A new series ‘Rising Talent’ puts the spotlight on our junior lawyers – sharing insights into their aspirations, challenges and what makes them tick.

Recently qualified Family Lawyer, Lauren Warford, shares how she was bowled over by the enormous impact our Children’s Team had on clients’ lives when she started working with them in 2018.

“Seeing the team in action intrigued me – their work always seemed really varied and interesting. It can be fast paced and challenging but ultimately makes a huge difference to the lives of our clients and their families which is really rewarding.”

Dealing with sensitive and challenging issues, Lauren represents clients in private law and public law cases  and domestic abuse victims 

“Disputes about child arrangements following separation can make client’s lives feel really chaotic. I find it really satisfying to help them reach arrangements that bring peace to families who can then look to the future.

“Helping domestic abuse victims obtain Non Molestation Orders (NMOs) is important because there is often so much for them to consider and handling it alone feel be overwhelming. Supporting, guiding and assisting clients though applications for injunctions is one small way lawyers can help. No one should have to live in fear of abuse and NMOs are often an important first step towards victims of domestic abuse being able to move on with their lives with confidence.” 

Passionate about legal aid being available for those most in need, Lauren is a champion of present legislation being clarified and updated. 

“Current laws are very confusing and need clarification on who is entitled to legal aid. While we are always happy to assess if clients qualify for funding, eligibility is restricted. If it was expanded, more people could benefit from legal advice and representation when navigating important family law disputes.”

Lauren’s key tip for those contemplating a career in family law is to get practical experience while studying  

“Working as a paralegal at Jones Myers enabled me to see how the law and skills I learned are  used by senior solicitors every day. Practical experience is vital – even a week’s work experience or a day shadowing a solicitor would be beneficial. You can learn so much from  family lawyers who are really supportive and keen to share their stories and insights.”

Due to the nature of her work, Lauren admits that achieving a work/life balance can be illusive  

“The balance is so important – but not always easy. My work is rewarding but intense and can take over if you let it. I have definitely fallen into the trap of skipping lunch, working late to finish documents or checking emails on weekends to get caught up.

“But ultimately I know I write better documents when I am fed and hydrated, and give clearer advice when I am well rested, so I try to look after my health and make sure to save some time to spend with my partner, family and friends too, so that I can show up to work feeling my best.

“I unwind by reading. Escaping into another world makes for a great wind down. I also enjoy yoga and gardening and look forward to sunny evenings in my little garden this summer.”

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

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By Jones Myers Partner, Nicki Mitchell – a Family Law Mediator and Collaborative Family Lawyer

As a niche family law firm which champions a non-confrontational approach to divorce, we always strive to offer our clients alternative options to a court divorce, which can be lengthy, costly, and stressful.

In these blogs we have previously looked at alternatives such as mediation and collaborative family practice  which always put children’s best interests first.

Clients undergoing divorce are at a crossroads of their lives. While we do everything we can to help them to choose the right path for their circumstances, sometimes going to court is the only viable option.    

In what circumstances do couples choose a court divorce?

This largely depends on the advice they receive. Whilst most lawyers will explain all the Non Court Dispute Resolution (NCDR) options to clients, some, who may perhaps have less or no experience in this area, are more inclined to recommend court applications. 

The court process has its place. A Judge can compel the production of financial information, ultimately by sending someone guilty of non-disclosure to prison. The court can also order third parties, such as accountants and other advisers who hold information relevant to the case, to provide information. In extreme cases –  in particular where there is a lack of engagement in the process – a court can make orders without engaging with one of the couple.

What does a court process entail?

Before an application can be made to the court for a Financial Order, an application must have been made for a divorce or dissolution of a Civil Partnership. The various steps required can be found here https://www.gov.uk/get-a-divorce

Before applying for a Financial Order or a Children Order, the person proposing to make the application must either attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) to assess if mediation is an option for them or satisfy the court that they qualify for one of the, increasingly few, exemptions from this requirement.  

A financial application will involve the exchange of full financial disclosure followed by a series of up to three main court hearings.  

What are the pros and cons of a court process?

The court’s role is to encourage  couples to make agreed decisions about their finances and children. In default of agreement, the court can impose binding decisions on them.

Court orders, whether made by agreement or imposed by a Judge, are legally binding and enforceable.

