What is a tax accountant?

Tax accountants do exactly what any good accountant does, they help their clients to save money.

investment services

The difference is that they do this by helping them to avoid common errors in the tax return process, and by finding innovative ways to reduce the amount of tax due whilst still fully complying with all legal requirements.

Every day, tax accountants will spend their time advising organisations and individuals on tax issues, not only overseeing standard tax efficiency but also providing key information on the tax implications of business transactions such as mergers or acquisitions.

Every single business and individual in the UK is impacted by tax laws to some extent so if you are a trainee accountant looking for a career path where you will never be short of work, becoming an accountants for tax is certainly a great option to consider.

Individual tax accounting vs business tax accounting

Tax accountants will advise both individuals and businesses, but will take a slightly different approach to each client.

On the individual side of things, tax accountants will focus on investment gains, income tax, write offs, and any other ways which they can reduce the tax burden on their clients and keep more of their hard earned cash in their pockets.

If they are self-employed, they may also help them to file their own self-assessment tax return.

Some of the ways that an individual accountant may help individual to avoid paying tax on savings that they have already paid tax on, for example, is to make the most of their ISA allowance, gift money to children, and invest more into their pension.

They can also give you information about capital gains tax exemptions that may be available to you.

If you are looking for a tax accountant, or simply want to learn more about what it is that these experts do, do not hesitate to get in touch. We look forward to speaking to you soon.

What about business accountants?

Almost all businesses need a great accountant, whether they hire one in house or use the services of a third-party.

In any business there are a huge amount of cogs turning at any one time, and the vast majority of them have some tax implications that ned to be considered.

R&D tax credits, for example, will reduce the amount of tax that companies who have invested in research and development have to pay, but only if they file an accurate application. A tax accountant will help you to do just that.

Tax accountants are also often chartered accountants in their own right and will also be able to perform a myriad of other more ‘standard’ accounting services such as account preparation and cash flow forecasting.

It is actually recommended that you do indeed seek out a multi-skilled accountant no matter the original reason that you needed one as once you have a trusted professional to call upon you will save yourself the time and effort of searching for one in the long-term.

A Quick Guide to Mobile Tyre Fitting

Let’s be honest, getting your tyres fitted is an inconvenience for most of us.

No-one is exactly excited to drive to the garage and spend a couple of hours waiting around for their tyre to be fitted or repaired. Even if you can drop off your car on the way to work you will need to find a way to get there and back without your usual mode of transport.

mobile tyre fitting

Don’t fear, mobile tyre fitting is here to save the day.

With mobile tyre fitting from mobile tyres Glasgow, fitting, replacing, or repairing your tyres has NEVER been more straightforward.

We will come directly to your location at t time that suits, meaning there will be little to no disruption to your day.

Even better, we will give you some top advice on how to car for your tyres and can even store tyres on your behalf until you need them again.

We aim to make mobile tyre fitting as simply as possible for our clients but understand that if you have never used such a service before it can be a little bit confusing.

How does it work?

Simple, you call up your local mobile tyre fitting company, arrange a time and a place to meet and wait for them to arrive. Having a tyre fitter come to you rather than you to them is highly convenient and much safer if you are currently driving on a spare space saving tyre.

A technician will arrive in their mobile tyre fitting van equipped with everything they need to change your tyres or repair them if possible.

If you are having your tyres changed for the winter, and your old ones are still in good condition they may also be able to take them away and store them safely for you until you need them once again.

Most people choose to have their tyres changes at their home or place of work, purely for convenience, but one of the best things about mobile tyre fitting is that fitters will also travel to the roadside to get you back on the move in the event of a blowout.

This service can reduce the amount of time that you are off the road from several days to no more than a matter of minutes.

Mobile tyre fitting is one of the most underrated and most convenient services offered in the UK, and only recently are people truly catching onto how beneficial using it can be.

Are there any downsides?

Not really. The main possible downside would be that mobile tyre fitters may charge slightly more for the act of changing tyres than a garage. However, this is rarely a big difference and you have to factor in the time and money that you would have to spend taking your car into the garage.

Otherwise, as long as you choose a trained and qualified REACT mobile tyre fitter, the service has very few possible downsides to consider at all.

How to make the most out of a skin clinic consultation

Your first visit to a skin clinic is vitally important. It’s your chance to ask any questions that you have about your upcoming skin treatment and get a better idea of what your chosen clinic is like.

