Money blog: Life as a divorce lawyer - 12-hour days, £350k salaries and biggest mistake couples make when splitting up (2025)

If you've ever spent your Monday morning commute daydreaming about starting afresh with your career, this feature is for you.Each Monday, we speak to someone from a different profession to discover what it's really like.This week we chat toYael Selig, partner at Osbornes Law and head of the family offices...

I work 10-12 hours a day... The nature of my work means that I often have to work in the evenings due to unexpected issues. My workload is very intense, but I do try to make time for lunch. Of course, this very much depends on what is going on in a particular week.

Newly qualified you'd expect to earn £50k...A top divorce lawyer... £350,000.

We bill in six-minute increments... I deal with private clients, so it very much depends on the task at hand. If, for example, I have a 20-minute call with a client, this will mean that I will put down my time as three units.

We do pilates... We recently introduced a weekly class in the office as well as various other wellbeing incentives (lunchtime walks, for example), which have all been met with great enthusiasm. This tells you a lot about how staff do need to be encouraged to get up from their desks.

I wanted to be a dancer... I did ballet from a young age until I was 14 and then went on to join a contemporary dance group until I was 18. I come from a family of lawyers, so I decided to do a law degree. I do love connecting with people and family law seemed like the best option for me; it's the one I enjoyed most when I was studying.

I have a reputation as a "Rottweiler"...I was acting for an older vulnerable client who was clearly being bullied by his ex-wife. She was the first to coin the phrase. You need patience and empathy. You need to be a good listener and a problem solver. But you also need to have some fight in you, as essentially you are a litigation lawyer. Unfortunately, it is inevitably a messy business, though I think I strike the right balance as I try my very best to resolve matters outside the court process and through negotiations. There are cases, unfortunately, where court is the only option, and this is where my reputation kicks in.

Everyone hates something about their job and for me it's...the tight deadlines. You are often having to work to court deadlines and when your workload is super busy, it means you are faced with lots of these.

There are two circumstances when I'd refuse a client...if it is unaffordable - litigation can be expensive. I always make sure that any potential client is made aware of the likely costs from the outset. And if a client is dishonest and wants to hide assets - then of course I cannot act for them.

The biggest misconception about lawyers is... That you are cold and ruthless and only interested in fees.

I lost a client to cancer...during divorce proceedings. I still think of him. Despite his diagnosis, the wife wanted to push on with litigation. Thankfully, I succeeded in stopping the proceedings while he undertook very aggressive chemotherapy. The courts were very sympathetic as he was diagnosed with terminal cancer, and he didn't know how long he had to live. His doctor's guess was that, at best, he had a year. I did everything I could to ensure that during the last eight months of his life he did not have to deal with the angst of court proceedings. I was adamant that, despite the other side's insistence to try and draw him into the litigation (court dates etc), I was not going to allow that to happen. I fought very hard for him, and we succeeded. He was a real gentleman who kept his sense of humour until the end of his days.

The job hasn't changed my opinion of marriage but...it does make me value my relationship.

People can avoid a messy divorce by...being reasonable and not allowing their emotions to cloud their judgement. I accept this is difficult to do. In my experience, when the parties have a good line of communication between them, it helps keep matters on an even keel and they do not escalate.

The most common mistake people make is to raise the temperature by... texting each other directly and insulting the other, and making threats regarding the children, which then makes matters considerably worse.

If I had to do it all again... I would. Repeat, repeat, repeat!

Despite the stress and intense workload...I do love my work. I have no plans to retire yet and haven't given it much thought. My job is very full on but I am very energetic, and I do love people and meeting new clients. It's what keeps me going.

Welcome back to Money, Sky News' hub for personal finance and consumer news, tips and analysis.

We'll be kicking off the week with our careers feature "What it's really like to be..." shortly. Today we're speaking to a divorce lawyer.

'Arnold Clark offered me a coffee cup for a £230 mistake'

For this Tuesday's Money Problem,we asked Scott Dixon, aka the Complaints Resolver, to tackle an "astounding" compensation dispute after a car finance company took an erroneous payment.

Top chef explains frustrations with some customers who say they have dietary requirements

In this week's Cheap Eats interview, we speak to Steven Smith, chef patron of Japanese restaurant KAJI in Manchester, who has a bone to pick with customers who make "a mockery of people who have real dietary requirements".

You'll find that here on Thursday.

Key data on UK growth to be released

Also on Thursday, the Office for National Statistics will publish its GDP figures for the first quarter of the year, a key indicator of UK economic growth.

GDP grew by 0.1% in the last quarter. The International Monetary Fund has lowered its forecast for UK growth this year from 1.6% to 1.1%, citing some negative impact from tariffs and some from UK-specific factors.

