Jones Myers family law solicitor Katie Jennings has successfully completed the key first stage of her training to become an accredited Family Law Mediator.

Katie, who is based at the niche family law firm’s York city centre office, has undergone training with the Family Mediators Association, completing her assignments in the evenings and weekends.

Her decision to become a Family Law Mediator has been influenced by seeing the positive outcomes that mediation has brought for Jones Myers’ clients.

Said Katie: “There is an increased awareness that the court system is under a lot of strain and cases are taking many months, if not years, to conclude, at a great financial and emotional cost.

“I was always aware of mediation as an important, non-confrontational option for divorcing and separating couples going through difficult situations. After seeing how beneficial and positive mediation can be to help resolve cases, I  wanted to develop my skills to help people move forward in a non-adversarial way.”

Jones Myers is an acknowledged leader in offering options to couples who want to deal with the consequences of their separation in a spirit of cooperation and put their children’s best interests first.

Partner, Nicki Mitchell, who heads Jones Myers’ York office, is a Family Law Mediator who  became York’s first Collaborative Family Lawyer in York in 2005. She said: “With even more divorcing and separating couples expected to choose non-confrontational processes to agree the arrangements following their divorce this year, we wish Katie every success in her journey to become a Family Law Mediator.

“Katie is a valued member of our team and her commitment to working in her spare time to achieve accreditation speaks volumes.”      

Over the coming months Katie will work with Nicki and other accredited mediators to develop her mediation skills and then take on her own cases. She will in due course submit a portfolio of her cases to the Family Mediation Council with a view to gaining accreditation.  

Added Katie: “The support I have received from Jones Myers has been invaluable, I couldn’t have asked for a more encouraging and enthusiastic firm. It is an honour to be able to develop my skills as a mediator with the support of Nicki, as she is highly regarded as an experienced mediator. ”

Founded in 1992 as one of the first family law firms of its kind in the North of England, Jones Myers has retained a top position in the Legal 500 and Chambers rankings for over three decades.

For queries on mediation or any aspect of divorce or family law, call 0113 246 0055 (Leeds) 01423 276104 (Harrogate), 01423 276104, (York) 01904 202550 Visit www.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet @helpwithdivorce

Jones Myers blog is ranked 4^th in the UK’s Best 20 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2026.

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By Sarah Barr-Young, Head of Jones Myers’ Financial Remedies Department in Harrogate

A series of studies have highlighted a connection between menopause and divorce – with many women attributing the menopause as a key factor in their relationship breakdown.

The festive season can be a particularly stressful time for married and separated couples for several reasons. High on the are list are financial worries, concerns about seeing their children – and the pressure of expectations to make the holiday magical and memorable for loved ones.

While I am not a medical expert, I am aware that seasonal stress can exacerbate physical and

mental symptoms of menopause and perimenopause, the transitional phase before menopause. They include tiredness, hot flushes, mood swings along with feelings of inadequacy and shortcomings.

As a family law specialist with extensive experience in working with women in their mid-lives, I know how hard many of them find openly discussing their emotions with their nearest and dearest, a contributory factor in findings linking menopause and divorce.    

Another worrying factor from the research focuses on the vital role of solicitors. Many women who have divorced while undergoing the menopause say their family lawyers failed to include the menopause and its impact on their deteriorating relationships in divorce discussions.

While this may be attributable to a lack of awareness or understanding, it requires addressing as a priority to ensure our family law profession fulfils its responsibility to assess every aspect of our clients’ lives following a relationship breakdown, and guide and support them in reaching the best possible solutions.  

Jones Myers’ holistic approach explores all areas of our clients’ lives, signposting them to third parties, whether this be counsellors, therapists or IFAs, when appropriate. Our firm’s approved internal list of referrers ensures clients receive the highest quality advice for their unique circumstances.    

Finances are another key area where we guide and assist clients undergoing separation or divorce.  

Many perimenopausal and menopausal women deciding to make the break have chosen to sacrifice their careers or put them on hold to bring up their families. This may have prevented them from saving money or accruing a work pension, later prompting major fears of how they will manage post-divorce.    

We recognise clients’ concerns over finances – and how many women during their     marriages have not had to manage practicalities such as tax, standing orders or direct debits.     

