Are You Entitled to Property and Custody in Your Divorce?

Many times a spouse seeking a divorce has no idea what they can receive financially.

It is our job to work with you to assess all that was acquired during the marriage, and ensure you receive everything you are entitled to. 

When children are involved, it is even more imperative to make sure the judge is presented with both sides and rules in favor of a custody agreement that suits both parties.

Before filing for a divorce, call us today so we can advise you on the best course of action.

Please Support 'A Labor Of Love'

A run/walk event that is fun for the entire family!

This year's Run 4 Our Lady of the Wayside, hosted by Q104's Jeremiah, will include a free family fun area for kids of all ages.

Whether you are ready to run four miles, two miles or enjoy a two-mile walk with your family, any participation will support Our Lady of the Wayside, a wonderful organization providing assistance and incredible services to children and adults with developmental disabilities.

The event kicks off at 8:30am on Sunday, September 18 at Rocky River High School (20951 Detroit Road, Rocky River, OH 44116).*

*Check In and Race Day Registration from 7:30-8:30 am.

Mark your calendar for Sunday, September 17 for this incredible event and visit Our Lady of the Wayside's website for more information.

Proceeds to benefit Our Lady of the Wayside which provides residential, respite, transportation and day programming services for 600 children and adults with developmental disabilities in Cuyahoga, Lorain, Medina & Lake County.

Are You Ready to File for a Divorce?

Going through a divorce can be much more taxing than many realize.

Knowing your rights in a marriage including property, custody, and financial protection are just a few items an experienced attorney can assist you with. 

Before taking the steps to file, we strongly advise you to schedule an appointment today so we can ensure you are poised to receive all that you are entitled to. 

New Budget Amendment Aims to Protect Landlords in Lead Poisoned Homes

This would be a huge setback for Cleveland, as many families are living in hazardous conditions where lead poses a real and dangerous threat. 

Lead poisoning is a real risk for children living in Cleveland, many of whom still remain unprotected. 

The Plain Dealer recently reported, "this proposal restricts the ability of municipalities, like Toledo, to require higher health and safety standards than the state's current baseline."

This would seek to protect landlords and not the tenants and families who are exposed to lead and whose lives are at risk. Lead poisoning is a real risk for children living in Cleveland, many of whom still remain unprotected. 

Studies found, "in 2015, 3 percent of tested children in Ohio were found to be poisoned by lead. Many of these children reside in certain census tracts -- like Cleveland's East Side -- where up to 25 percent of tested children suffered from lead poisoning."

It remains the goal of our office to ensure children are protected from exposure to lead, and we work tirelessly to hold landlords and property owners responsible. If you fear your family is at risk, contact us today.

Summer Parties Bring Increased Risk of DUI

Celebrate responsibly this Labor Day, designate a sober driver!

A pool party and cook-out may sound like fun, but be sure to designate a sober driver.

Holidays like the Fourth of July and Labor Day weekend bring increased traffic and police presence on the road. Police check points mean greater risk of arrest, so don't get behind the wheel if you've been drinking. 

If you do find yourself facing a DUI charge, we are available 24-7 even on the holidays, and are prepared to represent you. 

New Study Finds Links Between Lead Poisoning and Crime

The Plain Dealer recently reported that more homicides, aggravated assaults and weapons-related crimes are found in areas with a high number of vacant homes, and have a higher number of children suffering from lead poisoning.

This is the first data-driven study on ties between vacant and distressed housing, crime and lead exposure, and was released by researchers at Case Western Reserve University's Center on Urban Poverty and Community Development.

As stated by The Plain Dealer, "Hotspots where the three problems are highly concentrated include much of Cleveland's Glenville neighborhood and parts of Buckeye-Shaker, Mount Pleasant, Union Miles and Slavic Village on the East and South sides as well as portions of the Clark-Fulton and Stockyards areas on the near West Side."

If you are living in these areas and believe your home is at risk for lead exposure, you have the right to protect your children and family from lead poisoning.

Known as leaders in the fight against lead poisoning, we are available 24/7 to help you. Contact us today.

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Prom Season Can Mean Underage Drinking

Going to the prom is more than finding a dress or a tuxedo.

Prom season often leads to after-parties where alcohol is served. We suggest ensuring adult chaperones you trust are present during all after-prom activities.

With drinking and driving on the rise, explain to your teens just how much one DUI or accident can ruin their future. And parents should be aware of the legal ramifications of serving alcohol to minors.