Tips

We'll bring you the usual tips and advice through the week, including:

• How to make money off your old (and empty) beauty containers
• How to withdraw from your pension, while still keeping it invested

Savings Guide and Mortgage Guide

Every Wednesday, savings queen Anna Bowes offers advice for making the most of your spare cash and reveals the best rates on the market right now.

And on Fridays, we do similarly with mortgages, hearing from industry experts on what anyone seeking to borrow needs to know now before rounding up the best rates with the help of Moneyfacts.

The Money blog is produced by consumer and money live reporter Jess Sharp and editor Jimmy Rice, with additional reporting from the Sky News live team.

Every week we interview top chefs from around the UK, hearing about their cheap food hacks, views on the industry and more - and they don't come much more celebrated thanLorna McNee, executive chef at Michelin-starred Cail Bruich in Glasgow. This year she became a judge onGreat British Menu, having been crowned champion of champions on the show in 2019.

My favourite own-brand product is...the Waitrose Basque cheesecake, hands down. It's ridiculously good. Rich, creamy, just the right amount of caramelised top... honestly, it's dangerous having it in the fridge

My favourite restaurant chain...has got to be Nando's. I go extra hotevery time - no messing around. I always get a wrap with halloumi added, and then go all in with corn on the cob, spicy rice and frieson the side. Absolute perfection. And yes, I do judge anyone who orders lemon and herb.

One UK restaurant that's worth blowing out for...has to be The Ledbury in London. Every time I've been it's absolutely blown me away. The level of finesse, the depth of flavour, the way they handle produce - it's all just exceptional. You can feel the passion in every course. It's one of those places where you leave genuinely inspired. If you're going to treat yourself, that's the spot to do it.

I'll phone a restaurant if I'm going to be 10 minutes'late... I know how much planning goes into each service, so I hate the idea of throwing things off or keeping the team waiting. We understand life happens, but a quick call really does go a long way. It shows respect for the effort going on behind the scenes - and if you're like me, it helps ease that little knot of guilt too!

The last time I complained in a restaurant... my mum had ordered a dish that was meant to come with haggis bon bons, and when it arrived, it was clearly black pudding. They tried to tell me it was haggis. I stayed calm, but eventually I said: "I'm a chef - I know the difference." That changed the tone pretty quickly! I've got no problem if something's gone wrong, it happens - but just be honest about it. Don't try and pull a fast one, especially when mum's involved!

The weirdest request I ever had was... someone ordering, in advance, two bananas (skin on!) and one baked potato wrapped in tinfoil. To this day, I have absolutely no idea why that's what they wanted… no explanation, no context, just that exact request. But hey, if it makes them happy, I'm more than happy to oblige.

Don't be afraid to set a price limit when asking for advice about the wine list... or say something like: "I'm looking for something between £X and £Y." It's super helpful and takes the pressure off.

I didn't train for years to have a dish go cold while someone's getting the perfect drip shot of a sauce...Some influencers are great - genuinely passionate about food, respectful in the way they share it, and they can really help shine a light on restaurants that deserve it. But then there are the ones who turn up late, ask for "extra aesthetic lighting", spend more time filming than eating, and want the meal comped in return for a reel. It's not a performance - it's a restaurant. Also, if you're going to post reviews or critiques, be mindful. You're not Gordon Ramsay - and a bit of negative clout online might get you likes, but it can really knock a small team working their socks off. Share the love, but do it with respect.

The most annoying review I ever had was...someone complaining that they could hear the kitchen. Well, of course you could! It's an open kitchen. Don't dine somewhere with an open kitchen if you don't want to hear it. Reviews, both good and bad, are part of having people take interest in your restaurant - and that's a positive thing. But unless you've had a genuinely poor experience, I do think leaving a bad review can be quite damaging. Especially when it comes from someone with no real understanding of our culture, how hard we work or how much we love what we do. There's always someone behind that plate who's poured their heart and soul into it. You don't have to love every bite , but show a bit of respect. It matters.

My favourite cheap place to eat is...Caio in Bridge of Allan. You could get a half pizza - pepperoniwould be my go-to - then finish with one of their homemade pistachio gelatos, which is just brilliant. The coffee's greattoo, proper quality.

Here's a cheap mushroom stroganoff recipe...

Ingredients:

• 250g button mushrooms, cut into quarters
• 250g chestnut mushrooms - cut into quarters
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 100ml water with 1 Knorr vegetable or chicken jelly stock cube
• 100ml double cream
• 100ml creme fraiche
• A splash of oil or knob of butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh tarragon to finish - you could go parsley or chive if you prefer
• Serve with rice

Method:

1. Heat some oil and butter in a pan, then gently cook the onion and garlic until soft.
2. Turn up the heat and add mushrooms, and cook until the mushrooms start to caramelise and release their excess water content.
3. Season with Salt and Pepper.
4. Pour in the stock and let it simmer for 5–10 minutes to reduce by half.
5. Add in your cream and bring to the boil.
6. Add in your creme fraiche and allow to simmer for 10 minutes.
7. Whilst this is simmering, chop your herb of choice!
8. Check your seasoning and then finish with your herbs.
9. Serve it over rice. (perfect amount being 75g rice from raw).