Helping clients to plan for their future both pre and post-divorce, our holistic approach sees  us work with tried and tested financial advisers who support our clients to stay on track as  they embark on the next phase of their lives.

I urge all women who are feeling the season’s pressures and thinking about divorce and separation, to seek help from professionals and family lawyers who understand the challenges they face – and who can guide them on the right path.          

For queries on divorce, separation or any aspect of family law, call 0113 246 0055 (Leeds) 01423 276104 (Harrogate), 01904 202550 (York). Visit www.jonesmyers.co.uk, info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet @helpwithdivorce.

Jones Myers blog is ranked 4th among the UK’s Best 20 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2025.

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Jones Myers warmly welcomes Solicitor Laura Sargeant, who brings sixteen years’ expertise to our esteemed Children’s Team.

Passionate about working in family law since her mid-teens, Laura’s specialisms include adoption, child arrangement orders and child protection orders. She finds it rewarding to support clients through a difficult period in their lives and help them to find the best solution for their unique situation.

Based at Jones Myers’ York city centre office, Laura was attracted by the firm’s values and standing in the area of family law.   

Laura said: “I have always had a lot of admiration and respect for Jones Myers and for their excellent reputation in the legal world. Always going above and beyond for their clients, they are also applauded  for their workplace values and culture.

“I know many of the Children’s Team here, having worked with them on various matters over the years.  I’m excited to work with such a lovely and talented group of people and draw on my experience to add value.”  

Jones Myers Partner, Kate Banerjee, who leads the Children’s Department, said: “Laura is a great asset to our talented and committed team which covers every aspect of private and public children law. We wish her continued success in her career with Jones Myers as the firm continues to go from strength to strength as an acknowledged leader in family law.”

Founded in 1992 as one of the first family law firms of its kind in the North of England, Jones Myers has retained a top position in the Legal 500 and Chambers rankings for over three decades.

Legal 500 2026 comments how the ‘fantastic team’ … ‘always managing clients’ expectations’ and describes the child abduction team as ‘a leader for all of Yorkshire.’ The Children’s Department is renowned globally for its expertise in complicated international child abduction cases in both Hague and Non-Hague countries.

Attracting the best lawyers in its field, Jones Myers has its own in-house counsel and operates across  headquarters in Leeds and offices in Harrogate and York.  

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Enormous congratulations to Jones Myers’ committed Paralegal, Lauren Warford, who has qualified as a family law solicitor.  

Lauren is a valued member of the practice’s internationally renowned Children’s Team whose extensive expertise across private and public children law jointly combines over 16 decades.

The department’s specialisms cover matters relating to jurisdiction, private residence and contact disputes along with care proceedings. Family lawyers are also highly skilled in child abduction, adoption, special guardianship, protection, relocation, educational matters, and domestic abuse.

Lauren, who took her master’s degree at the University of Law in Leeds, has worked with Jones Myers since 2018 and was attracted to the firm’s ethos and values.

Said Lauren: “I was impressed by the practice’s commitment to always deliver the best possible  solutions for clients, and by how Jones Myers always puts children’s best interests first.   

“The team have been outstanding in supporting, mentoring, and encouraging me and it has been incredible learning from, and working with, family law specialists who are leaders in their field. I can’t thank them enough.” 

Lauren achieved her Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) which assesses legal knowledge, professional conduct, ethics, and practical skills and is now looking forward to the next stage of her career and managing her own cases.

Jones Myers Partner, Kate Banerjee, who leads the Children’s Department, said: “Lauren is a valued member of our team and we wish her continued success. Her dedication and hard work, which included studying alongside her busy paralegal work,  makes her promotion extremely well deserved.”

Jones Myers, which has headquarters in Leeds and offices in Harrogate and York, was launched in 1992 as one of the first family law firms of its kind in the North of England.

Highly commended for its outstanding client care in the 2025 Modern Law Private Client Awards, the firm has retained its top tier ranking in legal guides for over three decades. 

The practice is also a finalist in the Family Law Firm of the Year Regional category – which covers the North of England – in this year’s Lexis Nexis Family Law Awards.

Judges shortlisted the firm on factors including the firm’s outstanding level of client care, teamwork and the training and career progression of employees. The winners will be announced next month.

For queries on children law or other family law issues, call Leeds 0113 246 0055, Harrogate 01423 276104, York on 01904 202550. Visit www.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet  @helpwithdivorce

Jones Myers blog is ranked 5^th in the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2025.