A skin care consultation involves discussing all of your skincare concerns, desires, and what you hope to get out of the treatment process.

If you merely have an outcome in mind and don’t mind how you get there, many clients are simply looking to achieve a more youthful appearance, a skincare practitioner will use this consultation to identify the best treatment for you.

Proper preparation at this stage will make the whole process a lot more straightforward so it is important to go-into your consultation well-prepared and understanding what you are looking to get out of it.

Follow this guide and you will be one step ahead of the game going into your skin clinic consultation.

forehead injection

Step 1: Identify your goals

If you don’t know exactly what treatment you want just yet, that’s fine, but if you don’t know what you are looking to achieve, it will be difficult for even the most highly trained healthcare professional to assist you.

Before your consultation, take some time to workout exactly what it is that your biggest skin concerns are.

No matter if it is wrinkles around the eyes, lines on the forehead, or a loss of volume in the lips, a clear understanding of what you want will ensure that the time you spend with your skincare expert is more productive by far.

Step 2: Write down a list of questions

We’re sure you have plenty of questions you want to ask your skin care clinician during your consultation. At luxeskin.co.uk we encourage our clients to ask as many questions as they can during these initial appointments.

It not only reassures them and give them peace of mind but also allows us to create a tailored treatment plan more aligned with their needs.

Try to write down a list of questions you have regarding the process itself, the results to expect, the side effects that are likely and anything else that comes to mind.

You know how it is, don’t write them down and you’ll arrive at your appointment only for your mind to go blank.

Step 3: Revise your medical history

Any skin care expert worth their salt will want to know extensive details about your medical history before agreeing to treat you.

Take a look through your medical records and remind yourself of any details that may be useful. Skin related issues are most likely to be relevant, for obvious reasons, but other health concerns such as an allergy to anaesthetic are also important to know.

Step 4: Take a notepad

Taking a notepad with you to your consultation will allow you to note down any key information you don’t want to forget. Many people these days choose to take notes on their phone, its entirely up to you.

6 common types of roof repair

Home maintenance can be incredibly stressful, especially when all your possessions and the safety of your loved ones come under threat.

Some maintenance you can do yourself, DIY style, including routine cleaning, and minor repairs around the home.

One area you should always leave to the professionals, however, are roof repairs. Roof problems come in all shapes and sizes, but all share the same threat to the structural integrity of your property.

The earlier that you spot a roofing problem and contact your local roofer the better, giving them the best possible chance of being able to repair the roof completely and avoid complete replacement being required.

To help you spot the early signs of roofing issues, we have put together this guide to 6 of the most common roof repairs performed on domestic roofs in the UK.

Roofer at work

1)    Tile/shingle replacement

The are a huge number of different tiles and shingles used on properties across the nation. Over the years, each one will naturally degrade to a certain extent as a result of continued exposure to the sun and extreme weather conditions.

If you fail to deal with shingle related issues, the problem will quickly escalate into leakages and the other nearby shingles are likely to follow suit.

Just some of the shingle related issues that we carry out repairs for on a regular basis include granule loss, shrinking, cracked or dislodged tiles and shingles, splitting, and much more besides.

2)    Leaks

The worst nightmare of any property owner, water leaks occurring due to your roof being compromised can do a huge amount of damage to your possessions and home.

The precise issue causing the leak, may it be a loose tile, or cracked flashing, can be difficult to identify, but a leak will make its presence felt very clearly and you should call your local roof repair expert the second you spot one, no matter how minor it may be.

A large percentage of the roof repair jobs that we are called out to have started with the homeowner spotting a water leak. There is a good chance that roof repairs to deal with leaks may be covered by your insurance but either way, having the work done will save you a huge amount of money in the long run by avoiding major structural damage and even complete roof replacement.

3)    Gutter repair

Gutters play an incredibly important role in your home. They remove water from the roof safely, and prevent it from pooling near your property, keeping you safe during periods of heavy rain.

Gutter damage is, therefore, a serious threat, and leaves and debris building up over time is a common cause of blockages that prevent your guttering from working as it should.

You should have your gutters regularly cleaned to prevent this from happening (once a quarter if possible). If it is too late for this, however, and your gutter is cracked or has come away from the property, you need to call a roof repair expert as soon as possible.

4)    Standing water

Flat roofs can be stylish and extremely convenient so it is no surprise that they are installed on many residential homes and outbuildings across the nation.