It's cosy, rich and takes around 20 minutes start to finish. You can easily bulk it out with extra veg like spinach or frozen peas - it won't stretch your pocket much further and will fill you for longer.

Winning and now being a judge on Great British Menu has had a huge impact on my career...It opened so many doors and brought a level of recognition that you can't really prepare for. When I stepped into the role at Cail Bruich, there was already excitement and curiosity because of GBM, and I think that momentum helped us hit the ground running.

But it has changed customer expectations...People arrive now with higher expectations, which is a good thing - it keeps us sharp. There's also a wider variety of diners coming in, not just locals or regulars, but people travelling from further afield who maybe saw the show and want to experience the food in person. GBM has given people a reason to walk through the door for the first time - but it's the team and the experience that keep them coming back.

One thing people are often surprised by is just how intense and real the timings on the show are...When you see that clock ticking down on TV - it's not for show. There are no retakes, no pauses. What you cook in that time is what gets judged, full stop. It's incredibly high pressure, but also really exhilarating.

The judging room is just as nerve-wracking as it looks...Even now, as a judge myself, I still get butterflies walking into that room.

Cheap Eats will be back in its usual Thursday slot next week.

By Brad Young, Money feature writer

While this week's UK-US deal on trade could prove to be significant, it was news out of the Bank of England, rather than the White House, that will have the biggest immediate impact on most of us when it comes to money.

The Bank's Monetary Policy Committee voted to reduce the interest rate by 0.25 points to 4.25%, which is good news for mortgage holders but less so for savers.

Markets had expected three more rate cuts after this one in 2025 - but while that is still a possibility, analysts are no longer as certain given how split the MPC was.

Richard Donnell, executive director of Zoopla, said any better deals would "filter slowly" through to mortgages, given this week's cut had already been priced in by major lenders.

We reported that 900,000 homeowners will come off two-year fixes this year - they'll be among the first homeowners in a long time to find their monthly payments going down.

Compare the Market estimates those people will save £597 a year on a new two-year fix or £940 on a new five-year fix.

The average interest rate on a two-year fix was 5.06% in 2023, but it has since fallen to 4.33%, according to Bank of England figures. Five-year fixes are hovering around 4.6%.

Empty shop shelves

Away from rates, spare a thought for workers in British retail as you clock off for the weekend.

Staff at Co-op were the latest to face days of disruption caused by a "sustained, malicious" cyber attack that saw shelves left empty and contactless payments down.

Customers - who had already faced shortages in M&S the previous week - were predictably peeved as they posted images of sparse Co-op aisles.

"We are working around the clock to reduce disruption and resume deliveries," a Co-op spokesperson said on Wednesday.

The Trump tax

News wasn't much better for Britons eyeing retirement, after pension experts warned the market turmoil caused by Donald Trump's tariffs could reduce their income by up to 20%.

The Society of Pension Professionals said some workers could be forced to delay retirement or even return to work.

Workplace pensions, known as defined contribution (DC) schemes, had suffered the most, it said.

New kid on the block

In other news, Revolut announced the launch of mobile phone plans for the first time on Tuesday, in a move it hoped would challenge traditional network providers.

The fintech company was rolling out the plans in the UK and Germany first, with an introductory rate of £12.50 a month for unlimited calls, texts, domestic data and a 20GB EU and US roaming allowance - with no fixed contract.

Analysts were split over whether it was a good deal - take a look at their comments here...

Cash is back

On Wednesday, Uber said it would allow passengers across most of the UK to pay in cash.

Following trials in Birmingham, Nottingham, Stoke and Leicester, the company will allow customers to select cash as a payment type in all UK cities except London, where it is still being reviewed.

It will be at the discretion of Uber drivers to decide whether they want to opt out.

Dynamic pricing

In another change to payment systems, "dynamic pricing" could soon be more commonplace for restaurants.

EatClub, a dining app from Australia, has launched in London with the controversial concept, which sees prices rise and fall in line with demand.

Backed by celebrity chef Marco Pierre White, it is the first time dynamic pricing has been used in hospitality.

The concept provoked anger last year when Oasis fans queued online for hours - only to find the expected price had shot up due to demand.

Similar techniques have been used in the travel and tourism sectors for years.

Find out more details here...

Before you go, remember to check back in on Saturday for our weekly feature - a Cheap Eats interview with Great British Menu judge Lorna McNee.

Have a restful weekend and see you next week.

Ten energy suppliers have been ordered to pay around £7m in compensation and refunds after overcharging customers.

