916.587.2997Serving Sacramento County, Placer County, and El Dorado County
“I am a definitely a HEAVY HITTER in court.”
– Shannon Ramos, Attorney at Law

Author: Pat Geddie

Child Custody Attorney in Sacramento County

Navigating Child Custody Matters with a Trusted Child Custody Attorney in Sacramento County at Mason Law Office

Child custody disputes are often emotionally charged and complex, requiring the guidance and support of an experienced child custody attorney in Sacramento County. At Mason Law Office, our dedicated team of family law attorneys understands the intricacies of child custody cases and is committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcome for your family.

Understanding Child Custody in Sacramento County: In Sacramento County, child custody matters are determined by the court based on the best interests of the child. This involves assessing various factors, including the child’s age, health, emotional ties to each parent, and the ability of each parent to provide a stable and nurturing environment. A knowledgeable child custody attorney in Sacramento County can help you navigate this process, advocating for your rights as a parent and ensuring the best interests of your child are prioritized.

The Mason Law Office Difference: At Mason Law Office, our child custody attorneys in Sacramento County have years of experience helping families navigate the complex legal landscape of child custody disputes. We take the time to understand your unique situation, listen to your concerns, and develop a tailored legal strategy to achieve your desired outcome.

Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate and personalized legal representation, recognizing that each family and child custody case is unique. We pride ourselves on our responsive and transparent communication, ensuring you are always informed and confident in the progress of your case.

Comprehensive Child Custody Representation: Our experienced child custody attorneys in Sacramento County handle a wide range of child custody matters, including:

  • Establishing initial custody orders
  • Modifying existing custody orders
  • Enforcing custody orders
  • Relocation and move-away cases
  • Paternity issues impacting custody

By working with Mason Law Office, you can trust that your case is in the hands of professionals who understand the unique challenges presented by child custody disputes in Sacramento County.

Choose Mason Law Office for Your Child Custody Case: With a proven track record of success and a commitment to providing compassionate and personalized legal representation, Mason Law Office is the ideal choice for those seeking a child custody attorney in Sacramento County. Our attention to detail, deep understanding of family law, and dedication to our clients make us a top choice for families navigating child custody matters.

If you are facing a child custody dispute or require assistance with a child custody matter in Sacramento County, don’t hesitate to reach out to the experienced attorneys at Mason Law Office. Our dedicated team of child custody attorneys will provide the support and legal expertise you need to navigate this challenging time. Contact us today to discuss your case and let us help you on the path to securing the best possible outcome for your family.

Divorce Attorney in Sacramento County

Navigating the Complexities of Divorce with a Trusted Divorce Attorney in Sacramento County at Mason Law Office

The process of divorce can be emotionally draining, complex, and stressful. During this challenging time, it’s crucial to have the support and guidance of an experienced divorce attorney in Sacramento County to ensure your rights and interests are protected. At Mason Law Office, our dedicated team is committed to providing compassionate, personalized legal representation to individuals navigating the complexities of divorce.

Understanding the Intricacies of Divorce in Sacramento County: Divorce cases can involve a wide range of issues, including property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support. Navigating these matters requires a deep understanding of family law and a keen attention to detail. With years of experience handling divorce cases in Sacramento County, the attorneys at Mason Law Office possess the knowledge and expertise necessary to guide you through this challenging process.

The Importance of Compassionate Legal Representation: At Mason Law Office, our divorce attorneys in Sacramento County recognize the emotional toll that divorce can take on individuals and families. We are dedicated to providing compassionate and understanding legal representation, while also aggressively advocating for your best interests. Our team takes the time to listen to your concerns, understand your goals, and develop a tailored legal strategy that best serves your needs.

A Client-Centered Approach to Divorce Cases: Our Sacramento County divorce attorneys prioritize clear and open communication, ensuring that you are always informed about the progress of your case. We understand that every divorce case is unique, which is why we adopt a client-centered approach, tailoring our representation to the specific needs and circumstances of each client.

Protecting Your Rights and Interests: With the support of a skilled divorce attorney in Sacramento County, you can trust that your rights and interests will be protected throughout the divorce process. From negotiating fair property settlements and spousal support arrangements to advocating for your custody and visitation rights, our team at Mason Law Office is committed to securing the best possible outcome for you and your family.