That said, if they are not installed with the appropriate sloping, or weathering causes depressions to form over time, water can being to pool on the surface, particularly during periods of heavy rain.

If you don’t take action to avoid this, you will soon be dealing with a lot worse than a few puddles as this additional weight can lead to the roof membrane being permanently damaged and major leaks occurring.

5)    Lack of ventilation

Many people don’t even realise that their roof needs ventilation, but it absolutely does, and a lack of it can have severe consequences, including high energy prices, leaking, and mould and mildew growth occurring as a result of the high humidity level in your attic.

When conducting repairs on your property, roofers will not only check that the roof is weatherproof and that water is unable to penetrate it, but also that there is an appropriate amount of ventilation. This may include the replacement or relocation of air vents if required. To avoid this being a major issue in your future, make sure to choose an experienced roofing company when installing your new roof as they will know exactly how many vents are required and where they need to be located.

Shingle repair

6)    Flashing repair

Flashing plays a key role in protecting your chimneys, vents, and shingles from water and must be repaired immediately if it comes away from the mounting surface.

The caulking used to install flashing has a much shorter lifespan than the roof itself and should be inspected for signs of deterioration on a regular basis.

For more information on any of the roof repair services we offer, get in touch with Vertex Roofing Glasgow today.

6 Reasons to buy an infrared sauna

If you have ever been to a boutique spa or high-end gym and used their sauna facilities, the chances are that you won’t need too much convincing that having one at home is a fantastic idea.
Infrared sauna glasgow

Just in case you do, however, or you have only ever tried out a traditional Finnish style sauna and are wondering what all the noise is that you have been hearing about infrared saunas, we have put together a list of some of the biggest benefits to home infrared sauna installation.

There are a huge array of health and wellness benefits to using a sauna of any kind on a regular basis, reducing stress, making it easier to sleep, soothing sore muscles and much more besides.

Scientific research is discovering new benefits of infrared sauna installation on a regular basis and the surge in popularity that we have seen in the market in recent times is only going to escalate in months and years to come.

Get ahead of the curve now and get yourself your very own home sauna, utilising the latest in infrared technology to achieve the ultimate relaxation experience.

What is an infrared sauna?

Before we look at reasons why infrared saunas are such a smart investment, we first need to understand exactly how they work.

Infrared saunas can look like traditional wood clad saunas, or they can be finished in a more contemporary modern style, but either way they work in quite a different way.

Rather than using electric or a wood stove to raise the temperature of the room to a high level, infrared saunas send infrared waves into the body of the sauna occupant. This is a more effective and more energy efficient way to raise their body temperature, produce a deep sweat, and detoxify their body whilst the room itself is far more bearable to be in.

Always use one of the leading infrared sauna installers Glasgow to ensure that you home sauna is of the highest possible quality.

6 benefits of Infrared saunas

Reduced muscle pain

If you have ever used an infrared sauna whilst recovering from a muscle injury or after a tough workout, you know the relief that they can bring.

Infrared heat penetrates deep within the tissue of the skin, targeting muscles and joints and sending a plentiful supply of oxygenated blood their way.

This results in both instant relief and faster healing over time, and even those who suffer with chronic pain from arthritis or similar have reported symptomatic relief from using an infrared sauna.

Better sleep

Infrared saunas are the perfect tool to unwind before bed and can even result in a better quality of sleep afterwards.

Saunas help the body and mind to relax, having a destressing effect that puts you in the perfect mood for a calm and deep sleep. Regular sauna use has been linked to prolonged REM sleep cycles, leaving you feeling far more refreshed and ready to tackle the day ahead when you wake up.

Boost your immune system

By raising your core body temperature, an infrared sauna will trick your body into thinking you have a fever and will send white blood cells flooding to your aid.

If you are healthy at the time and there is no virus to fight, these cells will help to boost your immune system and will reduce the risk of you becoming ill in the first place.

Scheduling regular infrared sauna visits will reduce the risk of you picking up nasty bacteria and increase your immunity to illnesses such as the common cold.

Socialisation

Your home sauna can be a place of solitude to relax on your own and get away from it all. It can also be a place of socialisation, however, and many people choose to use their sauna time to catch up with friends or family.

