Recent changes to Georgia’s implied consent law mean that officials may not use a motorist’s refusal to submit a breath sample as evidence of driving under the influence. Prosecutors could, however, use a refusal to provide a blood sample as evidence to convict a driver of DUI, as reported by WRCBtv.com. Law enforcement officials may stop motorists for traffic violations such as speeding. With reason to suspect alcohol may have contributed to a violation, an officer may ask you to submit a breath test. Under the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, you may refuse the request. Breath tests ..read more

After you get through a divorce, as parents, you still have more hurdles to overcome. Unfortunately, unlike childless couples, you will still have to maintain some level of contact with one another in order to raise your children. Cooperative co-parenting may feel like an impossibility at first, or something you would not enjoy at all. In this transitional period, you can consider going for parallel parenting instead. What is parallel parenting? Psychology Today discusses parallel parenting after your divorce. Parallel parenting is a temporary form of co-parenting that allows you and your co-p ..read more

It is natural to feel overwhelmed when you set out to make your first house purchase ever. Between the large sums of money, the complex jargon and the fast-paced market, it can often feel like you are adrift in a river with a strong current. Thus, it helps to prepare before you even set foot in your first show home. One of the steps you can take is to learn about the most common mistakes for homebuyers, allowing you to spot and avoid them. Get a mortgage first Nerd Wallet discusses the mistakes homebuyers make which can be frustrating, time-consuming or even costly. Some of them may even cost ..read more

You decided to go into business with a family member or close friend. When starting out, you may not see the need to put to paper details such as how you split the profits and losses or how you will handle conflicts. However, as you get your business off the ground and begin to grow, having an operating agreement in place may help you prevent small issues from turning into major problems down the road. A contract document, an operating agreement dictates terms for your business’s internal operations. Including the following details in your agreement may help you develop a business outline that ..read more

If you are thinking about purchasing a residence in a multi-unit building, such as a condominium or rowhouse, you are likely to encounter at least one party wall. A party wall is a divider that straddles the property line between two or more dwellings. Unlike the rest of your property, the party wall in your new home is likely to have at least two owners. That is, you are apt to own one side of the party wall, while your neighbor owns the other side of it. While this may make you feel uncomfortable, party walls are common in Georgia and across the country. What do party walls do? The obvious f ..read more

Most couples look at divorce with concerns about its impact on their finances. Spousal support and asset division can affect both parties negatively. However, many people actually experience an improved financial outlook after ending their marriages. U.S. News & World Report explains a few of the surprising financial benefits of divorce. Access to Social Security benefits Regardless of current marital status, some exes can receive Social Security benefits from their former spouse. If your marriage lasted for ten or more years and your spouse is 62 or older, you can claim benefits. Addition ..read more

Estate planning is essential for people of all ages and financial statuses. Even if you are young and in good health, having an estate plan in place can spare you and your family a major issue should the unthinkable happen. According to Kiplinger, there are numerous estate planning decisions you must make now before injury or illness occurs. Here are a few important points to consider. Name an executor The executor of your will carries out many essential processes after you are gone. They must locate your assets, pay creditors, submit reports to the court, and pay your heirs. Certain character ..read more

During your divorce, you may find yourself tempted to make decisions based on how you feel in the moment. While your feelings are valid, emotions are rarely good indicators of what will truly be best long-term. Short-term thinking can lead to financial decisions that will have long-term consequences for your life. When discussing your options and negotiating terms, it will be in your interests to focus on the future.  Money is one of the most complex issues in any divorce. It is inevitable that the end of your marriage will bring financial changes to your life, but it is possible to ..read more

Building rapport with your workers and establishing clear expectations may help to reduce discord and misunderstandings. Developing a formal discipline policy can provide a valuable point of reference when you do encounter uncomfortable situations. Situations, where you need to discipline employees, may leave you feeling frustrated and uneasy. Knowing when and how to intervene and what behaviors to avoid can reduce your risks of legal repercussions. Escalation and empathy Not all unpleasant behavior from your employees indicates a blatant disregard for the rules. Conflicts between employees an ..read more

The federal Fair Housing Act helps to prevent discrimination in housing. It provides protection for minority populations and protects the most vulnerable. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Fair Housing Act does not protect on the basis of criminal records, but HUD has offered some guidance on how to avoid discriminatory practices when it comes to a criminal record. Guidelines HUD guidelines are not laws, but they are something landlords and others in the housing industry should consider when making decisions. HUD suggests that landlords do not apply blanket b ..read more