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Westlake Divorce Attorneys Guiding You Through Difficult Times

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:

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

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
  • “She and her staff are professional with decades of experience.”

    I recommend Donna Santo and her staff. She and her staff are professional with decades of experience. They understand the law and how family law cases are heard in the courts. I had an extremely complex custody case with dozens of health professionals, collateral contacts, and opinions floating around. There were so many accusations, crisis, and charges; and every one of them felt extremely important to me. My concerns were serious, and the innumerable quantity along with counter accusations overwhelmed the courts. Donna's office was able to sift through and make sense of things to help get things on track. Donna's office took the time to relate this to the courts in a logical digestible manner for the best possible outcome. It took time. I needed to trust. She knows her stuff, and is strong at the right times.

    - Jason
  • “I recommend them”
    Never fun needing to hire a lawyer but Michael and Donna were great to work with and helped to make the process go smoothly. They were both easy to reach, offered clear advice, and were honest in all of their interactions. I recommend them if you find yourself in need of solid legal help.
    - Brian L.
  • “It’s like a family & they wanna make sure your family is well taken care of”

    I needed assistance ASAP! I called many firms & I was turned away due to COVID & the emergency of my case. I contacted Donna & Michael & they were there so fast, helped me prep, told me what to expect, what they needed from me & explained the processes. I highly recommend their services but be prepared to go to battle because Donna & Michael will literally go into that battle & win it. I have had great experiences with them as a professional team & know when I need them they are there to help, guide & support. It’s like a family & they wanna make sure your family is well taken care of. I appreciate them so much. Thank you.

    - Erika
  • “Donna Santo is a very professional lawyer”

    Donna 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!!

    - Kathy
  • “Donna peacefully found ways to resolve these issues without remorse.”

    Donna and her staff are highly experienced/knowledgeable with family law. My case was complicated by child custody and divorce issues. For several years, my ex sought to always try and bring me back to court for mundane issues. Donna peacefully found ways to resolve these issues without remorse. I highly recommend Donna to anybody needing a qualified legal professional with a heart.

    - J.T.
  • “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.
  • “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 Cassavetes, director of The Notebook
  • “They were prepared and ready for anything.”
    “They were prepared and ready for anything.”
    - Madisen R.