Monday, December 9, 2019

Guide to Christmas in Spokane: Festivals, Events, Things to Do

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The Christmas season offers plenty of opportunities to spend quality time with friends and family, and in Spokane, Washington, there are many places to get you in the holiday spirit. From special holiday displays and light shows to festive plays, performances, and gift bazaars, Spokane is a wonderful place to celebrate the season.



 


Thursday, December 5, 2019

Happy Holidays from our Family to Yours.

Here at Mason Law we hope that those of you in Eastern Washington and throughout our area have a wonderful, safe, and healthy holiday season.  We have been here helping Washingtonians for with legal issues of all types for decades ranging from civil litigation, to personal injury, to family matters.

While we trust you will not need us in 2020, rest assured that our family will be here to serve yours in the year to come.  When you get a minute, visit our website at spokaneinjuryanddivorcelaw.com.  The very best to you and yours from all of us here in Spokane at Mason Law.

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Settling your Divorce without Trial

Roughly 90 percent of family law cases settle short of trial.  There might be a large battle over initial orders – temporary orders put in place right after the divorce is filed – but then people calm down and realize what the courts are likely to do at trial.  Then, within the range of likely trial outcomes, the parties decide to save all the emotional and financial expense of trial and work out an agreement that is the basis of the “final orders” in your divorce.

In drafting the settlement agreement, you should have competent legal advice to make sure that you know your rights, so that you can fully understand the range of likely trial outcomes.  Also, an attorney can draft your agreement and final orders so that they have the legal effect you intend.

A settlement agreement is an enforceable contract.  Do not wait to get an attorney until after you have signed a settlement contract, which you now regret.

Mason Law in Spokane WA, can help you fully understand your rights, and protect your benefits of the bargain in drafting the agreement and final orders.  If you are about to begin negotiations to resolve a divorce call Mason Law today at (909) 443-3681.

Veterans Day Ceremony: Honoring Those Who Served

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The Spokane VA Medical Center is pleased to join the leadership and members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 51 for the annual Veterans Day Ceremony at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena on Monday, November 11th beginning at 10:00am. Doors open at 9:00am.


Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Halloween in Spokane

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"Spokane in the mood for some creepy, crawly fun. Halloween frights range from finding the gnarliest pumpkin for the perfect jack-o-lantern to scare-your-pants-off haunted locales. Here is a guide to local Spokane Halloween haunts."


Tuesday, October 1, 2019

Fall Things To Do in Spokane

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If you’re visiting Spokane in the fall, don’t miss these fabulous fall happenings!

Monday, September 30, 2019

How to Divorce Peacefully

Divorce can be a low-conflict process, especially if people keep a few things in mind.  (1) The judges are to make parenting plans in the best interests of the children, and if parents also take this viewpoint, then their views can converge on the needs of the children.  Their divergent views of each other can be set aside, and need not ever be resolved, for the marriage to be dissolved.  Everyone can move on.  (2) The judges are to make a just and equitable division of all assets and liabilities, whether the judge ultimately finds the property or debts to be community or separate property.  Parties can step back, and ask themselves:  “What would look fair to a detached stranger?”  While “wants” diverge, what truly is “just and equitable” is likely to converge.

Craig Mason is one of those attorneys in the State of Washington who can guide you realistically to resolution.  While Mr. Mason has intensely litigated cases when his client is under attack.  Mr. Mason will not be the one inciting the conflict.  He will be counseling you in your best long-run interests. If you want to avoid courtroom contentiousness, if possible to do so, call Mason Law located in Spokane at West 1707 Broadway.  What you are going through is tough enough, maybe there is a quieter, gentler solution.  Call the team at Mason Law at (509) 443-3681.

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Just and Equitable Distribution


If you are considering a divorce in the state of Washington, there are three basic things to consider.  These basics apply both to the dissolution of marriages, and to the dissolution of domestic partnerships that are registered with the Evergreen state.


Here are the three:

1.  Washington is a “no fault” state…the courts do not care who was “at fault.” (Infidelity does not matter at all. Please do not try discuss it with the court.)
2.  It is also a community property state. Property gained during the marriage will be characterized as belonging to the marriage…even if one person sat eating bon-bons while the other worked, all labor done during the marriage belongs to the community.
3.  Washington is a “just and equitable” state which means property will be dispersed in a “just and equitable” way, which is not necessarily a 50/50. 

Also, Washington is among the community property states in which even separate property can be given to the other spouse, if the court determines that it is “just and equitable” to do so.

You need help in these complicated court proceedings.  Craig Mason and his team at Mason Law can help you as they have helped many others over the years.  From their office located at West 1707 Broadway in Spokane they will help present your idea of the “just and equitable” resolution to your divorce.  Give Mason Law a call today at (509) 443-3681.

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Reduce the Stress of an Auto Accident.

It is much easier said than done, but if you can focus and think clearly in the aftermath of a collision on the roadways of Spokane you will be better prepared for the aftermath.  When all is said and done, making sure that everyone on the scene is okay is your utmost priority.  Try to concentrate on that initially.

Then, here are some tips –

1.  DO NOT drive away from the scene.
2.  Set up flares, or at least keep your flashers on.
3.  Call the police as quickly as possible.
4.  Make an accurate record of the scene by taking pictures with your phone.
5.  Exchange all insurance information.

