Good afternoon.  I am sitting here and pondering ways to get the word out about what I do, how I do it, and why someone contemplating a divorce should hire me.  I honestly do not know the best way to reach people but I sure am going to try.  First, I do not want to rely on word of mouth as it is too inconsistent, and though it is a proven method of increasing business, it takes too long!

I am trying to build my practice to let people know I do things differently.  I take pride in forging connections with my clients and with their spouses to help them, whether in a dissolution negotiation or mediation, which allows them to take charge of their own settlement.

Working out the terms of a divorce, though challenging, is not rocket science or brain surgery.  It involves a systematic disentangling of the accumulated assets.  Using my background in finance and banking, teaching, coaching, and law, I love helping people help themselves.

Of course not everything can be settled.  But, I believe that almost all aspects of a divorce can be settled.

I offer a service that helps people negotiate towards a final settlement at a fraction of the cost– both economic and psychologically.   What I need help with is finding cost effective methods of getting the word out.

Do any of you readers have advice concerning effective and cost efficient methods of advertising here in Cleveland?

Regards,   Mark

Mark a. newton, j.d., m.ed.

Attorney at law

7819 broadview road, suite 4

Seven hills, ohio 44131

________________________

Telephone: 216-798-4830

Fax: 216-393-0053

Advertising Material

A LAWSUIT HAS BEEN FILED.  KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!

The records of the local court show that a lawsuit or foreclosure has been filed against you.

I CAN HELP YOU! I can stop that lawsuit or foreclosure and any wage garnishments.  I can help you get rid of past due debts, such as:  Car loans, medical, utility, cell phone, and credit card bills, and give you a fresh start.

Call me (right now) to answer any questions you may have, or to schedule a FREE consultation, at (216) 798-4840.

I can come to you at your home.  Evening and weekend appointments available.

Sincerely,

MARK A. NEWTON

IF YOU HAVE ALREADY HIRED OR RETAINED AN ATTORNEY IN THIS MATTER, PLEASE DISREGARD THIS MESSAGE.

Personal Holiday Odd Jobs Helper (Shaker Hts. area)

Date: 2011-12-07, 9:39PM EST
Reply to: serv-eenyr-2741859859@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]

Don’t have time to get everything done before the holidays?
I’m your holiday elf!
I can help you with anything below and more:
Run those last minute shopping errands
Clean up/set up the house before a Holiday or New Years Party
Hostess/Waitress during your Holiday or New Years Party
Address all those pesky Holiday Cards
Bake beautiful Holiday Cookies to give as gifts
Watch the kids for a few hours while you play Santa or attend a Holiday Party(for a childcare resume please email me and I’d be happy to send it via email)
Beautifully wrap your presents- from the big ones down to the tiny stocking stuffers

About me: I’m a college junior recently returned from studying abroad for five months looking to stay busy over break before finally returning to the grind of everyday life. December is my favorite time of the year and I enjoy helping others make the most of their holiday experience. Please send me an email if you need help with anything listed above and I will send you my résumé if needed. Thanks so much and happy holidays!

Happy Friday All!

My name is Allie Shapero, associate of Mark Newton and am THRILLED to be a part of Mark’s practice. I will be focusing in areas of Criminal Defense and Family Law. In addition, I teach philosophy and juvenile law at Brown Mackie College. I feel extremely lucky to look forward to “work”. Tennis, yoga, people, bad jokes, baking, pulling pranks on people, and words with friends are just a few of my favorite things. (If you want to see my feisty side, add me in words with friends “Lady Als of Cuyahoga”–this name is as close as I will get to royalty

I will be posting on our blog frequently and share my own posts as well as provide links to interesting articles.

Have  happy (stress-free) holidays!!!

Mediation and Divorce Negotiation

It’s ten p.m. and just finishing up five hours of negotiation in two cases.  One was a wonderful mediation where after months the parties are near settlement.  Sticking point is whether to value or not value an asset.  It is awkward in mediation, especially when one party wants to waive it.  As a mediator, I cannot give my opinion about “fairness” but how do you let someone walk away from literally multiple hundreds of thousands of dollars?  More on this issue later.

After long negotiations and discussions I am drained but in a peaceful way.  It takes me about two hours to process and calm down from always having to be “on”!  But, wow, the trust that the participants give me is humbling.  What keeps you other mediators going?  What motivates you to do this work?

Holiday Marriage Blues

ENDING YOUR MARRIAGE
Managing Holiday Stress

The holidays can be stressful for many married couples, especially for those who stay together just to get through an event, even when the soul of their marriage has vanished. The burden of this façade is especially heavy between Thanksgiving and early January. This time period can feel like a landmine; but it doesn’t have to feel that way.
Here are three tips to manage as you prepare to end your marriage and start anew.
1. Take Control. Stay calm and cool. Take the “high road.” Next, start planning. Contact a mediator or lawyer before the new year to find out your options (yes, you have them)! Getting answers reduces anxiety.
2. Maintain Healthy Boundaries. Contrary to what you may believe, you don’t have to live up to the expectations of your spouse, parents, siblings, or anybody else. What they say or do doesn’t have to upset you. The only person who can make you upset—or calm—is you. Be kind to yourself.
3. Plan Your Options. During the stressful holidays, it can be helpful to learn about your options for ending your marriage. One option is mediation, which can be advantageous for the entire family. Another option is a no fault dissolution where the parties amicably resolve all their issues such as splitting debts and assets, spousal and child support, and the parenting plan. Dissolution and mediation can help lower stress.

A huge advantage of alternative divorce processes is that they are less costly than a litigated divorce. Finally, I advise that in mediation and dissolution negotiations, the couple decides the issues, and not the lawyers or judges. You do have control over the outcome.

Mark Newton, Esq. is an established family law mediator and attorney. There is no charge for initial consultations. Take Control. Contact Mark, or his associate Allie Shapero, Esq. at 216-798-4840 or newtonlawfirm@gmail.com. “Let Go or Be Dragged.”-American Proverb

How Long Can I Stay In My House if I Filed a Chapter 7 and Elected to Surrender My Home to the Mortgage Company?

Mortgage Company?

If you choose to surrender your home in a Chapter 7, when do you have to move out? Here is an excerpt from a recent e-mail we received, (this happens to be a common scenario):

“My wife and I filed Chapter 7 and had our meeting with creditors on February 9, 2011. We included mortgage in bk. How will we know when we need to be out of here? We don’t want to be forced out of our home. We don’t want to lose our home and want to stay here as long as we can, we love the home and want to try to start saving money. What should we do now? Thanks, B.“

My advice to this client? Even if you choose to surrender your home as part of your Chapter 7, the automatic stay provision of the Bankruptcy Code still protects you, at least temporarily.  At some point in the near future, the mortgage company will file a motion in bankruptcy court called a “Motion for Relief from Stay .” To simplify, the purpose of this motion is to ask the Judge to life the automatic stay so that they can pursue their state law remedies.

In a Chapter 7 case where you have stated your intention to surrender your home, this motion is somewhat of a formality. Your lawyer will likely advise the mortgage company’s lawyer that you (the debtor) have “no opposition” to the Motion and it will be granted. Nevertheless, the mortgage company has to follow the procedure of getting relief from the stay.

Cheers to new beginnings,

Mark & Allie

Should this wrongly convicted death row inmate be able to sue the prosecuting attorney?

http://www.latimes.com/news/la-na-court-prosecutors-20110330,0,3197489.story?track=rss

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/contemplating-divorce/201010/divorce-without-shame