You will be carrying on a long tradition by using your infrared sauna in this way as saunas have been used for socialisation by Finnish people for several millennium, not to mention the steam baths of the ancient romans.

infrared sauna installers Glasgow

Improved cardiovascular strength

Like all saunas, infrared saunas are great for heart health. As your heart rate increases in response to an increase in body temperature, your blood pressure will fall, along with a decrease in inflammation.

This will also help to train your heart in a similar manner to cardio exercise such as running or cycling and reduce the risk of a number of extremely serious and even life threatening health problems such as cardiac arrest or cardiovascular disease.

Healthier looking skin

Heat from an infrared sauna will cause your body to sweat, removing dirt, chemicals, and other debris that have built up over time and leaving your with clearer and more healthy looking skin.

It can also have a detoxifying effect on the body, helping you rid your body of heavy metals such as mercury that have accumulated under the skin.

We are the leading infrared sauna installers Glasgow so get in touch now for more information.

7 steps to making your home pest free

If you have ever found your home invaded by insects, rodents, birds, or any other pest species, it isn’t an experience that you want to repeat any time soon.

Instead of waiting until pests have already infested your home and only taking action once it is too late and damage has already been done, be pro-active in your approach and take steps to make your property less attractive to these species.

Pest Control in Preston

When it comes to pest control in Preston, professional help is never far away, so get in touch with your local experts if you ever feel as though things are getting out of control.

1) Eliminate Entry points

If pests are unable to access your property in the first place, they won’t be able to do you any harm.

 Unfortunately, many pests are extremely small and can squeeze their way through the smallest of gaps.

It might not be feasible to seal each and every crack around your windows or in your exterior walls, and insects will undoubtedly be able to find their way inside somehow, but filling in some of the larger gaps with steel wool or similar will make it significantly harder for larger pests such as mice and rats to gain access.

2) Use sealed containers for food storage

Many pests such as rodents rely on their enhanced sense of smell to navigate and your unsealed food packaging will be like a beacon to their highly-sensitive nose.

Many insects, such as pantry moths will also thrive in these environments so make sure to use sealed containers for any open food goods, especially cereals, grains, and crackers.

3) Keep your home tidy

Regular cleaning, including vacuuming, mopping, and dusting, are essential to the overall hygiene of your home. They also make the property less attractive to pests, as there will be no piles of untouched clothing or fabrics that they may decide to make their home.

During the cleaning process you will also remove crumbs and other food waste that might attract pests in the first place.

4) Keep your drains clean

Drains and sinks clogged with gunk are a haven for pests who will thrive in the filth covered environments that we find disgusting.

If you see signs that your sink is beginning to drain slower than it once did or can visibly see a blockage, it is time to either have your drains professionally cleaned, or to use a homemade drain cleaner such as baking soda combined with vinegar.

5) Don’t leave waste lying around

Leaving waste lying around either inside or outside your home is never a good idea. Make sure that all our external bins have a secure lid, especially those containing food waste.

Most people are well aware that this type of trash is appealing to pests, especially in city centres where birds, foxes, and rodents are regularly seen sifting their way through domestic dustbins, but your garden waste, particularly compost and leaf litter, are also ideal habitats for a wide variety of different pest species.

6) Wash out recyclables

It is not only general waste that you need to take care with when guarding against pest infestations but recyclables too.

Many people throw away their cans, bottles, and other recyclable packaging thinking that they are doing the right thing, without realising that they are leaving remnants of the prior contents on the inside.

Make sure to thoroughly rinse out all your recyclables before putting them into the appropriate bins. This will not only reduce the risk of your property being the victim of a pest infestation but will also help out your local waste collection team and recycling centre.

7) Know the signs of pest activity

You will often see the signs of a pest infestation before the pests themselves and knowing what to look for can be vital in preventing a problem from getting out of control.

Unfortunately, by the time you actually see rodents such as mice and rats, there is probably already a large population nearby and professional Pest Control in services are required.

Take the time to learn the common signs of the most prominent pest species in your area, giving you the edge when it comes to keeping them at bay.

Call a professional pest control expert

Pest controller

By following the advice in this guide, you will be able to significantly reduce the risk of a pest infestation occurring in your home or business.

If you have already seen signs of pest activity or believe that there is an established pest infestation on your property, however, don’t panic.

A professional Pest Control expert will have all the training and experience to deal with the problem, using tried and tested methods such as pesticides, trapping, heat treatments and much more besides.

