Thousand Oaks Divorce Attorneys
Strong-Yet-Compassionate Divorce Services
Divorce can be scary to contemplate, but for many couples, it is the best choice. At SANTO MEHAS, A Professional Law Corporation, we know how difficult it is to go through a divorce. With over 70 years of legal experience behind us, we are well-versed in all aspects of divorce in California and are prepared to use our wealth of knowledge to help you through it.
Whether you have been married for five years or five decades, we have the resources and skills to handle your case from start to finish. We have worked with many clients in Thousand Oaks on all types of divorces, including high-net-worth divorces. When you need someone on your side, turn to us.
Divorce is never easy. Reach out to SANTO MEHAS, A Professional Law Corporation, for thoughtful, caring representation. Call us at (805) 222-7818 or send us a message online.
Get Help Navigating a Contested Divorce
In California, there are two types of divorces: uncontested and contested. An uncontested divorce is when a couple agrees on all aspects of their settlement. Meanwhile, a contested divorce is more challenging and often more contentious. A contested divorce occurs when a couple disagrees on one or all aspects of their divorce settlement. It is recommended that you have legal representation no matter what type of divorce you are going through. However, it is especially important to secure legal counsel during a contested divorce.
Our attorneys can help with all aspects of your divorce, including:
- Spousal support agreements
- Property and debt division negotiations
- Child custody agreements
- Child support agreements
Not only can an attorney help explain your rights to you, but should you be in a situation where your spouse refuses to come to an agreement with you, they can also represent you in court. Divorce litigation can be challenging, but with the help of one of our experienced attorneys, you can have peace of mind knowing someone is looking out for your best interests.
Child Custody Services in Thousand Oaks
Navigating child custody matters can be one of the most challenging aspects of family law. At SANTO MEHAS, A Professional Law Corporation, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and strategic legal support to help you reach favorable outcomes for your family.
Child custody encompasses both legal and physical aspects. Legal custody refers to the right to make important decisions regarding the child's upbringing, including education, healthcare, and religious instruction. Physical custody determines where the child will reside and the logistics of day-to-day parenting.
Types of Custody Arrangements
- Sole Custody: One parent is granted either sole legal or physical custody, or both.
- Joint Custody: Both parents share legal and/or physical custody, promoting a cooperative approach to parenting.
- Split Custody: In cases with multiple children, custody arrangements may differ for each child.
Factors Considered by the Court
When determining custody arrangements, the court prioritizes the child's best interests, taking into account:
- The child's age and health
- Emotional ties between the child and each parent
- Each parent's ability to provide a stable environment
- The child's preference, depending on their age and maturity
- Any history of domestic violence or substance abuse
Why Choose SANTO MEHAS, A Professional Law Corporation?
Our firm understands that every family situation is unique. We are committed to understanding your specific needs and advocating for solutions that prioritize the well-being of your children. With extensive experience in family law, our attorneys are equipped to handle even the most complex custody disputes, ensuring that your rights and interests are protected every step of the way.
Reach out to SANTO MEHAS, A Professional Law Corporation, today to discuss your child custody concerns. Let us guide you through this challenging process with the expertise and compassion your family deserves.
Professional Mediation Services
Mediation is a valuable tool and can help make the divorce process smoother. When a couple decides to mediate their divorce, they will meet with a third-party mediator. The mediator does not take sides or tell you what to do. Instead, they remain neutral and facilitate the couple’s negotiations as they work towards an agreement. Therefore, you and your spouse will continue to work with your individual lawyers during the mediation process. Your attorney will help you understand your options and can help you make important legal decisions with confidence.
The benefits of divorce mediation include:
- Keeps the terms of your divorce out of the public record
- Reduces stress and potentially reduces contention between divorcing parties
- Can encourage a healthy co-parenting relationship
- Helps couples retain more control over the outcome of their divorce
Mediation can be used to resolve a wide range of divorce and family law disputes, including child custody and visitation, asset, property and debt division, and spousal support. However, mediation is not appropriate for everyone. For example, in highly contentious divorces or cases where there have been instances of domestic violence, mediation may not be a good idea. We recommend you consult with one of our lawyers before moving ahead with mediation.
How Our Attorneys Can Help You
We know how stressful divorce is at SANTO MEHAS, A Professional Law Corporation. We also understand that it can take an emotional toll on everyone involved, especially if your case drags out longer than you expected. Our Thousand Oaks divorce attorneys work hard to help our clients move through the divorce process as smoothly as possible. From handling the paperwork and other logistics to ensuring that you understand all your legal options, we are here for you.
You don’t have to go through your divorce alone. Call SANTO MEHAS, A Professional Law Corporation for strong legal support at (805) 222-7818, or contact us online.
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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“A final settlement in a reasonable amount of time at a price”
- David G.When I brought in this law firm to represent me in my divorce, my wife and her lawyer knew I had gained the ability to fight back if necessary. From that point on, negotiations could proceed. Peace through strength. Fortunately, no protracted or unnecessary fighting was necessary. Due to longstanding relationships, understandings, and trust between my team and my wife's team, deals were worked out on several fronts, avoiding crossing anyone's red lines and resulting in a final settlement in a reasonable amount of time at a price far below what either of us expected to pay.
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“I feel fortunate to have a law firm like Santo Mehas in my corner.”
- Chris K., LA MassageProI feel fortunate to have a law firm like Santo Mehas in my corner. I always felt like I was the most important client they had no matter what the issue was that I was dealing with. Michael Mehas and Donna Santo are accessible, compassionate and incredibly focused on getting me the best outcome for my family and business legal issues. This has been a true blessing to me over the years, and the relief I have felt the times I have dealt with them has made running my business and personal life much smoother. I have also recommended them to several of my friends and clients and I would do so again without hesitation in the future.
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“Michael and Donna are amazing!”
Michael and Donna are amazing! Very supportive, quick with responses and they made my proceedings go so smoothly, providing all information and options I needed to decide what was best for me, and are there if I'm in need of any other information. Highly recommended!- Kristin N. -
“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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“Donna and Michael handled my case with care”
“Donna and Michael handled my case with care”- Laura Q. -
“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. -
“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. -
“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.