We are available 24-7 and ready to offer legal protection for your child should they find themselves under arrest.

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Cleveland Has Highest Lead Poisoning Levels in Ohio

Our children and residents of Cleveland are at a dangerous risk for lead poisoning.

The Plain Dealer has continued its investigations into the prominent threat that lead poisoning has on families living in Cleveland and found:

• Only 38 percent of the 6,688 lead poisoning referrals statewide were investigated from 2011 to 2015;
• State investigators were able to reach families and complete investigations for only about half the referrals it is was responsible for since 2011;
• When hazardous levels of lead were found, they were cleaned up or the public warned of the danger with placards 57 percent of the time from 2011 to 2014.

The article reported that since 2011, thousands of children's lead poisoning cases were left without investigation, and at least 1,000 homes across the state remained known hazards.

You and your family could be at risk for lead poisoning. It is our mission to protect the rights of families living in these dangerous conditions.

We are prepared to represent you and have the experience you need to ensure your children are no longer exposed to lead. Contact us today.

Distracted Driving Leads to Fatalities

The Ohio State Highway Patrol honored Distracted Driving Awareness Month by posting highway signs throughout the state.

According to OSHP officials, in 2016, almost 14,000 crashes in Ohio had a reported distraction, including over 25 fatal crashes. And from 2015 to 2016, the number of reported distracted drivers rose 5% over the previous year, as reported by WTAP FOX News.

Sgt. Garic Warner, of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, stated, "Manually, you're taking your hand off the wheel, visually you're taking your eyes off the road, and cognitively you're not thinking about driving. Just really think is it worth it? The fines are one thing, but if you cause a fatal accident, or you yourself get hurt seriously, just think about it. Is that text really worth it? Is that call really worth it?”

Arrests and felony charges can ensue even if a driver is sober. It is vital to know your legal rights after an accident resulting in distracted driving. We are prepared to help you. Contact us today.

Come to the Hottest BBQ of the Year!

Support Lady of the Wayside and have a great time by joining us for Grapes & Ale. 

Come celebrate on Friday, May 19 from 7-10pm at Progressive Field with samplings of more than 300 internationally acclaimed wines, craft brews and tastes from some of the sauciest restaurants in town, along with music from The Ace Molar Band.

Tickets are on sale now and we would love to see you at this amazing event, knowing you are helping hundreds of children and adults who use the incredible services of Our Lady of the Wayside. 

Don't Go Through a Divorce Alone

The separation of a family can be devastating.

Divorce can cause problems such as stress, anxiety, depression and panic attacks according to Paula Hall, relationship psychotherapist.

"There's a lot to think about during a divorce, particularly looking after children, telling your parents and dealing with their emotions, moving house, dividing possessions, setting up bank accounts, and continuing your job," she says.

Even if both parties agree on obtaining a divorce, having experienced legal representation is vital. Don't let the divorce process overwhelm you. Let us help you every step of the way. From the initial consultation to court proceedings, we are available to meet your needs 24-7.

Our office is poised to represent you to ensure your financial, parental and property interests are met. Contact us today.  

Routine Traffic Stop Leads to Felony Charges

Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers recently found $32,000 worth of ecstasy pills near Summit County.

After pulling over the vehicle for a marked lanes violation, troopers had probable cause to use a drug-sniffing canine who found 1,418 ecstasy pills, leading to arrests and charges for first-degree felonies.

It's essential to know and understand your rights. Whether you are facing a DUI charge, a drug violation or other instance where your vehicle was searched after a routine traffic stop, our office has the knowledge to work with you and the court to ensure your legal rights were not violated. 

We have fought felony charges involving traffic stops for decades and encourage you to contact the experts for legal help.

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day Without a DUI

This St. Patty's Day, be smart and don't drive under the influence.

Known for being one of the biggest parades in the country, Cleveland knows how to have fun celebrating the day of the Irish. Ohio’s oldest parade, Cleveland’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade typically hosts over 300,000 attendants. Many are already planning to join this year’s festivities on Thursday, March 17. The parade boasts over 10,000 people participating in the parade route.

With all this celebrating comes increased police presence and DUI arrests. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that 276 people died due to drunk-driving crashes on St. Patrick’s Day from 2009-2013.

Festivities in Downtown Cleveland and beyond are sure to bring good cheer to all, but be aware of reckless drivers and take care to avoid any drunk driving situations.