Once the treatment program has been completed and your property is pest free once again, you can then put the preventative measures mentioned above in place to guard against a repeat incident in the future.

Double Glazing vs Triple Glazing – Is it worth the upgrade?

Replacing single glazed doors and windows with double glazing is widely considered as one of the best home upgrades that you can make in terms of energy efficiency, security, and style.

In the modern world any property without double glazing is considered below standard due to rapid heat loss that will occur through single glazed glass.

For a while, if you were having your windows replaced, getting double glazing was a no brainer, but there is not a new kid on the block in the form of triple glazing.

This article will look at whether it is worth going one step further when installing new windows Edinburgh and having triple glazing installed or whether you should stick to the double glazing that has been the go-to choice in UK homes for decades now.

New windows edinburgh
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Double vs triple glazing – What’s the difference?

In basic terms the difference between double glazing and triple glazing is as simple as it sounds; double glazed windows are constructed out of two panes of glass whilst triple glazed windows are constructed from three.

As it is likely some years since your double glazing was installed, new modern triple glazed units are also likely to come with a range of additional security and energy efficiency features within the frame itself.

But these are also present in new double glazed units, and given the additional cost of going one step further and choosing triple glazing, is it really worth it.

This is exactly what we are about to help you find out.

Energy Efficiency

In a time when making the most of your energy has never been more important, for both environmental and financial reasons, energy efficiency is the biggest property of new window buyers.

As with the switch from single to double glazing, triple glazed glass is an upgrade in terms of energy efficiency as it is harder for heat energy to escape through three panes of glass than two. As a quarter of the total heat energy produced in the average domestic home in the UK is lost through windows, triple glazing really does help you minimise your heating bills, and will save you a huge amount of money over the years.

However, the upgrade from double to triple glazing is not as large as the one from single to double, and whilst you will make savings over time, it will take you a few years to recoup your investment in making this upgrade. If you plan to be in your property for many years to come, triple glazing is a no brainer but remember you must combine your new windows with other heat saving measures such as proper insulation in order to keep your energy bills as low as possible.

Prevent Condensation

Condensation forms when cold patches form around the home that come into contact with excess moisture.

Windows tend to have a significantly higher U-Value, the scale used to measure thermal efficiency, than walls, meaning that condensation will often form on the inside of poorly insulated windows.

Triple glazing offers far better U-Vales that double glazing and hence the risk of condensation is much lower. Preventing condensation from forming on the inside of your windows is important for a number of reasons. Firstly it indicates that as mentioned above, less heat transfer is occurring between the inside and outside of your home. It also reduces the amount of moisture in your home and lowers the risk of mould and mildew growth as a result.

Our triple glazing is also fitted with innovative thermos-spacer bars between the panes of glass near the frame that are designed to eliminate cold spots and reduce the risk of condensation even further.

window installer

Eliminate outside noise

If you live in a busy town or close to a main road you are more likely to see the full benefits of triple glazing that if you live out in the countryside.

This is due to the fact that triple glazed glass achieves far superior noise reduction, blocking out sounds of cars and lorries and making your home a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The exact type of glass that will suit you best will depend on the type of sound you are trying to reduce and a professional installer will work with you to find the perfect solution.

Overall, Triple glazing is a fabulous long-term investment for the future of your home. You might not see the immediate savings that you did when you switched from single to double glazing, but they will be there, and the additional noise reduction, security benefits, and lower risk of condensation that an extra pane of glass brings tips the scales even further in favour of triple glazing.

Pros and cons of boiler servicing

Boiler servicing is considered an essential part of your annual home maintenance, keeping your home and loved ones safe, and energy bills as low as possible.

Despite this, many thousands of people across the UK still choose not to arrange a service whether as a money saving attempt or simply because they were too busy and forgot.

In this article we will look at some of the biggest pros and cons of having your boiler serviced on an annual basis by registered Gas Safe engineer.

Pros

boiler technician

Reduce your energy bills

If you own or rent a property in the UK, you will be all too aware of the current energy crisis that has seen bills rise across the nation. Times are tough enough as it is without paying more than necessary as a result of your boiler not being as energy efficient as it could be.

When conducting boiler services Glasgow a Gas Safe engineer will not only check for faults but will also help to prevent the build up of soot and debris that gathers over time and can negatively impact upon your boiler’s ability to run efficiently.