Why Choose Mason Law Office for Your Divorce Case: With a proven track record of success and a strong commitment to client satisfaction, Mason Law Office is the ideal choice for those seeking a reliable divorce attorney in Sacramento County. Our dedication to providing compassionate and personalized legal representation, coupled with our deep understanding of family law, make us a top choice for clients navigating the complexities of divorce.

If you are considering divorce or are already in the midst of the process in Sacramento County, don’t hesitate to reach out to the experienced attorneys at Mason Law Office. Our dedicated team of divorce attorneys will provide the support and legal expertise you need to navigate this challenging time. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let us help you on the path to a brighter future.

Family Law Attorney in Sacramento County

Navigating Family Law Matters with the Mason Law Office: Your Trusted Family Law Attorney in Sacramento County

Dealing with family law issues can be an emotionally charged and challenging experience. Whether you’re facing a divorce, custody battle, or other family-related legal matters, having the support and guidance of an experienced family law attorney in Sacramento County is crucial. At Mason Law Office, we understand the sensitive nature of family law cases and are dedicated to providing compassionate and personalized legal representation to help you navigate these complex situations.

The Importance of Experienced Legal Representation: Family law encompasses a wide range of legal issues, including divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, property division, and more. Each case is unique, and the outcomes of these matters can have a lasting impact on your life and the lives of your loved ones. That’s why it’s essential to have a skilled family law attorney in Sacramento County on your side to protect your rights and advocate for your best interests.

Mason Law Office: A Client-Centered Approach to Family Law: At Mason Law Office, we prioritize our clients’ well-being and success above all else. Our family law attorney in Sacramento County takes the time to listen to your story, understand your needs, and develop a tailored legal strategy that best serves your interests. We pride ourselves on our responsive and transparent communication, ensuring that you are always informed and confident in the progress of your case.

Areas of Expertise: Our experienced family law attorney in Sacramento County handles various family law matters, including:

Divorce and legal separation

Child custody and visitation

Child support

Spousal support (alimony)

Property division

Domestic violence and restraining orders

Paternity disputes

Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements

By working with our family law attorney, you can trust that your case is in the hands of a professional who understands the unique challenges presented by each type of family law matter.

Why Choose Mason Law Office: With a proven track record of success and a commitment to providing compassionate legal representation, Mason Law Office is the ideal choice for those seeking a family law attorney in Sacramento County. Our attention to detail, dedication to our clients, and deep understanding of family law make us a top choice for individuals facing family-related legal matters.

If you or a loved one needs assistance with a family law issue, don’t hesitate to reach out to the experienced attorney at Mason Law Office. Our dedicated family law attorney in Sacramento County will provide the support and legal expertise you need to navigate this challenging time. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let us help you find the best path forward in your family law matter.

In times of family law disputes, having a knowledgeable and compassionate family law attorney in Sacramento County on your side can make all the difference. Trust the expertise and dedication of Mason Law Office to help you through this difficult time and achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

divorce

Who Gets the House in Your Divorce?

In California, marital property is divided equally among spouses. The state applies the law of community property when a couple is getting divorced. The house is part of the community property. Both spouses have an equal share in the house. However, both spouses cannot live in the home together after the divorce.

Financially, the spouse who stays in the home would need to give their spouse other assets to pay them for their share of the house. The spouse who stays in the home would need to make the calculation about whether they can afford the payments on the home and whether they have enough money to pay the other spouse for their share. If neither spouse can afford to keep the home, they would need to sell it and divide the proceeds equally between the two of them.

Both spouses may want to stay in the house. If there are children involved, the court may decide who gets to stay based on what is in the best interests of the children. The parent who is awarded physical custody would likely be the one to stay.

If one spouse owned the house before the marriage, it would be considered separate property. However, the equity that was built in the house during the marriage could make the house community property, complicating how the house would be divided in the marriage. Nevertheless, the spouse who owned the house before the marriage would likely be the one who gets to stay in the home after the divorce is final.