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Knockout success: Madeleine Bolton is pictured far right in the front row

Jones Myers has helped a grassroots football team of ten and eleven-year-old girls to compete in a major international tournament.

Thanks to sponsorship from companies including our niche family law firm, The Lionesses and Leopards teams from Pannal Ash football club proved a roaring success against competitors from across Europe in the Barcelona Girls Cup.

The respected, high-quality annual tournament for eleven-to sixteen-year-old girls is approved by the Catalan Football Federation (FFF) and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).

The Lionesses, who smashed their league after competing in five matches, included Madeleine Bolton, the daughter of Jones Myers Solicitor, Jane Bolton, whose passion for playing football kicked off at two years old.

Says Jane: “The atmosphere was electric with sixteen teams taking part across four leagues, and the same being duplicated for multiple age groups.”

In a double celebration another Pannal Ash team, The Leopards, also won their league.

Adds Jane: “It was an incredibly formative experience for the girls, some of whom had travelled to Europe for the first time. As a result of much-needed backing from Jones Myers and other supporters, Madeleine and her teammates fulfilled their dream as a winning team in this prestigious tournament.”   

Andrew Fox, Jones Myers Barrister and Director, says: “Jones Myers is delighted to have contributed towards giving these committed young players a memorable experience and wishes all the teams at Pannal Ash continued success.

The Lionesses’ recent historic EUFA victory reflects the enormous momentum and respect that women’s football has gained along with the importance of grass roots football being available to talented young players like Madeleine and her teammates.”

Our firm’s commitment to supporting the next generation also includes presenting a special annual award called The Jones Myers Prize for the Best Overall Performance on Master of Laws of England and Wales. The accolade has been given to a Law Faculty student at Leeds Beckett University since 2020.

With headquarters in Leeds and offices in York and Harrogate, Jones Myers, which has its own in-house counsel, has retained its top tier rankings in the Legal 500 and Chambers UK guides for over three decades.

For queries on any aspect of family law, call Jones Myers at Leeds 0113 246 0055, Harrogate 01423 276104, or York 01904 202550. Visit www.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet @helpwithdivorce

Jones Myers blog is ranked in the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2025.

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Another new appointment for Jones Myers Harrogate office

The Harrogate town centre office of niche family law firm, Jones Myers, is marking further expansion with the appointment of Paralegal, Ross Arthur.   

Ross is a member of Jones Myers’ award-winning Children’s Department which is renowned regionally, nationally, and internationally – and covers every area of public and private children’s law.

Attracted to Jones Myers’ powerful reputation for both legal excellence and compassionate client care, Ross appreciates how the firm balances professionalism with a personal approach.

Says Ross: “The opportunity to learn from experienced practitioners, work on wide-ranging cases, and be part of a supportive team environment really stood out to me.  

“Working with, and learning from, family law specialists on wide-ranging cases, I am enjoying liaising with clients and being part of a supportive team who helps them to achieve the best bespoke solutions for their individual situations.”

Jones Myers Partner Kate Banerjee, who heads the Children’s Department, says: “We warmly welcome Ross to the team and wish him a long and successful career in family law. He is a very committed team member whose values are aligned with our firm’s ethos to consistently deliver excellence in family law.” 

Jones Myers’ extensive expertise in family law has been further enhanced with the appointment of  Sarah Barr-Young who heads the firm’s Financial Remedies Department in Harrogate.

Highly experienced in complex, high net worth financial disputes, Sarah’s reputation in business property portfolios, pensions on divorce and resolving disputes out of court through negotiation is widely recognised.

Doubling the size of its York city centre team with a series of new appointments, in July this year Jones Myers received a Highly Commended accolade for Outstanding Client Care at The Modern Law Private Client Awards 2025.  

In the Outstanding Client Care category for family law firms with over 26 employees, judges acknowledged how the firm innovates to improve and maintain client care, embraces digital technologies – and meets customer expectations.

With headquarters in Leeds, Jones Myers, which has its own in-house counsel, has retained its top tier rankings in the Legal 500 and Chambers UK guides for over three decades.

For queries on any aspect of family law, call Jones Myers at Leeds 0113 246 0055, Harrogate 01423 276104, or York 01904 202550. Visit www.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet @helpwithdivorce

Jones Myers blog is ranked in the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2025.