This will help you make sure that you get their very most out of the fuel that you consume and help you to keep your home warm for less during the cold winter months.

It will also reduce your impact on the environment by eliminating unnecessary fumes and reducing the amount of time that you need to have your heating system operational to heat your home.

Protect your warranty

Most new boilers come with a 10-15 year warranty that will be invaluable should there be a major fault that requires repair or replacement work to be carried out.

However, these warranties are often conditional on you having your boiler serviced on an annual basis. Failing to have your boiler service could, therefore not only increase the likelihood of a problem arising but will also result in you being responsible for the full and often significant cost of fixing them.

Keep yourself warm this winter

A boiler breakdown is never pleasant, but in the depths of winter it can be a complete nightmare and can threaten the safety of you and your loved ones. Regular servicing will significantly reduce the risk of this, keeping your home lovely and warm until spring finally arrives.

Should you decide not to have your boiler serviced and a fault does occur as a result the cost of an emergency call out for a Gas Safe electrician will far exceed what it would have cost to have the boiler serviced in the first place.

The winter is the busiest time of year for these highly trained professionals as well, meaning that you might not be able to have your boiler fixed straight away, leaving you without heat at the time that you need it the most.

Extend your boiler’s lifespan

Regular servicing can dramatically increase the lifespan of your boiler resulting in major long-term savings.

Just because you haven’t notice minor issues does not mean that they do not exist and a Gas Safe engineer will be able to find and resolve problems that could otherwise develop into potentially fatal ones.

Cons

boiler services glasgow

Cost

The main reasons that some people decide not to have their boiler serviced is to avoid the associated cost of hiring a Gas Safe engineer to do so.

You have already paid to have the boiler installed and are repeatedly forking out for ever rising energy bills so it makes sense that you may wish to try and save yourself some money by missing out on an annua service.

However, this is not a sensible money saving method and will almost always result in you having to pay significantly more money in the long term.

There are several reasons for this including an increased likelihood or major faults requiring expensive repairs, a drop in energy efficiency rates as a result of a lack of ongoing maintenance, and a reduction in the overall lifespan of the unit.

Inconvenience

With so many things going on in your life it is little wonder that you haven’t got around to organising, or simply forgot to organise a boiler service.

You might even be considering skipping the service all together to avoid having to take time off and be at home all day whilst the service is carried out.

However, there really isn’t any need for major disruption to your life as a result of boiler servicing and a Gas Safe engineer will usually have the whole unit carefully inspected in under an hour and a half.

Most engineers will also be very flexible with their availability so you will be able to arrange the service around your schedule.

Do I need a Divorce Solicitor if we agree on everything?

solicitor-glasgow

Divorce is not uncommon and while unfortunate, it’s something many couples end up going through. There can be many causes for a divorce, but in some cases a separation is amicable and appears like it can be settled in a clean, clear, and fair manner. But in this case do you need a divorce solicitor?

In this article we’ll look at the benefits you can get from a divorce solicitor even in the case of an amicable

So, do I need a solicitor?

Speaking in the simplest possible terms you do not – there is no requirement for a solicitor whether you and your former partner agree or not. A solicitor is not a legal requirement.

However, there are very good reasons you should enlist the assistance of an experienced divorce solicitor even in an amicable separation and look for divorce solicitors near me.

Expert Advice on the Divorce Process

To put it simply, you are likely not going to be an expert in the various legal matters, laws, or legislation involved in a divorce. There is a lot to handle and attempting this as an amateur can easily lead to a disaster.

These are just some of the questions you are going to have to ask when organising a divorce,

  • Are you looking to have the house sold? Does your partner want to sell the house?
  • Do you know exactly what you are going to need?
  • Do you know what pensions you have – do you understand the schemes and how they work?
  • Do you know what the assets are present?
  • What income do you have? Do you know what your ex’s income is?
  • Who is responsible for the mortgage? Who will end up being responsible for it?

There is a lot to consider here.

Divorce is a complex legal matter and involves a lot of paperwork and discussion. There are factors like finances and children to consider – specifically, how are financial assets going to be divided, how are matrimonial assets going to be split up, and how is childcare going to be organised?

Making mistakes in this can result in serious problems in the future – as you may find that assets were split in an unfair manner after the divorce has gone through and as a result find yourself in an incredibly poor financial situation. Given how much is involved, it’s easy to miss out important details. This is obviously something you are eager to avoid!

