Ventura Spousal Support Attorneys
Serving Ventura County, Oxnard & Surrounding Areas
In California, the court has discretion over determining spousal support or alimony – especially when it comes to deciding the duration of the support. Certain “equitable principles and guidelines” are referenced to establish both the amount of support and its duration.
While spousal support can be established without the court’s discretion, it is not always this easy. If you or your spouse are unable to settle your spousal support issue, you should contact an experienced attorney.
Contact us online or call us at (805) 222-7818 to speak with our attorney today!
How Spousal Support Is Calculated in California
Either spouse can request spousal support based on need and ability to pay.
Spousal support requests require each spouse to divulge their financial information, including income, bills, assets, property, debts, and additional expenses, and calculate accordingly.
Types of Spousal Support in California
The types of spousal support in the state of California are temporary or permanent. Under certain circumstances, California recognizes reimbursement to the community for community contributions to a spouse’s education or training.
Temporary Spousal Support:
This type of support is to maintain the status quo, giving the lower-earning spouse time to establish himself/herself financially. It is typically used to cover living expenses during the divorce process. The support may be awarded from the date of the request until the divorce is finalized.
Permanent Spousal Support:
Permanent spousal support is determined based upon several factors, some of which are:
- Each spouse’s earning capacity
- Each spouse’s needs based on the accustomed marital standard of living
- Each spouse’s assets, debts, and other financial information
- Each spouse’s age and health conditions
- The amount of time the spouses were married
- The paying spouse’s ability to pay spousal support
- If there is a documented history of domestic violence against either spouse or the child
- If either spouse has a criminal conviction
- The amount the paying spouse contributed to further the education or professional development of the supported spouse
Is Spousal Support Tax Deductible in California?
The short answer is “no.”
Can Spousal Support Be Modified?
The short answer is “yes.” Spousal support can be modified.
Why Hire Our Ventura Spousal Support Lawyers
Spousal support can be very complicated to figure out. While the court does consider many factors when calculating spousal support, there is not an exact formula that will let you know what the amount will be. It is important to hire a lawyer who will protect your rights and interest when it comes time to determine spousal support.
We offer free initial consultations to new clients. Contact us online or call us at (805) 222-7818 to get in touch.
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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“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.
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“Donna and Michael handled my case with care”
“Donna and Michael handled my case with care”- Laura Q. -
“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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“I would definitely recommend their firm for anyone!”
The Santo Mehas team has been exceptional in handling my case. They are very experienced, have given me good advice and representation, and they have worked on my particularly complex case almost as if I were family. They have shown support beyond professionally, but also personally. They have worked with me financially, and are very fair and understanding. I would definitely recommend their firm for anyone who needs family law assistance!- Heather L. -
“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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“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 -
“Working with Donna was refreshing.”
“Working with Donna was refreshing.”- Daniel W. -
“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!!
