If you are looking for a divorce lawyer and have made the tough decision that it is time to end your mortgage, it can be difficult to know where to start.

The initial consultation can be extremely nerve-wracking and doing some pre-meeting research and preparation is essential to making a positive start to your work together.

This blog will tell you exactly what to expect from your first meeting with a divorce lawyer and give you some top tips for how to make your conversation as productive as possible.

Be ready to get personal

In order to give the most effective counsel, your lawyer will need to know all the details relating to your case.

Given the nature of divorce cases, this will mean that you need to be willing to talk about potentially highly sensitive and emotional issues right from the start.

Some of the information that a divorce lawyer is likely to ask for in your first consultation includes your children’s current arrangements, where you live, the state of your finances as a couple and alone, how long you have been married, and what you are looking to get out of divorce proceedings.

They will also need to know what caused the marriage to break down as this information can be crucial to setting realistic goals for the outcome of the case.

Make a list of priorities

In order to represent you in the best possible way, it is important for your lawyer to understand what your priorities are during divorce proceedings.

Financial settlements, children’s living arrangements, and division of assets such as property are all often the focus of divorce cases, and knowing exactly what you want to get out of the separation will allow your lawyer to develop a gameplan focused on achieving your goals.

Be Honest

It is vital that you are honest with your divorce lawyer about the circumstances surrounding your divorce.

Without all the relevant information at hand, it is impossible for a lawyer to act most effectively in your best interests, and they could be blindsided later in proceedings.

Details such as new relationships, finances, and the events that led to the start of divorce proceedings are all factors that could be crucial in deciding the outcome and you need to be completely honest in regard to these particulars.

Although it may be tempting in the heat of the moment, there is no benefit to putting exaggerated blame at the door of your former partner, if the evidence does not support your statement, so stick purely to the facts at all times.

Be Realistic

A divorce is a negotiation process and managing your expectations is key to not being disappointed with the outcome.

If you come into the process expecting to be granted sole custody of the children, all the money in shared accounts, and the house, you are likely to be disappointed so setting realistic goals is vital.

Some of the key facts about the divorce process that you should understand prior to beginning legal proceedings to avoid unrealistic expectations include:

Divorces can take a long time

On average, in the UK, divorces can take up to 9 months to finalise. Even then this is only to formally end the marriage agreement in the eyes of the law, and any specifics concerning children or finances can take much longer to resolve.

Sole Custody is rarely the best option

Family law is focused on making decisions in the best interests of children caught in the middle of a divorce, and when possible, will always look to ensure that they have access to both parents’ post-separation.

Unless there is genuine evidence that your partner is an unfit parent and cannot be trusted to care for their children, it is very unlikely that you will be granted sole custody, and attempting to achieve this outcome is generally a bad idea.

Finances will almost always be split

If you go into a divorce thinking that you won’t have to share any finances or assets with your former partner, you will probably be disappointed.

If you have been married for more any significant period of time it is likely that money and other assets such as property will be considered legally joint and the default point for negotiations will be a 50/50 split.

It may be that in the right circumstances you are able to secure more than this but expecting to retain 100% of your house, pension, or savings is not a realistic approach.

Contact Oracle Law

Oracle Law Family Law is the leading supplier of top quality family law services at fantastic prices for customers across Scotland.

For more information, or to arrange a consultation, call us now on 0141 332 0915, or fill out our contact form.

How Businesses Can Save Money Using Fuel Cards

Using a business gas card can be a great way to save money on gas. With some cards you can receive a discount of up to 6 cents per gallon. You can also get a percentage of your fuel purchases back as cash.

Find the best card for your needs

Whether you’re a small business owner, or you fuel a fleet of cars, the best business gas card will make the task of buying gas easier. Typically, these cards offer a small bonus for gas purchases, plus the ability to track and manage fuel purchases.

Some cards also offer bonus rewards for other common business expenses, like airfare or computer supplies. However, a business card is only as useful as its spending limit, so make sure you know what you’re getting into.

The best business gas card might be the one that gives you the most bang for your buck. There are cards that offer huge rewards for gas purchases, as well as those that offer a low standard interest rate.

Track expenses with expense tracking tools

Whether you are tracking business gas card expenses or a personal budget, expense tracking tools are a great way to track your spending. They allow you to see if you are meeting your financial goals and can give you a clear picture of your income.

Expense tracking apps vary in price and features. Some are free, others cost $5 or $30 a month. The best ones will give you an accurate picture of your spending and help you to improve your credit score.

A good expense tracking tool will import transactions from your bank account, credit card, and mobile wallet. They should also provide you with reports in real time.

Get a fuel discount of 6 cents per gallon

Using a fuel discount card can help you save up to 6 cents per gallon on your fuel purchases. There are several different options available, but the one you choose depends on your business needs. The card can be a one-time purchase, or it can carry a balance. Regardless of which option you choose, there are several advantages to using a business gas card.

If your business is in the trucking industry, you may be interested in a single-fleet card that offers a network of over 2,000 truck stops. These locations offer discounts on gasoline, wireless plans, hotels and auto parts.

The BP Business Solutions Mastercard offers rebates of 6 cents per gallon on fuel purchases. This card is ideal for medium to large trucking fleets. The card can be used at any BP or Amoco gas station. There is a $10 monthly account fee, but it is waived for fleets that purchase 5,000 gallons of fuel or more each month. You can also use the card to pay for maintenance services.

