Jones Myers’ internationally renowned Children’s Department has further expanded with the appointment of Paralegal, Jessica Saville.  

Passionate about helping to make a difference to the outcome of client’s lives at a time when they most need it, Jessica is based across Jones Myers offices in Harrogate and York.   

Jones Myers Partner, Kate Banerjee, who heads the Children’s Department, said: “Jessica is highly committed to Jones Myers’ ethos to consistently deliver excellence in family law. She adds value to our highly experienced team, and we wish her every success in her career.”

Jessica said she was attracted to Jones Myers’ outstanding reputation as a leader in children law.

She commented: “Having previously worked with Jones Myers family lawyer, Laura Sargeant, I was drawn to the practice’s high-standing in its sector – and how it remains at the forefront of the most complex areas of children law.

“I love working with the team and learning from the vast experience of its family law specialists who always make time for me. I have an empathetic nature and enjoy interacting with our valued clients.”  

Covering every aspect of public and private children law, the extensive expertise of the 16-strong Children’s Department – supported by the firm’s in-house counsel – is believed to be unparalleled.

The practice is at the forefront of complex multi-cultural matters including Deprivation of a Child’s Liberty. It also consistently achieves a  high success rate in international child abduction across Hague and Non-Hague countries. 

The majority of children law experts are members of the Law Society Children Panel. The team’s expertise extends to membership of the Advanced Family Law Panel and the Child Abduction Panel.

Ranked in the top five per cent of UK law practices delivering family law services, Jones Myers is consistently awarded a 5 star ‘Excellent’ by Review Solicitors based on client ratings. 

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

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

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Disputes among separated and divorced parents over access to their children can become  fraught and complicated when one parent seeks to relocate them to a different area in the UK or to a new country overseas. 

Anthony Parrish, a Partner in Jones Myers Children’s Department, addresses frequently asked questions.      

What circumstances prompt parents to relocate their child/children?

The main ones are returning to the country of origin to be with family, work, a new partner, and, for a better standard of living’.

Are the current laws straightforward for separated parents to move their child/children both in and outside the UK – and do they guarantee the other parent visitation rights?

If a parent wishes to relocate with a child permanently from their current country of residence,  they require either written permission from everyone holding parental responsibility for the child – or an Order of the court, called a Specific Issues Order.

Do different laws apply for relocating children to different continents?

No, the law is the same regardless of which country the relocation is to. However, consideration must be given to the specific country when looking at welfare and safety issues. For example, a relocation to France is very different to one to Iran.

What factors do courts consider when deciding relocation cases?  

A number of points, one of the main ones being the child’s ability to retain a relationship with the left behind parent. They will also look at the education needs of the child, support networks, the parents’ ability to provide for the child financially, housing etc.

What options are open to parents who are seeking to stop their child/children being relocated at home or abroad? 

The parent can file a Prohibited Steps Order to prevent the child being taken out of the jurisdiction and also seek a ‘Lives-with’ Child Arrangement Order for the child to live with them at the same time.

What recourse is there for parents if their ex has already taken their child/children to a new area in the UK or to a foreign country?  

This would be child abduction, therefore the immediate recourse would be under the Hague Convention, if the country is a signatory. It is more difficult in a Non-Hague country where parents could apply for the child’s return under the inherent jurisdiction of the High Court.  However, many Non-Hague countries will simply look to their own laws and often refuse to recognise this jurisdiction.

How long do conflicts relating to relocation cases at home and abroad take to resolve?  

On average six months, however, each case is different.

In Jones Myers’ extensive experience, how does the upheaval affect a child/children’s well-being?

Any relocation will affect them as they won’t be seeing the other parent as much and are moving to a new country and leaving friends and family behind. Despite all this disruption, children can be resilient.

I would urge concerned parents who are in this situation to seek legal advice immediately from family law experts like Jones Myers who are experienced in children law and child relocation.   

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

Jones Myers blog is ranked 5th among the UK’s Best 20 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2026

Image by Alexas_fotos at Pixabay

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By Kate Banerjee, Head of Jones Myers Children’s Department

The easter holidays are in full swing, bringing the usual raft of challenges for co-parents which are further exacerbated by forecasts of travel chaos by land, air, road and sea.

As always, putting children’s best interests and happiness first should always be the top priority – as difficult as this may be when external elements threaten to disrupt the best laid plans.

Below are some practical tips for co-parents to ensure their children return to school bursting with upbeat stories to tell their friends about the great times they enjoyed with both their parents.

Have A Back Up Plan And Be Flexible – If the predicted travel chaos curtails your combined plans for dividing the holiday period with your children, adapt your arrangements to prevent undue stress – both on yourselves and on them.

It has been proven time and again that children are particularly susceptible to tensions which, in some cases, can impact on their emotional and behavioural development in later life.