Energy watchdog Ofgem said the compensation and refunds will have to be paid out to more than 34,000 customers at 10 suppliers, including Octopus and Utility Warehouse.

The errors have also impacted customers at So Energy, Outfox The Market, Ecotricity, E.On Next, Tru Energy, Rebel Energy and EDF Energy.

Ofgem has said the error includes more than 20,000 customers at the UK's largest supplier Octopus Energy, which paid out £2.64m in refunds and made a £546,278 goodwill payment.

Meanwhile, Utility Warehouse paid out more than £2m in refunds after 8,272 of its customers were overcharged.

The issue took place between January 2019 and September 2024 and affected customers with more than one electricity meter point recording energy usage at their properties.

Charlotte Friel, director of retail pricing and systems at Ofgem, said today's outcome served as a "reminder to all energy suppliers that they must implement the price cap properly and do their due diligence".

"It also shows that, where appropriate, Ofgem is prepared to work with suppliers that fail to comply with our rules," she said.

Free football sessions for children aged five to 11 are taking place across the UK until 27 July.

The sessions are available at more than 1,600 locations and include one-hour of coaching each week from FA-qualified coaches.

They're the result of a partnership between McDonald's and British football associations, but there'sno obligation to buy or eat anything at the fast food chain.

How do I get involved?

Sign up by filling in a form on the McDonald's website under "Fun Football"here.

You can register up to five children. The sessions are aimed at beginners, focusing on basic techniques.

You'll need to bring your own clothing and footwear.

Slots are booked on a first-come, first-served basis, with sessions in Northern Ireland already full.

Children can attend as many sessions as they please.

Lending rules could be watered down to make getting mortgages faster and cheaper under plans announced by the UK's financial watchdog.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has proposed lenders should no longer have to carry out full affordability assessments for many customers.

Guidelines on interest-only mortgages would also be scrapped, it wrote in a consultation document.

"We want to make it easier, faster and cheaper for borrowers to make changes to their mortgage," Emad Aladhal, the FCA's director of retail banking, said in a speech.

The plans would see mortgage providers allowed to perform a less thorough assessment when offering to remortgage at a cheaper rate than the homeowner's current lender.

A full affordability assessment would also no longer be required when customers are reducing the term of their mortgage.

There's yet more bad news for consumers from water bill regulator Ofwat.

It had already announced bills were set to rise £31 over each of the next five years, but now Ofwat forecasts the average annual bill could balloon to £2,000 by 2050.

Ofwat told a government-commissioned water inquiry that "significant investment" was needed to secure enough water to stop the taps running dry, piling costs onto consumers.

Around £300bn is needed over the next 25 years to ensure "resilient supplies of water and healthy rivers", Ofwat said.

Cycle to Work is a government tax exemption initiative created to promote healthier journeys to work and to reduce environmental pollution.

It allows employers to get cycles and safety equipment to employees as a tax-free benefit. The cost of the new kit comes directly out of your salary, so you don't pay tax or national insurance on it, saving around 32%.

According to the Cycle to Work Alliance – a coalition of the five biggest providers of the scheme – more than two million commuters working for 40,000 employers have received a cycle through the scheme.

How do I sign up?

Your employer will have to be registered with one of the scheme providers on offer.

You may then choose what bike you need, add clothing and accessories, and then submit your application to your employer.

They will then pay for the kit, and you receive a voucher, redemption code or collection letter, which you hand over to the retailer in payment, rather than using cash.

You'll then pay your employer back through monthly instalments, which are taken through your payroll.

What can I get?

You can buy "a bicycle, a tricycle, or a cycle having four or more wheels, not being in any case a motor vehicle", or an e-cycle.

Government guidelines state that you should use your bike and accessories for commuting for at least half of its usage.

You can also buy what HMRC calls "cyclists' safety equipment" which could include helmets, bells, lights, mirrors, locks, and reflective clothing.

The total amount you could spend was previously capped at £1,000, but as of June 2019 this restriction has been removed.

Why should I bother?

Research byCycleschemeshowed that, with a five-mile each way commute, you could save more than £3,000 a year by swapping your car for a cycle.

You'll also get healthier, improving your wellbeing and reduce your carbon footprint.

Buying a house takes a month longer than movers expect, research shows.

People think the process takes 88 days on average to exchange contracts once their offer is accepted, according to a survey by the Open Property Data Association.

Really, it's 124 days.

Almost two-thirds (62%) of respondents said they were asked to provide the same information two to three times.

Another 41% said a lack of clear, timely communication was the most challenging part of the transaction process.

They tended to blame the delays on conveyancers (44%), estate agents (28%), mortgage lenders (17%) and valuers/surveyors (15%).

Maria Harris, chair of the OPDA, said a "digital transformation" was needed to bring home buying into the 21st century.