Being clear-headed in the immediate moments after an auto accident will go a long way toward not only your physical recovery, but your financial one as well.  If you and/or a loved one have been involved in a car accident in the Spokane area why not call Mason Law?  Craig and his team might have the answers you are seeking.  That number is (509) 443-3681.

Les Miserables - Select dates in August

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First Interstate Center for the Arts
Dates: 8/6/2019, 8/7/2019, 8/8/2019, 8/9/2019, 8/10/2019, 8/11/2019


 

Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Domestic Violence Protection Orders

Domestic Violence Protection (DVP) orders under RCW 26.50 serve a vital function in protecting a spouse, domestic partner, or former romantic partner from misbehavior of the other party, from violence and threats of violence to stalking. (Unfortunately, they are sometimes mis-used for strategic advantage, as well, in divorces or custody battles.)
 
These DVP orders usually first issue from the court “ex parte,” which means without notice to the other person until he or she is served with the restraint.  Normally a fully hearing will be set within 14 days from the ex parte order being granted by the court, so that the restrained person can present his or her side of the story.

The penalties are severe for violating these orders, from a gross misdemeanor to a class C felony.  Even if you are completely innocent of the alleged domestic violence, you must obey the order unless and until it is changed in the full hearing.  To prepare for that hearing, as the person bringing the petition, or as the person defending against a petition, you need good legal help to prepare your facts for the court. 

Craig Mason of Mason Law, located in Spokane, Washington, can help you fully prepare for court, so that your story is heard. Call Mason Law at (509) 443-3681 today.

Tuesday, June 4, 2019

Choosing the Right Family Lawyer for You.

Having the best family law attorney in Spokane for your particular needs can be a very difficult decision.  The right lawyer can make a real difference both in the outcome of your divorce, but perhaps just as important, the sometimes gut-wrenching emotional toll that it takes upon an individual at this very vulnerable time.

Here are some tips –

1.  Interview prospective lawyers expressing your specific needs.
2.  Ask for advice, but make your own decision.
3.  Choose an attorney…not a firm.
4.  Settle for nothing less than expertise and experience.

Mason Law may well be the correct choice for you.  You will find them on the web at spokaneinjuryanddivorcelaw.com.  Once you have done a quick study and maybe read some of the divorce and child custody blogs found there, then pick up the phone and dial (509) 443-3681 for a consultation at their office located at West 1707 Broadway in Spokane.

Wednesday, May 8, 2019

So…You Think you have Already Worked Out your Divorce.

We all hear this from time to time, something like “we pretty much have everything worked out" or "we just need some help to finish the process." At Mason Law, they hope this is true, and if it is, then Mason Law is happy to facilitate final documents.

Often, however, one spouse, relying on unenforceable statements of the other spouse, signed away property to the other, or allowed the other to take large account with significant funds in it, as “their half,” and now that spouse suddenly wants more of what remains.

Or, worse, the spouse making false promises does the same thing regarding child support or parenting arrangements, and your early agreements now put you at a disadvantage. 

Worst of all, men appear belatedly at a law office, who have completed their own divorce, with final documents; and they gave away all equity to their home in lieu of having no child support. Having been served with a modification of child support, then they learn that a promise not to pay child support is unenforceable as against public policy.  Having given away his assets, this ex-husband now faces a post-divorce demand for child support.

There are ways to protect agreements, even equity for child support agreements, but proper legal steps must be taken. Mason Law has long helped Spokane area residents navigate through the formalities and technicalities of divorce law in the State of Washington.  Call (509) 443-3681.   

Monday, April 1, 2019

Is the Other Parent Trying to Get "Sole Custody" of your Children?

Your family has been disrupted by divorce and the kids are caught in the middle. If you do not have really significant behavioral, drug, or problems with crimes that implicate your ability to parent, Washington courts will give you substantial time with your children, even if your soon-to-be-ex is threatening you with "taking the kids from you."  That just will not happen unless you or the courts seriously misfire.

These days the law presumes that it is in the best interests to be raised by both parents, and that is what the court will arrange, unless something goes really wrong.  Some unscrupulous attorneys will promise your angry ex-spouse that they can get "sole custody" and keep you from your children, and they will ramp up hyper-aggressive allegations against you to try to show that your presence is actually harmful to the children.

Spokane family lawyer, Craig Mason, is accustomed to pushing back against these outlandish attempts to keep you from your children, and he has years of experience in helping people like you arrange the facts and witness statements to defeat such attempts to take you out of the lives of your children.

When you hire Attorney Mason and his staff to represent you in a Washington family court you can enter with confidence that you have excellent and effective council.  Make in introductory appointment at Mason Law located at W. 1707 Broadway in Spokane WA by calling (509) 443-3681. 

Monday, March 4, 2019

How Many Parents Can a Child Have?

A child can never have too many people love and nourish the child.

The Washington State legislature has addressed the complexity of modern family life with an entirely new parentage statute.  RCW 26.26A allows for a child to have “more than two” parents, which is true enough with blended families.  The statute adds legal definitions for those who have been parents-in-fact (“de facto parents”) of children for years and gives them a route to be included in visitation orders.

The case law has been evolving rapidly as judges try to provide reasonable regulation to address family-life reality as it comes to the courts. These new statutes will take years to fully interpret in new case law, but the judges and the legislatures are working to protect your relationships with children who need you.

To help you present these complex issues to the judges who are adjusting the law to the new realities, call Mason Law at (509) 443-3681 for an experienced family law attorney to help you maintain precious relationships with the children in your life.