Having a back-up plan for any ‘ What If’ scenarios – which can include one of you falling ill or a family crisis – will serve you both well. This can apply to easter outings with one parent being rescheduled until after the official bank holiday – most children don’t return to school until April 20.    

Co-operate And Communicate – Be mindful of your children’s welfare and happiness at all times – it is not a competition over who can spend the most time with them.

In scenarios where things go awry such as being late for picks up or drop offs, avoid manifesting your frustration and being irritated with each other. Above all, in the presence of your children and the absence of the other parent, avoid criticising each other.    

Be Respectful And Realistic  – Accept and respect that you cannot influence the decisions and choices of your former spouse. Be mindful and tolerant of each other’s cultures, routines and family routines which may include a co-parent wanting to involve their children in extended family birthdays or religious festivals.

Build Up A Support Network  – Juggling many balls is no mean feat for any parent, particularly for separated parents who are single handedly trying to manage school schedules, along with work and household demands.

Your network can include close friends and relatives you can rely on and trust – and who won’t let you down if plans start to unravel. Seek out local community groups where you can meet and relate with like-minded parents.  

At Jones Myers, our holistic approach sees us act as a signpost for councillors and relevant  channels of support that co-parents can benefit from – you do not have to undertake this journey alone.     

This spirit of goodwill through considerate co-parenting can positively impact on your children’s happiness and wellbeing in the short, medium and long term.

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

Jones Myers’ blog is ranked 5^th among the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2026.

Image by Stux at Pixabay      

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Legal 500 has further consolidated the reputation of niche family law firm Jones Myers by naming the practice among the country’s best-performing practices for delivering Client Satisfaction.  

The accolade is based on the firm’s Net Promoter Score – a key metric which measures client loyalty and satisfaction – and determines if clients would recommend the practice on a scale of zero to ten. The honour is also based on Jones Myers’ sector knowledge and its billing and efficiency processes.

Jones Myers Partner Nicki Mitchell, said: “Delivering excellence and client satisfaction in family law is the bedrock upon which our practice was founded over thirty years ago and it is wonderful that Legal 500 has named us among the country’s best-performing practices.

“Legal 500 also recognises our sector knowledge which is second to none and attributable to how we attract the best lawyers in our field. We sincerely thank our talented teams who work tirelessly to secure the best bespoke solutions for our valued clients.”  

Consistently ranked in Band 1 by Legal 500’s annual guides based on client testimonials, the 2026 edition describes the team as “Fantastic ….very personable. They give practical and realistic advice, always managing clients’ expectations. They work collaboratively with counsel to find the best solution for the clients”   

Legal 500’s acknowledgement also reinforces the firm’s strong standing on Review Solicitors, an independent legal review site which ranks Jones Myers in the top five per cent of UK law practices delivering family law services. 

Awarded a consistent 5 star ‘Excellent’ rating by clients, the firm consistently outperforms its peers nationwide.  

Delivering every aspect of family law, Jones Myers specialists’ include an in-house barrister, a  mediator, and a specialist in collaborative family practice.  

As well as being an acclaimed leader in financial remedy proceedings, shareholder issues, property portfolios, complex pension schemes and offshore trusts, the firm’s Children’s Department is at the forefront of complex multi-cultural matters and international child abduction.

Described as a ‘Northern Powerhouse’ by judges, Jones Myers clinched first place in the Lexis Nexis Family Law Awards for two consecutive years. In 2024 the firm won the nationwide  Outstanding Client Care category in The Modern Law Private Client Awards and was Highly Commended in the same category in the 2025 awards.

Founded in 1992 as among the first specialist firms of its kind, the practice has headquarters in Leeds and offices in York and Harrogate.

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 5^th in the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2026.

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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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Jones Myers niche family law firm continues to be an acknowledged leader in its field following another Band 1 ranking in Chambers 2026 legal guide. 

Based on client interviews and recommendations, the top listing for the whole of Yorkshire reflects the extensive expertise of the practice whose enviable reputation in financial remedy proceedings  and cases spans shareholder issues, property portfolios, and complex pension schemes.

The Children’s Department, which covers every aspect of public and private children law, is renowned regionally, nationally, and internationally. Specialists’ ability to handle complicated matters, which include abuse, abduction, and exploitation, is widely respected.

Managing Partner, Richard Peaker, who heads the Financial Remedies Department, retains his Band 1 ranking. Also ranked is Partner Kate Banerjee, head of the Children’s Team and Partner Elizabeth Bell,whose experience spans wide-ranging financial disputes.  

Partner Nicki Mitchell, a family mediator and collaborative lawyer, who heads the firm’s York office, keeps her ranking in both the Family and Matrimonial and Mediation categories.