Contact a Marin County Divorce Attorney Today

Even though California uses the law of community property, financial matters in a divorce are often much more complicated than they seem. To speak with an experienced divorce attorney at the Mason Law Office, you can send us a message online or call us today at 833.770.1372.

Miranda rights

Know Your Miranda Rights

Everyone is familiar with the concept of Miranda rights from watching television. The police officer should tell you that you have the right to remain silent, that anything that you say can and will be used against you in court, and that you have the right to an attorney.

What Miranda rights mean is that police cannot interrogate you when you are not free to go without telling you that you have the right to a lawyer. If you tell police that you do not wish to speak or that you want a lawyer, they must end their questioning of you.

While police should always read your rights, they often have tricks to try to ask your questions before they formally take you into custody. They have seen years of court decisions since Miranda rights were first declared by the Supreme Court, and they have become experts in trying to get around them. From your standpoint, you should know that you never have to speak with a police officer if you do not want to do so. In many cases, there is no upside to answering questions because they will use what you say against you. Once you say it, you may not be able to take it back.

If your rights have been violated, it does not necessarily mean that the charges against you will be dropped. It just means that the police could not use the statement that you made against you or anything that they learned as a result of it.

Contact a Marin County Criminal Defense Attorney Today

The Mason Law Office can vigorously defend you when you are facing criminal charges. You should not go through the process alone. To speak with an attorney, you can call us today at 833.770.1372 or send us a message online.

plea agreement

What is a Plea Agreement?

Only a small percentage of criminal cases will end up in front of a judge or jury. While some cases are dismissed or the charges are dropped, many will also end in a plea agreement. This deal is when you agree to plead guilty to a criminal charge in exchange for lesser charges or a lower recommended punishment.

The prosecutor has their own incentive to reach a plea agreement with you. They likely have a lot of cases on their docket, and they do not have the resources to try each and every single one. They also take a risk when they go to trial that they may not be able to prove the charges against you. Prosecutors do not like to lose a case because they look bad.

If you go to trial and you are convicted, there is a much higher likelihood that you may receive a sentence towards the upper end of the range. Although you have the legal right to make the prosecutor prove their case, it is not always the best option for you.

In a plea agreement, you agree to plead guilty to a set of charges. It may not be the original charges that the prosecutor filed. For example, they may have charged the case as a felony, but you agree to plead guilty to a misdemeanor. Everyone gets something – the prosecutor wins a conviction while you reduce your own risk of a long jail sentence. You may even be able to avoid jail time altogether in a plea agreement.

Contact a Marin County Criminal Defense Attorney Today

If you have been charged with a crime, you need legal help today. You need the Mason Law Office. You can speak to an attorney by messaging us online or by calling us today at 833.770.1372.

contested divorce

Commonly Contested Issues in a Divorce

The hope is that divorcing spouses are able to agree on the issues between them without the need for a trial. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Some parties may need to have extended negotiations or a trial in front of the judge. Here are some issues where disagreements are common.

Custody and Child Support

The parties may not agree on who has physical custody of the children or gets to make the important decisions regarding their health, education, and welfare. Even if the parents agree on custody, they may not be able to agree on a visitation schedule. In addition, they may have disputes about how the children are to be raised.

In addition, the parents may not agree on the amount of child support. Even when the court applies a statutory formula, there may be disputes about other expenses and how they are shared between the parents.

Spousal Support

One spouse may believe that they are at a financial disadvantage, and the other spouse should provide support in the form of alimony. These payments can be either rehabilitative or permanent. However, the other spouse may believe that they either do not have the means or that it would be unjust to order them to support their ex-spouse.

Division of Assets

Although California is a community property state, there may still be disagreements over which assets are part of the community to be divided. The spouses may also disagree over whether assets belonged to a spouse prior to the marriage or about debts that were incurred before or during the marriage. Community property does not mean that the division of assets will always be smooth and harmonious.

Contact a Sacramento Family Law Attorney Today

The Mason Law Office can help you resolve disagreements in the divorce process, either through negotiation or litigation. To speak with an attorney, you can send us a message online or call us at 833.774.0602

DUI attorney

Will You Go to Jail for a DUI?

