De Facto Parentage

Have you taken over the role of a parent for a child, perhaps in a marriage in which the other parent was absent or unfit, and now you are divorcing and fear losing contact with your step-children?  Or have parents simply abandoned some children with you for years, leaving you to bond with them, and now a parent has returned and wishes to end your role in the children’s lives?  You might seek a de facto parentage action.

In Washington, the four factors the court will evaluate are:

(1)  Did the biological parent or legal guardian of the child foster this parent-like relationship?

(2)  Did you and the children live together in the same household?

(3)  Did you assume the obligations of parenthood without expectation of financial compensation (ruling out most foster parents). 

(4)  Did you parent the children long enough to form a strong, bonded, dependent, and parent-like relationship?

If so, then the court may protect your rights to visitation with these children. 

For this complex matter, contact Craig Mason of Mason law at 509-443-3681 for a consultation to protect the hearts, souls and well-being of these children to whom you have given so much.

Have you made your St. Patrick's Day Plans?

Spokane St. Patrick's Day Guide - Make Your Plans!

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"According to legend, St. Patrick rid Ireland of snakes. Here in Spokane, we still have snakes, but that doesn't make us any less appreciative of the gesture he performed on behalf of our Irish brethren. After all -- whether you're Irish or not -- the country's spirit and culture is certainly worth celebrating!"

“He said…She said.”

When a divorce proceeding degenerates to this, it can be a sign that things have turned nasty, and the courts tend to find both parties “equally” to blame.  If the conflict gets too "hot," in reality or by allegation, the court may enter some form of “no contact” order.

In the State of Washington, there are different types of orders designed to prevent contact between two people…even if those people have lived under the same roof for years.  This can take on many and varied meanings of “contact”.

In this day and age prohibited contact can include texting, emailing, Facebook, even the old-fashioned three-way communication where you have someone speak to another person on your behalf.  People are accustomed to referring all orders preventing contact as “restraining orders”.  The type of order and who issues it will more specifically determine the restraints.

Next time, we will examine these different types of orders and their meaning.  For now, if you are served with court papers don’t dread making that call to a lawyer.  Spokane area restraining order attorney Craig Mason will take action on your behalf immediately.  Give him a call for a consultation at (509) 443-3681.

The Proper Use of Your Time When Served with a Restraining Order.

When an ex-parte order is served in a divorce case the real work begins.  If you have the proper representation, then your attorney will know exactly how to prepare for the hearing which will take place in about two weeks.  How your attorney handles your case during this crucial period may ultimately affect the outcome.

As stressed-out individuals we often get caught up in responding to “temporary orders”.  These may include who gets the house, the car, who controls the bank accounts UNTIL the trial.  By the time we get around to hiring the proper family lawyer we may already be bogged down.  It takes patience and time to properly respond.

DO NOT WAIT to hire the right person!  That decision becomes easy when you discover the experience and credentials of Spokane, WA divorce attorney Craig Mason.  If your spouse was able to obtain an unjustified ex-parte restraining order Craig will handle it for you.  Call his office located at 1707 W. Broadway Ave. in Spokane at (509) 443-3681.

Hiring the Right Family Attorney.

Family law often involves too much conflict and litigation, whether it is a divorce or unmarried parents establishing a parenting plan, or adjusting child support to changing incomes.  As long as the attorneys on both sides do their jobs, the court is likely to apply the statutes and case law in a very predictable way. 

If the other party begins intensely litigating to put “their” facts before the court, then you must respond with equal intensity to put your facts before the court.  As long as each side does their job getting their facts to the court, then you are right back to where you began, getting the same decision you would have gotten before the intense litigation began.

This is why so many family law clients appreciate Craig Mason as their family law attorney.  Mr. Mason seeks amicable resolution as his first approach to his cases, and he often finds creative ways to formulate agreements that meet the needs of both parties.  However, if the other party, or the opposing attorney, insist upon intense litigation and a “war over the facts,” Craig Mason will work very hard to help you present the documents and witnesses you need to make sure your side of the story is told, so that the court can make a fair decision.

Quashing a Restraining Order.

Okay, so perhaps you got hit with a disturbing piece of paper to start the New Year…a restraining order.  Seriously, why now?  It does not matter when it happens, it hurts all the same.  You may feel distraught, but you are definitely NOT powerless!  It’s time to fight back and quash that restraining order.

If you act quickly in concert with a great family law attorney you can set in motion the process to quash any “no-notice” order on two-days’ notice to the other side.  Sometimes it can happen even more quickly than that, if you can get your defense together right away.  It is important to get to court BEFORE the hearing date set in the order.  For example, when an ex-parte order is served up to fourteen days before your hearing, and if you are restrained from your children, you do not want to wait that long to see them.

All of this may be overwhelming to the layman, but not to a veteran family lawyer.  The right man to call and take immediate action is Spokane restraining order attorney Craig Mason.  Attorney Mason will “go to bat for you” right away.  So do not hesitate even one day.  Call Spokane, WA family lawyer Craig Mason at (509) 443-3681.

Starting 2017 with the Right Attorney.

If you have a family legal issue on your mind as the New Year begins we know it is a heavy burden to take into 2017.  Just as marriage is a part of most lives, unfortunately divorce is also a part of about half of those lives.  Approach this situation with a fresh perspective.  Separation or divorce may be inevitable this year, and hiding your head in the sand won’t change that.

Maybe you have already encountered the first step in the process - the realization that this union is no longer best for you or your family.  You have jumped the first hurdle.  Now you must prepare for life as it will be in the months and years to come.  That cannot be done without professional representation and the right family attorney to represent you in court.

When it pertains to the divorce courts of Spokane and Eastern Washington hundreds of men and women have trusted the services of Craig Mason.  For decades this Spokane area family attorney has helped people navigate through the system to get the most favorable and fairest results possible.

Contact Craig early in the New Year to meet at his office at 1707 W. Broadway.  Call (509) 443-3681.