• Uber: A great way to arrange a car ride to the parade, and by using the code JACKPOT, your first Uber ride up to $25 is free.
• RTA: This is the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority’s busiest day of the year, so the RTA makes many accommodations for this day and offers an easy way to plan your route.
• Westlake Cab: Services are available 24/7.

Drivers are encouraged to call #677 if you suspect impaired driving, and the offices of Lipson O'Shea are available 24/7 if you have found yourself charged with a DUI. 

Are Your Kids Safe During Spring Break?

For many parents, spring break can mean a break from school and the risk of their teenagers choosing wild parties and underage drinking.

Whether your teen has a trip planned to Mexico, or is staying with friends during the break from classes, it's important to discuss legal repercussions with them.

Any arrest for drug or alcohol abuse can be detrimental to your child's future. Let us represent you to help your teen keep the best record possible.

New Location, Same Legal Expertise

We are officially moved in at our new location in Downtown Cleveland and ready to assist you with all of your legal needs. 

Whether you are considering a divorce, facing a DUI, looking to protect your business, or considering legal action against a landlord for lead poisoning exposure, we have the knowledge and experience to fight for you.

Let us take your legal issue to court and give you the victory you deserve. Contact us today.

New Address:

Lipson O'Shea Legal Group
Hoyt Block Building - Suite 110
700 W St. Clair Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44113
(directions)

We'll pay for parking!

Drugged Driving is on the Rise

Getting pulled over for suspicion of drugs is becoming more common.

Drugged driving arrests are up 25% since 2015, and police are patrolling for impaired drivers from both drugs and alcohol. It is important to know and understand your rights with every charge, and we have the court experience to represent you in all areas.

With an office open 24 hours, 7 days a week, if you have been arrested or are charged with driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, we urge you to contact us immediately.

Leaders in the Fight Against Lead Poisoning

Our office is dedicated to helping victims of lead poisoning obtain the help and financial resources they need.

Many times landlords are resistant to making repairs to older homes, and tenants are left thinking they are stuck in unlivable conditions. We are poised as experts to prevent families from staying in any condition that puts them at risk for lead exposure.

We are ready to use our knowledge and countless legal wins to give you and your children the legal help you need to protect yourselves. 

Let us represent you and contact us for a free consultation. We will facilitate any assistance with travel and pay for your parking. 

Lead Poisoning in Cleveland Home Takes a Life

Demetrius Wade is another victim whose young life was taken by lead poisoning.

As reported by Freshwater Cleveland, Wade's family lived in Lakeview Terrace, part of the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority. Wade and other children in the complex tested positive for high levels of lead. 

The article states, "In Ohio, the law requires all children less than six years old be tested for elevated blood-lead levels if they meet any of the following criteria: the child lives in or regularly visits a property built before 1978, the child is on Medicaid or the child lives in an area in which at least 12 percent of the children under six are predicted to have elevated blood-lead levels."

Exposure to high levels of lead is very common in the city of Cleveland, as risks significantly increase in homes that were built before 1978 and 90% of houses in Cleveland meet this criteria. 

The city of Cleveland continues to find extremely high levels of lead in these homes, and in 2014 "Cuyahoga County had the highest percentage of children with elevated blood-lead levels in Ohio."  

If you believe your child is at risk, or are living in a home built before 1978, you have the right to have your child tested for lead exposure. Let us help you fight for these rights and contact us today. 

New Year, New Location

Our office is proud to announce we will be moving to a new downtown location.

We will continue to serve our clients on the west side, but wanted to expand our reach to assist those living and working downtown and on the east side.

For decades we have worked tirelessly to help clients facing DUI charges, managed lengthy divorce proceedings, and fought to protect families who were victimized from lead poisoning. We are poised to continue to represent all clients in these matters, and can ensure every client will receive the experience and legal assistance they deserve. 

We look forward to serving you in 2017, and are pleased to provide a more convenient location for all of our clients.  

Divorce Filings Peak After the Holidays

With the end of the turkey dinners and Christmas celebrations, many couples begin divorce proceedings. 

Couples often give their marriage one last try during the holiday season. If young children are involved, some parents decide to wait so they can enjoy one last family Christmas together. 

With the new year comes an increase in divorce filings, and we advise any spouse to obtain experienced legal representation.

If you are contemplating a divorce, contact us immediately to ensure your needs are represented.