Said Managing Partner, Richard Peaker: “We are proud to attract the best family law specialists in our sector and Chambers’ year-on-year top band rankings reflect our lawyers’ unique breadth and depth of expertise.

“We give our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated teams for upholding our reputation for continuously delivering excellence in client care.”

The accolade comes just two weeks after Jones Myers retained its position as an outstanding family law firm in the 2026 Legal 500 rankings which praises the ‘fantastic team’ for delivering ‘an extremely supportive experience’.

Highlighting the practice’s extensive expertise, Legal 500 highlights how family law specialists … ‘give practical and realistic advice, always managing clients’ expectations.’

With headquarters in Leeds and offices in Harrogate and York, Jones Myers has retained its ‘best in class’ standing in legal guides for almost three decades.

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

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

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By Partner, Anthony Parrish from Jones Myers Children’s Department  

Disturbingly, every year there are around 1,000 cases of British children under the age of sixteen being taken abroad by one parent without the other parent’s permission.

Extensive studies highlight that cases of child abduction – whose psychological, long-term impact on children can be devastating – increase during the summer months and school holidays which are around the corner.

In the video below, I outline the process that needs to be followed in cases of international child abduction.

This includes the process for parents whose children have been taken and the procedure for parents/parties who are accused of abducting the children.

Jones Myers Children’s Department is recognised nationally and internationally for its extensive expertise in international family law and its track record in managing cases of  child abduction.

This includes situations where children are wrongfully removed from England & Wales and unlawfully retained in a different jurisdiction, or where they are wrongfully removed from another jurisdiction to England & Wales and or unlawfully retained.

Swift action is needed in child abduction cases, and seeking skilled international family law guidance is crucial.

Our consistently high success rate spans countries both inside and outside of the 1980 Hague Convention, which is an international agreement containing a number of signatory countries following the same procedure in responding to Child Abduction.  

We are highly experienced in liaising with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Home Office along with officials, police forces and politicians at the highest level at home and overseas.

Jones Myers extensive expertise spans representing parents whose child has been taken to either a country outside of the jurisdiction of England and Wales or brought or retained in the jurisdiction of England and Wales without the other parent’s consent or knowledge, referred to as the applicant, and parentswho are accused of abducting the children, referred to at the respondent.

Helpful websites include International parental child abduction – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) and Reunite | International Child Abduction Centre | Child Abduction Charity

For queries on International Child Abduction or any aspect of children law or 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 5th in the UK’s Best 20 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2026.

Image courtesy of ArminEP, Pixabay  

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Image by Tania Dimas at Pixaby

By Jones Myers Partner, Anthony Parrish

Organising school holidays can test even the most robust relationships as parents juggle work commitments with a myriad of children’s activities.

Busy schedules also have to be rejigged at short notice when the unexpected happens, such as children falling ill.

For divorced and separated parents, many of whom do not have a support network, the above can be even more challenging.

The looming Summer break, the longest in the school calendar, can bring even greater disruption to daily patterns.

The Importance of Communication, Cooperation and Compromise

In our extensive experience, effective organisation, communication and collaboration between estranged parents are vital both during and outside school terms to ensure children’s best interests always come first.

The formula below helps to ensure stability in a shared commitment to children’s wellbeing while avoiding the court route – for which there is limited public funding – to determine arrangements.

Involve Children in Plans

During all school holidays, children will want to spend as much time as possible with both parents and their wider family including grandparents, and friends.

It is the responsibility of both parents to try to achieve this and may result in one parent spending less time with their child(ren) during the break.

Children and young people need certainty and security so let them know as far in advance as possible how, and with who, their holiday will be spent. This gives them time to adjust to any new arrangements.

Keep Talking and Communicating

Set aside your differences to always put your children’s interests first. Aim to plan school holidays as much in advance as possible so you can organise logistics such as travel, playgroups and sporting activities.

Be Flexible

In cases where a court is involved, parents will be referred to a Planning Together for Children course which helps them to understand how to put their children first while undergoing separation.

The four-hour course helps parents learn the fundamental principles of how to manage conflict and difficulties. For more information, visit https://www.cafcass.gov.uk/parent-carer-or-family-member/my-family-involved-private-law-proceedings/help-planning-together-children

The Importance of Parenting Plans

Our dedicated, multi-award winning Children’s Department balances children’s and parents needs in wide-ranging issues.

Working closely with our clients, we devise the most suitable arrangements for children both now and in the formative years ahead.

We also highly recommend that separating parents have a Parenting Plan in place. This is a written plan which helps them to work out practical decisions in areas including communication, living arrangements, money, religion, education and emotional well-being.

Providing a valuable reference point, it helps everyone involved to know what is expected of them.

The actions and decisions of separating and divorced parents can play a formative role in ensuring their children’s emotional happiness and well-being though their journey to adulthood.

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

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

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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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