Westlake Divorce Lawyers

We Offer Personalized Divorce Services

Divorce is never anyone’s first choice. We know that this decision is one that you did not make lightly, and we understand how stressful, overwhelming, and isolating divorce can be. With this in mind, SANTO MEHAS, A Professional Law Corporation, works hard to provide clients with the range of personalized divorce services they need to feel confident and supported. With 70 years of legal experience, our attorneys have the skill and knowledge you are looking for. When you work with our Westlake divorce attorneys, we aim to help you achieve the most favorable outcome possible.

Call our law firm at (805) 222-7818 or send us a message online to schedule a confidential consultation.

Amicable vs. Adversarial Divorce Processes in California

Generally speaking, there are two types of divorces in California: uncontested and contested. Uncontested divorces are when the spouses agree on all aspects of their divorce. Typically, these are the most amicable divorces and do not require court intervention. Contested divorces are when the spouses disagree on certain aspects of their divorce. Even one contested matter will mean a couple must undergo the contested divorce process. Additionally, those going through a contested divorce may find that they must attend divorce court to litigate their divorce before a judge.

Ways that working with an experienced attorney may benefit you include:

• Professional guidance on important legal matters
• Avoidance of costly legal mistakes
• Reduced stress and peace of mind
• Someone on your side, protecting your rights

No matter which type of divorce you are going through, it is always recommended that you work with experienced legal counsel. Even the most straightforward, amicable divorces can be complicated, and mistakes are easy to mistake. However, by working with a skilled divorce lawyer like ours, you can rest assured that all aspects of your divorce will be handled professionally and correctly, saving you time and money.

Divorce Mediation Benefits

Many people ask us how divorce mediation works and what its benefits are. When you and your spouse decide to mediate your divorce, you will meet with a neutral, third-party mediator to negotiate your divorce settlement. The mediator acts as a facilitator, helping you and your spouse come to terms. The mediator does not take sides, does not tell you what to do, and does not provide legal guidance. Because of this, it is also recommended that you and your spouse each retain your own legal representation to assist you during the mediation process.

Common divorce issues that can be mediated include:

• Asset and property division
• Debt division
• Alimony
• Child custody

Mediation can be very beneficial as it helps couples work through their divorce disputes without having to go to court. This fosters a less stressful and antagonistic divorce process and can help co-parents develop a strong foundation for future dispute resolution. Mediation is also beneficial in that it keeps your divorce private. When a divorce has to be litigated in court, the matter becomes part of the public record, something many wish to avoid.

We Are Experienced Divorce Litigators

In cases where a couple cannot agree on divorce terms, the divorce may need to be litigated in court. This means taking your matter before a judge and having the court decide the outcome. Though this may be a stressful prospect, you do not have to go through it alone. SANTO MEHAS, A Professional Law Corporation, is here to help. We understand how challenging it is to litigate a divorce, and we appreciate that this may not have been your first choice. Our lawyers are here for you during this difficult time, and we are committed to helping you through it, one step at a time.

Schedule a consultation with one of our Westlake divorce attorneys today. Send us a message online or call us at (805) 222-7818.