These discussions also have the potential to turn what is at first an amicable divorce into something a lot more difficult and contentious. Disagreements are likely to emerge at some point and can easily spiral.

A divorce solicitor is an amazing help here because they can help you navigate an incredibly complex situation. They will be able to explain the process to you in detail, so you know exactly what is going on at every stage – ensuring you avoid any confusion or mistakes. This is, to put it lightly, invaluable.

Another benefit is that by clearing up the complexities of the divorce process a solicitor can help and ensure it remains an amicable process.

Speeding it Up

Divorce without a solicitor is likely to take a lot more time. As you’ll need to research the complex matters behind the law in depth to avoid making any errors or mistakes (as these will slow down the process, or worse, result in you getting a very poor deal).

What about going to court?

A divorce solicitor will mean it is more likely that you’ll be able to avoid going to court to get a fair settlement.

A good, experienced divorce solicitor always recognises that court is the last option for anyone and will work to avoid matters going to court. Instead, they will aim for an amicable arrangement and deal (and the best deal possible at that). This means you’ll be able to keep the issues you’re facing outside of court – and this can really help you avoid a very stressful experience.

In the case matters do proceed to court, it will be vital to have an experienced solicitor. A solicitor will represent you thoroughly and work to guarantee the best possible outcome.

If the Divorce becomes unamicable

For a variety of reasons, a divorce which initially appeared amicable and clear cut can become difficult.

In the case a divorce becomes difficult or contentious, and your ex becomes uncooperative, operating without a solicitor can be incredibly difficult and can seriously affect your ability to successfully manage the divorce – especially if your partner ceases communicating with you.

A solicitor can communicate with your ex-spouse on your behalf which can massively ease up the process and ensure it continues as smoothly as possible.

Becoming a criminal justice lawyer – A step-by-step guide

lawyers-glasgow

More people than ever are choosing to study law at UK universities. With over 26,000 applying for undergraduate courses according to The Law Society.

Criminal law has become particularly popular as a career pursuit due to the depiction of criminal defence lawyers glasgow in film and TV.

However, whilst shows such as How to Get Away with Murder and Suits may make being a lawyer appear exciting and exhilarating, and it certainly can be as a fully qualified lawyer, the road to criminal justice lawyer is long and challenging.

Several years of study will be required before you are even close to being ready to be called to the bar, and before you send off your application it is important to understand some of the biggest obstacles you will face along the way.

Step 1 – Undergraduate Degree

No matter what area of law you wish to pursue you will have to complete a bachelor’s degree of some kind.

However, despite popular belief, this does NOT have to be a law degree.

Of course, a background in law gained through such a degree would give you a head start later down the line but as long as the programme you choose is broad and develops your writing, critical analysis, speaking, and problem solving skills, your dream of becoming a lawyer is alive and good.

Many people with an end-goal focus of becoming a criminal lawyer will choose an undergraduate degree in business or economics as this will help them when it comes to specialising in certain areas of law down the line.

Step 2 – Law Qualifications

For those who decided not to study law at undergraduate level, but do hold a bachelor’s degree of some kind, students can transfer their area of study to law by the completion of a paralegal apprenticeship.

In England and Wales, this comes in the form of a Graduate Diploma in Law whilst in Scotland, the equivalent course is known as a Graduate Entry or Accelerated LLB.

When applying for one of these courses make sure to specialise in criminal law if you wish to pursue a career as a criminal justice lawyer.

Step 3 – Becoming a solicitor

In order to become a solicitor, you must pass the Legal Practice Course and sign a training contract with a firm of solicitors.

Sound easy? Well, competition can be quite fierce, especially at well-respected criminal law firms, although holding a Graduate Entry or Accelerated LLB at this time could help you stand out from the competition.

If you wish to become a barrister, the route is a little different as you will have to finish both the Bar Professional Training Course and a pupillage before this is possible.

Many law students decide that rather than going straight from their undergraduate degree into law school, that they want to get some real-life experience and will spend a couple of years gaining experience that will assist them when they apply.

Given the rise in applications, top law schools are now even more competitive than they used to be, with GPA, school marks, and experience candidates hold all being used as factors to determine between similar students.

Some of the experience that can help a student to stand out from the sea of competition includes community service, volunteering, and professional affiliations.

Step 4 – Work Experience

Relevant work experience really is essential when looking to become a criminal lawyer.