When people are arrested and charged with driving under the influence, they are concerned about the consequences they may face. One of the most common questions that we are asked when contacted by new clients is whether they can go to jail for a DUI offense. The answer to that question is yes, but it does not always happen.

A DUI is a criminal offense, and the law provides for a possible jail sentence, even after the first arrest. Much depends on the circumstances of the alleged offense. For example, if someone else suffered serious bodily harm or you were driving well above the legal limit, you would be more likely to go to jail if convicted. Most first-offense DUI convictions would not result in jail time. Hiring an experienced lawyer could increase the chances that you would avoid jail, especially if you negotiated a plea agreement.

The chances of going to jail increase if you have been convicted of multiple DUI offenses. For example, a second DUI conviction is punished with no less than 96 hours of jail time, and the penalty may increase depending on the circumstances. The steep penalties for a second offense may give you more of an incentive to fight the charges the first time that you have been stopped for DUI.

In addition to worrying about jail time, you should also focus on other effects of your conviction. Having a conviction on your record could complicate the rest of your life, and you would lose your driver’s license for an extended period of time.

Contact a Sacramento Criminal Defense Attorney Today

The Mason Law Office can provide you with sensible and aggressive legal representation in criminal cases. To speak with an attorney, you can send us a message online or call us at 833.774.0602.

custody arrangement

Different Options for Sharing Custody

Shared custody may be the arrangement that works best for the children. They may benefit from spending relatively equal amounts of time with both parents and when the parents can join in making important decisions.

Parents can share physical custody, where they have a largely even split of the time. There are many different ways to accomplish this division of time. Some parents may alternate weeks of custodial time between the two homes. Others may have something like a 3-3-4-4 split. Parents could come up with creative arrangements to divide custody time with the help of their attorneys. When parents are able and willing to work together, they can devise whatever option works best for the children and fits within their schedule.

In addition, parents can share legal custody of the children. Legal custody involves decision-making for the children. Parents may need to make decisions regarding the child’s education or welfare. The presumption is that the two parents will equally share in the decision-making. Thus, they will need to work together.

It is a common arrangement for one parent to have primary physical custody, but the two parents will share legal custody. In that case, the parent with visitation rights will also be able to participate in decision-making.

The hope is that parents can negotiate an arrangement that is in the best interests of the children and work together as best as they can. If the parents cannot agree on custody, they will need to take the matter to court, and the judge will decide.

Contact a Sacramento Family Law Attorney Today

The Mason Law Office can help you negotiate a custody arrangement to resolve your divorce matter. You can reach an attorney by sending us a message online or calling us today at 833.774.0602.

Sacramento divorce lawyer

Are You Waiting Until After the Holidays to Get Divorced?

The holidays are fun and stressful, and adding divorce to the mix can complicate and ruin your month. There are benefits to waiting until after the holidays to make it official, but there are instances where you should not wait. Discuss your options with a Sacramento divorce attorney from the Mason Law Office. 

Benefits of Waiting

You are unhappy and ready to end the marriage, and no one wants to be in an unhealthy relationship longer than necessary. However, there are some benefits to waiting until the new year. One advantage is less stress because you do not have to explain what is happening to friends and families at social events. When there is less pressure, you can reach amicable agreements.

A significant contention in divorces is your finances, and waiting for the new year makes finances easier. The holidays bring extra expenses, and taxes for divorcees are complex. Waiting a few weeks helps you financially prepare and makes tax filings easier. You can end the year with your married taxes and begin the new year as a divorcee. Our Sacramento divorce lawyers can help you through this process.

Lastly, if you have children, it is challenging for them to see their parents separating during the holidays. They will feel stressed and will not enjoy the holidays now or in the future. When they look back, they will hate the holidays because that is when their parents split. 

Start the Process With a Sacramento Divorce Lawyer

There are many reasons you should not wait until after the holidays to divorce, like safety, timing, less awkwardness at family functions, and avoiding false hope. If you decide to wait until after the holidays for your divorce, you can begin the process now by speaking with a Sacramento divorce lawyer from the Mason Law Office. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.