Pictured left to right: Ross Arthur, Sarah Barr-Young, Anthony Parrish, Elizabeth Bell, Emma Weatherill and Kate Banerjee.  

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Jones Myers has appointed Sarah Barr-Young, a family lawyer with extensive expertise, to head the firm’s Financial Remedies Department in Harrogate.

Highly experienced in complex, high net worth financial disputes, Sarah’s reputation in business property portfolios, pensions on divorce and resolving disputes out of court through negotiation is widely recognised.

A named Legal 500 ‘Key’ Lawyer and Chambers ‘Notable Practitioner’, Sarah is valued by clients as a knowledgeable, ‘no nonsense’ strategist who is patient and empathetic.

Sarah is delighted to be back in Harrogate where she was born and attended junior school. She said:  “I am a long-standing admirer of Jones Myers’ standing for delivering excellence in client care and legal services of the highest calibre and regard this opportunity as a real honour.

“It is also a privilege to be taking over from Neil Dring, a highly dedicated and compassionate family lawyer. I had the pleasure of previously working with Neil who sadly passed away earlier this year following an illness.”

Richard Peaker, Jones Myers Managing Partner, said: “Sarah’s first-class reputation in divorce and financial remedies is widely renowned and respected and she is a great asset to our award-winning team.

“We wish Sarah continued success in her career as a key member of our committed lawyers who are recognised as leaders in their field.”         

Sarah’s appointment comes in a formative year for Jones Myers, which has also doubled the size of the York city centre team with a series of new appointments.

With headquarters in Leeds, the firm, which has its own in-house counsel, has retained its top tier rankings in the Legal 500 and Chambers UK guides for over three decades.

Jones Myers is also ranked in the top five per cent of UK law practices which deliver family law services by Review Solicitors, an independent legal review site. Outperforming its peers nationwide, clients award the practice a consistent ‘Excellent’ rating. 

For queries on any aspect of family law, call Jones Myers at Leeds 0113 246 0055, Harrogate 01423 276104, or York 01904 202550. Visit www.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet @helpwithdivorce

Jones Myers blog is ranked in the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2025.

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Jones Myers niche family law firm is marking a formative year which includes doubling the size of its team in York city centre.

A raft of new appointments, which further enhance the expertise of the practice’s specialist family lawyers, include solicitors Brittany Codling and Katie Jennings.

Brittany and Katie are members of Jones Myers’ Divorce and Financial Remedies Department which is praised by Legal 500 as a “leading matrimonial finance firm” for its “first-rate client care” and “strength in depth.”

Legal assistants Linda Lacey and Sarah Martin also join the team headed by Jones Myers Partner, Nicki Mitchell – York’s first qualified collaborative family lawyer who is also a family law mediator and child inclusive mediator.

Said Nicki: “We warmly welcome our new team members and wish them all every success. They join us during an outstanding 12 months as Jones Myers further consolidates its reputation as a leading family law firm in the York legal market.”

With headquarters in Leeds and additional offices in Harrogate, Jones Myers has retained its top tier rankings in the Legal 500 and Chambers UK guides for three decades.

Said Brittany: “Jones Myers’ standing as a respected Tier 1 family law firm is known far and wide. I am delighted to be working alongside the best family lawyers in their field on complex, high net worth cases.”

Added Sarah: “Having previously worked with some team members, I was attracted by Jones Myers’ commitment to excellence and clear focus on what clients need when faced with relationship breakdown. I’m really enjoying my new role.”

Jones Myers is ranked in the top five per cent of UK law practices which deliver family law services by Review Solicitors, an independent legal review site. Outperforming its peers nationwide, the firm’s clients award the practice a consistent ‘Excellent’ rating.

The firm also holds the title for Outstanding Client Care in the nationwide Modern Law Private Client Awards which champion and celebrate firms working in the private client industry.

Jones Myers’ York office is located at The Quadrant, Bootham Row.

For queries on any aspect of family law, call Jones Myers at Leeds 0113 246 0055, Harrogate 01423 276104, or York 01904 202550. Visit www.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet @helpwithdivorce

Jones Myers blog is ranked in the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2025

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Jones Myers has paid tribute to Neil Dring, a senior family law specialist who has recently passed away following an illness.

