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Mediation Guiding You Through Difficult Times

Ventura & Oxnard Divorce Mediators

Offering Alternative Resolutions to Divorce in California

Our mediation program is led by Donna Carol Santo, a Certified Specialist, Family Law California Board of legal Specialization and Certified Mediator through the Institute for Dispute Resolution, Pepperdine University School of Law, who will focus on your specific needs and will work with you to develop a plan that is tailored to you and your family.

We approach the mediation process with the firm belief that you are more suited to make decisions for your family than the court. We believe that empowering you to work through conflict, evaluate your interests and generate options will help you arrive at a resolution that meets your needs and can create a platform for improved communication in the future.

Call today to get started on your case with a free consultation!

Is Mediation the Right Path for Me?

Known as a form of alternative dispute resolution, divorce mediation involves assistance from a neutral, third party, also known as a mediator. Divorce mediation offers benefits going to court does not, including the ability to resolve your marital issue(s) without interference from the court.

In the event of a contested divorce, you have two options:

1. Go to court to have a judge settle disputed matters with your spouse

  • If the court resolves your issues, there is a chance you may not like the court's decision.

2. Retain a divorce mediator to resolve differences with your spouse outside of court

  • Divorce mediation, on the other hand, allows you and your spouse to resolve your matters together.

The Benefits of Having a Divorce Mediator

The mediator is responsible for helping you and your spouse reach an amicable agreement about issues such as:

  • Spousal support
  • Child custody
  • Asset and property division

How to Prepare for Mediation

Preparing for mediation is essential for its success. When parties come together for their first mediation session, it is not uncommon for them to feel overwhelmed with information. By preparing ahead of time, they eliminate some of that strain.

Here are a few ways that you can prepare for mediation:

  • Compile a list of questions, comments, or concerns for both the mediator and the opposing party
  • Create a proposed parenting plan if it applies to your case
  • If applicable, speak with your lawyer before and after the session to get more clarification
  • Research the laws and statutes that apply to your specific issues or questions
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Navigating Divorce Options?

Not sure whether litigated divorce or mediation is right for you? Rest assured that our seasoned attorneys and mediators will help you make the right choice for yourself and your family.

Contact us online today or call us at (805) 222-7818 to book an initial consultation.

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:
  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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
  • “Working with Donna Santos and Michael Mehas was such a blessing.”
    “Working with Donna Santos and Michael Mehas was such a blessing.”
    - Melissa A.
  • “Michael Mehas showed true professionalism”
    “Michael Mehas showed true professionalism”
    - Mary H.
  • “Michael & Donna EXCEEDED my expectations”
    “Michael & Donna ! Where do I begin! ?? You two are VERY SPECIAL HUMAN BEINGS ? I Can't thank you enough for the UNBELIEVABLE support & services I have received from your office. I was in a VERY tough place in the situation I was unfortunately, unex”
    - Alyssa S.
  • “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.
  • “Thank you, Michael, you're a true professional and a very good attorney.”

    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.

    - Judy McDonald
  • “I’d choose her services again without hesitation”
    “I’d choose her services again without hesitation”
    - Parker C.
  • “Donna did a great job on my divorce.”
    “They kept the case on track, knew which options were optimal, and responded well to my preferences for proceeding.They kept legal bills to a minimum as they worked expertly on my behalf.”
    - David
  • “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.”

    Great 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.

    - Dan