Unlike some other jobs, you are only likely to find such opportunities on the completion of your undergraduate law or LLB degree.

Some of the types of work experience that you may be able to secure include:

  • Holiday Schemes – Week or fortnight long placements with criminal law firms
  • Mini-pupillages – Shadowing a barrister or solicitor for a day or week
  • Marshalling – Shadowing a fully qualified judge for a day or week
  • Pro Bono – Providing free legal advice to those who could otherwise not secure it.

Step 5 – Criminal Lawyer

Once qualified it is normal for a freshly licenced criminal lawyer to work for a more experienced lawyer in the same field they wish to pursue in the future.

For example, if you wish to become a criminal justice lawyer, working in a firm with an experienced and highly-respected criminal justice lawyer in place is the ideal career move.

Over time you will prove your abilities as a criminal lawyer and either advance within the firm or eventually leave to open up a firm of your own or to enter into public office.

Success in this field requires years are hard work and dedication. The rewards at the end of the process can be great but you will have to make plenty of sacrifices along the way with only the very best making it through.

Debt recovery: When to get a solicitor

Business-liquidation

If you are fed up with sending endless emails and letters to your customers who are failing to pay outstanding invoices, you may be considering taking legal debt recovery action.

Unfortunately, getting the money that you are owed is not always straightforward and debt recovery claims are based upon the enforceable contract made between you and your customer.

Normally, contracts will set out the agreed sum which one party will pay and the goods or services that will be provided by the other but may also include other details such as a long-term payment schedule or flexible repayments.

If a customer fails to provide payment by the agreed date, you have sent several reminder emails or letters informing them of the missed payments, and you feel as though the services provided have met those stated in the original agreement you may need to take legal action.

Once breach of contract has been established, it is time to instigate debt recovery proceedings and it is at this point that you may consider consulting with a solicitor for Business liquidation services.

Reasons to hire a debt recover solicitor

There are several reasons why a business or individual may choose to hire a debt recovery solicitor.

These include:

  • You are a business owner with a customer who is refusing to pay their debts – Your business relies upon the cashflow from existing clients, and a failure to meet payment deadlines could damage your entire business plan.
  • You need expert advice – You might know that you need to take debt recovery action but feel as though you don’t have the expertise required to do so. A solicitor can do this for you, and their presence alone in negotiations if often enough to secure a payment that has been withheld.
  • You are too emotionally involved – If you have a long-term personal relationship with a client, trying to recover a debt can be stressful, upsetting, and awkward. A solicitor will put space between you and your client, making the process purely about business.
  • You don’t have the time for a lengthy court battle – Running a business is a fast-paced challenging job and a court case is the last thing you need to be spending all your time on. A solicitor will be able to handle all the paperwork and details associated with the case whilst you get on with doing what you do best.

What does a debt recovery solicitor do?

Once overdue notices have been sent to, and ignored by, your customers, it is time to turn to a debt recovery solicitor for assistance.

It is essential that you provide your solicitor with as much information about the case as possible, including payment terms, schedules, the amount outstanding, and what attempts have already been made to try and reclaim the debt.

You should also retain and provide details and evidence of the services that have been provided as the case could rest on whether they are deemed to meet those promised in the original agreement.

Once your solicitor has reviewed all this evidence, they will be able to advise you on the best way to proceed.

The first thing that a debt recovery lawyer will normally do is to send a ‘Letter before action’ to the customer in question, detailing the outstanding debt and indicating that court proceedings may be required.

This may be enough to prompt payment in itself, but if not, your solicitor will them initiate the process of taking the case to court in order to reclaim the money you are owed.

Throughout the entire legal process, your lawyer will keep you fully informed of proceedings, including giving you an idea of the fees that will likely involved before action is taken.

The majority of debt recovery cases never actually make it as far as court, and if your claim has merit, the legal advisors to the other side will likely advise their client to settle.

A good debt recovery lawyer has a good chance of being able to secure payment of your debt in the first initial stage of the process.

Why is debt recovery important?

It is no exaggeration to say that the ability to recover debts can be the difference between success and failure as a business.

Instructing a lawyer to recover debts on your behalf will not only allow you to concentrate on running your business but will also make it much easier to pursue debts with customers you may have a long-term relationship with.

It will also help you preserve cash flow longevity as a business and allow you to plan for the future, confident that you will have the funds to invest that you are due.