Mayor of Spokane declares April ‘Gonzaga University Month'

Mayor of Spokane declares April ‘Gonzaga University Month'

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"SPOKANE, Wash. --- Spokane Mayor David Condon declared April 2017 as “Gonzaga University Month” after the school’s men’s basketball team made it all the way to the championship game in the NCAA tournament."

Relocation after Divorce.

Even if you have had a custody arrangement that has worked for years, it is possible that the parent with primary placement has a job opportunity, or a re-marriage opportunity, that is just too good to pass up.

If you are going to move with the child, you must provide a Notice of Relocation to the other parent, and if you learn that the other parent is going to move, and you oppose the move, you must file and Objection to Relocation.

Washington courts presume that they will allow the parent with the child the majority of the time (“primary placement”) to move with the child, unless the relocation can be “rebutted” by showing harm to the child from the move. Any objection must “rebut” the presumption that the parent can move on the basis of statutory factors that address the harm to the child from removing the child from an established environment and from established relationships.

Such a life-altering step for you and your minor child needs careful thought and superb representation.  There are many and varied statutory factors that the court must consider before making such a ruling.  For many years, Craig has been representing parents in litigating the factors to allow, or to prevent, a relocation of the children. Go into court with veteran Spokane child relocation attorney Craig Mason.  Call him today at (509) 443-3681.

Make Your Easter Weekend Plans for Spokane

Easter Weekend in Spokane

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"This year the Beck family brings you our annual “BIG” Friendly Family Farm FUN Easter Celebration at the Harvest House, starting Saturday April 15th, Easter Weekend!" 

Hold the Phone…They are Trying to Take my Kids.

In a divorce proceeding the other side may issue an “emergency” order to seize property, children, etc.  Often these orders are issued without proper notice giving the other side virtually no time to read or respond to them.  A phone call from the ex-parte courtroom as the orders are about to be signed is not enough notice to do more than stagger into an ambush and lose!

No matter how one-sided and disreputable this may seem to claim an “emergency” when there is none, it is a fact of life. 

Emergency orders, though often abused, exist for good reasons.  Courts issue ex parte orders to “play it safe” when another party has made “hot allegations” that the other parent or partner is a danger to the person requesting the order.  “Just in case,” the courts often grant the ex parte order.

That said, there are unethical attorneys out there who will intentionally abuse “play it safe” tendency in the system and use ex parte orders to grab the children, the house, and the community funds. It is imperative that you do all you can to respond quickly.

In the face of this trauma, a professional family attorney with your interests at heart can undertake the fight on your behalf. That attorney is Spokane divorce lawyer Craig Mason.  Get a very experienced family attorney on your side today by calling 509-443-3681.

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.