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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“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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“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’d choose her services again without hesitation”
“I’d choose her services again without hesitation”- Parker C. -
“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, through her vast experience, was able to give me my financial life back and has made it possible for me to plan for my future.”
- DanGreat family law attorney. I consulted with Donna Santo regarding my complex family law case and was immediately impressed with her professionalism, knowledge and experience. Throughout my case I was given status updates and was able to pick up the phone and contact Donna. I never felt lost during the process. Donna was able to answer all of my questions and respond to all of my concerns. My ex wife went through several attorneys and even was self-represented for a while. Through all of this, Donna stayed the course, went to trial and we prevailed on all issues.
Because of Donna’s ability to understand real property laws, ours was in another country, complex income tax issues, self-employment and corporation income components, breach of fiduciary duty in my case, we were able to present our well-prepared case to the court.
Donna, through her vast experience, was able to give me my financial life back and has made it possible for me to plan for my future.
Needless to say I am pleased with the outcome in my case and highly recommend Donna, and her helpful staff, to anyone needing a professional Family Law attorney in Ventura County.
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“I highly recommend Donna Santo and the Mehas law firm”
“I highly recommend Donna Santo and the Mehas law firm.”- Revis J. -
“They are a tremendous blessing.”
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. -
“Donna is a fantastic attorney!”
- EduardoCan’t get a better attorney than Donna Santo. Donna is a fantastic attorney! She was able to comprehend the complications associated with nasty child custody problems and bitter divorce disputes. Donna and her staff were and continue to be extremely caring and empathetic to my family’s needs. I hold Donna with the utmost respect and recommend her to anybody who needs a knowledgeable and savvy attorney.