A very experienced and talented family lawyer who worked in the field for most of his career, Neil joined Jones Myers in 2022 heading the Divorce and Financial Remedies team in the firm’s town centre Harrogate office.

Highly respected across Harrogate and the Yorkshire region, Neil’s reputation and expertise was well known and recognized in the divorce and separation cases that he dealt with, especially those involving complex high net worth financial disputes, advocacy, property transfer and pension cases.

Richard Peaker, Jones Myers Managing Partner, said: “We are deeply saddened by the news of Neil’s death and send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Neil was an extraordinary family lawyer whose unwavering dedication and compassion touched countless lives. Neil’s passing is a great loss to the legal community and to all who had the privilege of knowing him.

“We were delighted when Neil, a hugely committed and highly skilled family lawyer, joined our firm. His valuable contribution to, and passion for, family law and most importantly securing the best outcomes for his clients, was outstanding and he will be sorely missed by all of us.”

After studying at Nottingham University, Neil qualified in 1984 and embarked on roles specialising in family law in South and North Yorkshire. Those who inspired him included his late father-in-law and his own father. He was also amused and entertained by fictitious ‘Rumpole of The Bailey’ barrister, Horace Rumpole created by author John Mortimer.

A champion of resolving relationship breakdown by non-confrontational means, Neil’s dedication to family law and his local community involved him in events which included representing Jones Myers at the Harrogate Chamber of Commerce.

Martin Mann, Chief Executive of Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce, said: “All of us within the Chamber and the wider business community in Harrogate will remember a kind, charming and generous man with a real passion for his work and zest for life. Neil lit up a room with his warmth and inimitable wit, and he will be sorely missed by those who knew him,”

An ardent supporter of the firm’s longstanding charity partner, Henshaws which supports 4,000 service users with sight loss and wide-ranging disabilities, Neil undertook volunteering work in the gardens at Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre, giving up his time and offering his support.

He was also a regular contributor of podcasts giving listeners insights and information on divorce and financial related issues on Your Harrogate radio station.

Kate Banerjee, Jones Myers Partner, added: “Neil will be remembered not only for his expertise in family law coupled with his deep sense of empathy, but also for the fact that he helped countless individuals navigate some of life’s most challenging moments.”

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The team at Jones Myers Harrogate town centre office is celebrating the promotion of Brittany Dyer who has qualified as a family lawyer with the multi-award winning firm.

Since 2023, Brittany has worked as a paralegal in the practice’s internationally renowned Children’s Team whose extensive expertise across private and public children law jointly combines over 16 decades.

The department’s specialisms span areas relating to jurisdiction, private residence and contact disputes along with care proceedings. Family lawyers are also highly skilled in adoption, special guardianship, protection, relocation, educational matters, and domestic abuse.

Said Brittany: “I’m thrilled to be a qualified family lawyer. The last two years have given me the opportunity to learn from some of the best children’s family law solicitors and I’m looking forward to building on my advocacy skills and helping more families.

“Jones Myers’ commitment to consistently deliver excellence in client care is outstanding. Every client, whether they are private or receiving legal aid, is given the same gold star service.”

An acknowledged leader in new and complex areas of law, the firm’s family law experts achieve a consistently high success rate in international child abduction matters – both Hague and Non-Hague countries.

The team is also praised by Legal 500 for its “breadth and depth of knowledge” which the guide says is “unrivalled in their area” .

Jones Myers Partner, Kate Banerjee, who leads the 13-strong team, said: “Brittany is a valued member of our Children’s Team. Her promotion is well deserved, and we wish her continued success in her career with us.

“The reputation of our Department, which is supported by our own in-house counsel and always puts children’s best interests first, continues to go from strength to strength with talented and dedicated family law experts who are the best in their field.”

Jones Myers, which has headquarters in Leeds and offices in Harrogate and York, was launched in 1992 as one of the first family law firms of its kind in the North of England.

Retaining its top ranking in legal guides for almost three decades, the practice’s exceptional client delivery is reflected in the firm scooping the ‘Outstanding Client Care’ category in the latest nationwide Modern Law Private Client Awards.

For queries on children law or other family law issues, call Leeds 0113 246 0055, Harrogate 01423 276104, York on 01904 202550. Visit www.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet us @helpwithdivorce

Jones Myers blog is ranked 7th in the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2025.

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