There is no guaranteed privacy in a court divorce – journalists can get permission to report in family law courts on cases involving finances and/or children’s wellbeing and future.   

Couples are appointed a judge, who is unknown to them, and who potentially makes vital decisions on key issues about their future. Continuity is not assured, with different judges often involved in the proceedings.  

Court hearings can be costly, stressful and time consuming. They can heighten conflict between the couple and run the risk of a case being adjourned or unfinished due to pressure on court time or a judge becoming unavailable.

The duration of a court divorce can vary significantly from a few months to years if the  issues are  contested.

Knowing where to start on this path can seem overwhelming. Whichever route you take, it is vital to secure the best possible legal advice from highly experienced family law professionals like Jones Myers who are members of family law group Resolution and have a strong track record in their respective fields.  

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 courtesy of Antonio Peregrino, Unsplash

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

The decision to divorce is among the most difficult and distressing decisions for anyone to take.  It presents numerous emotional, financial and practical challenges, even when both parties agree the relationship is over.  

Severing ties with a narcissist – especially if you are the one instigating the break up – can present even greater obstacles and complications. In this article I share insights into behaviours of narcissists, and how to find the right family lawyer to help you come  through it.         

What are the traits of a narcissist?

The origins of the term narcissism date back to Greek mythology when Narcissus, a handsome and self-absorbed young man, fell in love with his reflection in a pool of water.

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a mental health condition which is included in the broader category of personalitydisorders and wide-ranging studies reveal around 70 percent  of narcissists are male.

The following are some common traits of narcissism, which experts say originate from a combination of genetic, developmental and environment factors:   

• Inflated ego/sense of self importance
• Craving for constant attention and admiration
• Lack of feelings and empathy for others (including nearest and dearest)
• Highly controlling/competitive nature and desire to dominate
• Fragile self-esteem  

How do narcissists react to divorce?

In general, narcissists do not marry for love, respect and affection, they tie the knot for stability and to boost their standing and dominance. If a divorce is initiated by their spouse, and not on their terms, it can prompt extreme reactions, reigniting their worst fears of self-abandonment and isolation.  

In what ways do they make separation difficult? 

Due to their overwhelming need to manipulate people and circumstances, narcissists are known to employ tactics to try to control every aspect of the divorce.

This can include racking up unnecessary legal costs for their spouse and prolonging and hampering financial disclosure which legally obliges both parties to provide open and honest details of their financial circumstances. Such machinations then delay the financial settlement which brings legal closure to the financial aspects of divorce.  

These combative ploys to thwart the instigating party at every turn are deliberately intended to wear down their ex- spouse and derail the divorce process.   

How does divorce affect the children of narcissists?

Narcissists’ obsession to ‘win at any cost’ can see them trying to use their children as pawns and deprive them of time with the other parent – even when it is not in the children’s best interests.

How do I secure the best legal advice to guide me through this maze?

By working with family specialists like me who are highly experienced in dealing with high conflict individuals and have successfully steered clients through impediments which they initially thought to be insurmountable.

At Jones Myers our experts can advise you of your options, help to prevent costs from spiralling out of control and guide you through the complexities. We do this by deploying strategies to  secure you the best solutions regarding financial settlements and fair child arrangements so you can embrace the next chapter of your life.

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 5th among the UK’s Best 20 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2026.

image by Alexas_Fotos, Pixabay

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

Over 15 per cent of the UK population – which equates to one in seven people – are neurodivergent, which means their brains work in different ways.

Neurodivergency is not a medical condition or a disorder, but a term to describe differences in how the brain is wired. Neurodivergent people have alternative thinking styles which include dyslexia, developmental co-ordination disorder (dyspraxia), dyscalculia (which affects mathematical skills) , autism, Tourette’s and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). 

How does neurodivergency affect relationship breakdown?

Divorce and separation is emotionally difficult for any separating couple. For neurodivergent people, who see the world differently, the challenges are even harder to navigate. Their different communication styles can lead to misunderstandings in communication, triggering higher levels of anxiety, rejection and depression.

Many tend to feel paralyzed and overwhelmed at the prospect of dealing with the unknown and working with strangers – whether they be family lawyers, mediators or counsellors -through the divorce process.

Which specific areas of divorce do neurodivergent people find particularly difficult? 

Many struggle with working through the process of financial disclosure, which requires a complete and accurate account of their financial situation including assets, income and debts.

