, and the battle will not end until you win, thank you so much Michael Mehas and Donna Santo, you two are a true blessing.- Kwameisha T. -
“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.
