
Ventura Child Custody Lawyer
Child Visitation Rights in Ventura County, Oxnard & Surrounding Areas
Just because your family dynamic changed after a divorce or separation does not mean you cannot see your child anymore. A child custody order and visitation order, or parenting time as it is called in California, establishes how this dynamic will work.
Child custody and visitation orders can still get complicated, though. It is helpful to seek the counsel of an experienced family law attorney in Ventura who will know your rights as a parent and work to protect them.
At SANTO MEHAS A Professional Law Corporation, we understand that navigating child custody and visitation issues can be one of the most emotionally challenging aspects of a divorce or separation. Our experienced Ventura child custody lawyers are dedicated to protecting your parental rights while ensuring the best interests of your child are prioritized.
Whether you are negotiating custody agreements, facing complex disputes, or seeking to modify an existing arrangement, our firm offers compassionate and strategic legal support tailored to your family’s unique needs.
Reach out online or call us at (805) 222-7818 to speak with our Ventura child custody lawyers
Our Ventura Child Custody Services
Comprehensive Child Custody Services in Ventura
- Legal Custody: Legal custody determines who has the authority to make major decisions about a child’s welfare, including education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. Our Ventura child custody lawyers will advocate for your role in these critical decisions and help mediate or litigate disputes when necessary.
- Physical Custody: Physical custody determines where the child lives. Our attorneys work diligently to secure arrangements that promote stability and a positive environment for your child.
- Visitation Rights: For non-custodial parents or extended family members, ensuring meaningful visitation rights is essential. Our Ventura visitation lawyers strive to create fair and enforceable visitation schedules that respect the rights of all parties.
- Parenting Plans: Parenting plans provide a roadmap for co-parenting responsibilities. Our team helps draft comprehensive plans that address custody schedules, decision-making authority, and conflict-resolution mechanisms.
- Custody Modifications: Life changes such as relocation, job changes, or remarriage can necessitate modifications to existing custody orders. We guide you through the process to ensure compliance with California law.
- Relocation/Move-Away Cases: When a custodial parent wishes to relocate, it can create significant challenges. Our team helps present compelling arguments to the court, whether you’re seeking permission to relocate or opposing a move.
- Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): We encourage out-of-court resolutions through mediation whenever possible, as it often results in quicker, less adversarial outcomes. However, we are prepared to litigate fiercely if necessary.
How Child Custody/Visitation Orders Are Determined in Ventura
California grants child custody to either one parent or allows each parent to share custody. It is important to note that a judge has the final decision about child custody orders. Still, he/she will typically approve an arrangement the parents have agreed on. If this is not possible, the judge will determine a child custody issue in court.
What are Child Custody Orders
The court will grant a child custody order based on the best interest of the child standard.
Additional factors will aid in the child custody decision-making process, including, but not limited to:
- The child’s age
- The child’s physical and mental health
- The relationship between the child and each parent
- Each parent’s ability to care and provide for the child
- The child’s accustomed style of living
- If one parent has a history of substance or domestic abuse
To understand how child custody orders are determined, you should understand the type of custody orders available: physical and legal custody.
Physical custody
Physical custody refers to where the child will reside and who will provide the child with day-to-day care. Physical custody is either granted as joint, meaning shared between the parents, or sole physical custody, which is granted to one parent.
It is very difficult to split joint custody time exactly half the time with each parent, so it is common for one parent to have more time with the child than the other. This parent is called the primary custodial parent.
If one parent is awarded sole physical custody, the other will usually be granted visitation rights.
Legal custody
Legal custody refers to who will make decisions regarding important elements of the child’s life. These decisions could be related to education, healthcare, religious beliefs/influence, and/or extracurricular activities. A parent can be granted joint or sole legal custody.
Parents who have joint legal custody do not necessarily have to agree on every decision related to their child. However, they should communicate their wants and do their best to cooperate.
Learn more about how our Ventura child custody and visitation lawyer can help you. Call (805) 222-7818 or contact us online today!

Contact Our Ventura Child Custody & Visitation Attorneys Today
Child custody cases require both legal expertise and compassion. At SANTO MEHAS A Professional Law Corporation, we are committed to helping families in Ventura find workable solutions that prioritize the well-being of their children.
You want the best for your child. Let us help you with your child custody and visitation orders to ensure you can maintain this standard. Do not hesitate to contact us; here, you are family to us as well.
Reach out online or call us at (805) 222-7818 to learn more about our child custody and visitation services.
California Child Custody & Visitation FAQs
Can grandparents seek visitation rights in Ventura?
Yes, California law allows grandparents to request visitation rights if it serves the child’s best interests. Courts evaluate the relationship between the grandparent and the child as well as the family dynamics.
Can a parent with sole custody relocate without the other parent’s permission?
No, the custodial parent typically must seek court approval or obtain the non-custodial parent’s consent before relocating if the move impacts the visitation arrangement.
What happens if a parent violates a custody or visitation order?
Violating a court order can result in legal consequences, including fines, changes to custody arrangements, or even contempt of court charges. It’s essential to address violations through the proper legal channels.
Do I need a lawyer for a child custody case?
While it’s possible to represent yourself, custody cases often involve complex legal and emotional issues. An experienced lawyer ensures your rights are protected and increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

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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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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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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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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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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“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.
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“I have the highest recommendations for this office”
- Chris L.Concern for my personal well being through the divorce process was present from our initial meeting. The process was thoroughly described and projections on the length of time to achieve the outcome made clear. The financial projection was painful but provided me time I needed to arrange my assets. I have the highest recommendations for this office.
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“If 10 stars had been a choice I would have given them 10 STARS.”
“If 10 stars had been a choice I would have given them 10 STARS.”- Paul R. -
“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. -
“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. -
“If you think you need help, you do and I recommend this firm.”
If you think you need help, you do and I recommend this firm. After a very sticky situation in court, Donna and Michael came in and saved the day on short notice. Not only are they a very knowledgeable firm but truly care about their clients. They take the time to listen and in turn explain the legal side to bridge the gap in feelings vs law.- Bonnie V. -
“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.