Get 3% cash back at any gas station

Whether you drive a gas-powered vehicle or rent a car, you spend a lot of money at the pump. The best gas credit cards can help you save hundreds of dollars per year. However, finding the right one can be tough.

If you need gas on the go, a card that offers 3% cash back at any gas station may be the best option for you. But, be aware that the rewards may differ from card to card. Depending on the issuer, the rewards may be miles, points, or cash back. If you fill up often, you may want to consider a card that offers a full range of rewards.

Get 2% cash back on utilities and 1% back on all other purchases

Using a credit card to pay your monthly utility bills can be a wise financial move. This can help you save money while also improving your credit score. However, you need to make sure the card you choose offers a reward that is more than just a simple fee.

A great credit card to use for paying utility bills would be one that has a flexible bonus category. Some credit cards allow you to select a bonus category once within the first thirty days of opening your account. Other cards allow you to select one again before the start of each quarter.

One example is the Voice Credit Card(r) from Huntington. This card earns a whopping 3X points per $1 spent paying your bills. In addition, it has no annual fee. It also offers no foreign transaction fees.

Get additional employee cards

Adding employee cards to your business can be a smart move. It can streamline the purchasing process and turn your employees’ purchases into rewards. And it can save your business money at every fill up.

The company gas card is a no-brainer for companies with employees who frequently drive for work. However, not every business will benefit from this type of card. For instance, a single car owned by a sole proprietorship will not be affected.

On the other hand, a large fleet of vehicles could benefit from a business fuel card. A fuel card can help your employees manage their expenses and make fuel purchasing smarter.

When building your dream home, you want to ensure it meets the current safety standards. Enter the building inspector, a government employee who reviews plans and inspects sites to ensure compliance.

The career requires physical stamina and a bachelor’s degree in engineering or architecture. Those interested in the job can enrol in programs at community and junior colleges.

Job Duties

A building inspector ensures that new structures are built by local and federal regulations. Their duties include visiting construction sites, evaluating building integrity and identifying code violations. They also perform regular inspections to ensure structural safety measures are in place and work with construction professionals to resolve any issues. Depending on their job, these professionals may inspect office buildings, homes, dams, and bridges.

Governments typically employ these professionals, but they can also be found in private businesses or construction companies. They must possess excellent communication skills as they interact with construction professionals and the public to discuss findings from their inspections. A thorough understanding of building codes and ordinances is essential.

Depending on the size of the project, they might be required to visit a construction site several times throughout the building process. For example, they might make an initial inspection before a foundation is poured and then follow-up inspections every few weeks until the structure is completed and ready to be occupied. For commercial projects, they might inspect mechanical systems, electrical wiring, plumbing and other aspects of the building.

Other responsibilities of this position may involve reviewing blueprints, examining contracts, and ensuring that the project complies with zoning ordinances and contract specifications. They might also have to identify additional safety requirements in areas prone to natural disasters or bad weather.

Some building inspectors also must be able to climb ladders, enter confined spaces and navigate construction sites that often have varying terrain and conditions. They must always use appropriate safety precautions and adhere to strict personal protective equipment (PPE) standards.

A building inspector who carries out these tasks independently must be self-motivated. Still, those who work for government agencies or private companies will typically have more structured schedules and are expected to comply with the company’s policies. Both roles require considerable time management skills as they must complete multiple inspections quickly. The voluntary professional certifications that building inspectors can earn can help to advance their careers.

Education and Training Requirements

Building a dream home or commercial structure can be risky if construction crews don’t adhere to local and federal standards. To prevent such structural failures, government employees like building inspectors visit construction sites to check for violations and ensure that all construction meets standards before a project is considered complete. If a breach is discovered, these professionals are responsible for shutting down the building until proper measures are taken to correct the issue. They also write detailed reports and communicate with construction teams, employers, and clients.

Education and training requirements for aspiring building inspectors vary by state and industry. A high school diploma or equivalent is the minimum requirement, and on-the-job training is critical to the learning process. Some vocational schools offer specific programs in building inspection technology that can provide a competitive edge for job seekers. Other qualifications include being detail-oriented, having mechanical knowledge and having physical stamina.

Some aspiring inspectors pursue a bachelor’s degree in construction management or construction economics for a more well-rounded educational experience and broader employment opportunities. A bachelor’s degree program is typically longer and more expensive than a certificate or associate degree program.

Vocational schools or trade schools are another option for aspiring building inspectors who prefer to learn in an in-person setting and want the opportunity to ask questions while taking classes. Many of these schools also have flexible course schedules that allow students to take one class at a time or work towards their diplomas part-time.

Aspiring building inspector can also take courses and workshops from professional associations. These courses are usually short and cover topics such as safety regulations, inspection techniques and best practices for different types of structures. These courses can also be used as continuing education credits to maintain professional certification.

In addition to coursework, aspiring inspectors can gain valuable hands-on experience by joining a mentoring program with experienced building inspectors. These programs allow participants to follow their mentors on inspection rounds and observe how they conduct structural inspections. They can also learn to use various tools and test equipment, including meters, moisture detectors, cameras, and other measuring devices.