Concerns separating couples face over finances and living accommodation after a break up can be particularly acute for neurodivergent people, especially parents who are worried how divorce will affect their relationship with their children.     

How does divorce impact on neurodivergent children?

Children of all ages are susceptible to the anxieties of divorce and separation which can be made worse by events such as birthdays, school holidays, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day.     

For neurodivergent children, the turmoil of disruptive daily patterns and splitting their time between two households can heighten a sense of insecurity and result in withdrawal.

What do family lawyers need to do differently to help neurodivergent clients?

It is a given that family lawyers have a duty to understand their clients’ needs in every aspect of family law.  

When guiding and advising neurodivergent clients it is vital that family lawyers can establish whether a client is neurodivergent. Understanding the complexities, nuances and triggers associated with neurodivergency is essential to effective communication with between a lawyer and a neurodivergent client to enable them together to achieve an outcome that meets their particular needs. Identifying with neurodivergency also enables family lawyers to signpost clients to other relevant professionals who can guide them.  

While The Family Justice Council (FJC), a body which monitors the effectiveness of the Family Justice  System, says a more inclusive system which meets the needs of neurodivergence is needed, there is still a long way to go in achieving this. 

Sir Andrew McFarlane, President of the Family Division, rightly says that failure to recognise and accommodate neurodivergence results in parties to court proceedings, witnesses, and children being unable to participate fully in court cases.  A proper understanding of neurodivergence would lead to better participation and more effective justice.

Like all our clients, neurodivergent clients deserve the best possible support and understanding. As a family lawyer I fervently hope that we can improve our ability to understand and guide them by collaborating and adopting best practice in this critical and sensitive area.

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 5th among the UK’s Best 20 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2026.

Image courtesy of Peter Burdon, Unsplash

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By Laura Sargeant, Jones Myers Family Law Solicitor

In February, thoughts often turn to romance with messages about Valentine’s Day circulating everywhere on social media and in every shop on the high street.

It’s easy to be drawn into the hype and see our own relationships or potential relationships through the lens of what the marketing tells us love should be like.

In reality, relationships aren’t always a fairy tale where we get charmed off our feet by the likes of Benedict Bridgerton or Jeremiah Fisher.

A gift of flowers or chocolates and a card professing unending love can be very thoughtful, but what if they are done to excess (a practice known as ‘love bombing’) or are sent in an attempt to ‘make up’ following an incident of physical or verbal abuse?

It can be hard to see the signs that a relationship is abusive. This is partly because the abusive partner is often very good at hiding what they do and deflecting attention away from their actions. It is also partly because we can find it hard to accept that the person we think loves us and who we think we love could be capable of abusing us.

Although the signs of domestic abuse are wide ranging, and whilst the below is not an exhaustive list, they can include elements of the following:

• Physical – hitting, slapping, hair pulling, pushing, strangulation, throwing objects at you;
• Verbal – this can range from loud verbal attacks, swearing and name calling to more subtle verbal abuse such as making derogatory comments about your appearance;
• Sexual – is your consent to sexual activity sought? Are you being forced to have sex when you don’t want to or manipulated into engaging in sexual activities you don’t enjoy?
• Threats – are you or members of your family being threatened with violence if you fail to comply with what your partner wants?
• Financial – does your partner control all the finances in the relationship and this isn’t by mutual, fully informed agreement? Does your partner take money from you or spend money in a way that puts you in financial difficulty?
• Control – does your partner always want to know exactly where you’re going and who with and do they check up on you throughout? Do they harass and follow you or check your phone messages? Do they dictate what you wear?
• Isolation – are you prevented from spending time with your family and friends either overtly or through more subtle means such as by your partner telling you your family are awful and you shouldn’t be spending time with them?

If you think you might be experiencing domestic abuse in your relationship there are lots of organisations who you can reach out to for specialist support including IDAS (www.idas.org.uk), the biggest specialist domestic abuse charity in Yorkshire.

At Jones Myers our paramount consideration is securing your safety, and we are trained in spotting the signs that there may be domestic abuse in a relationship.

Our highly experienced family lawyers can provide you with specialist help and advice regarding leaving a relationship and any protective orders that may need to be put in place for you or your children such as non-molestation or occupation orders.

For queries on domestic abuse 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 4th among the UK’s Best 20 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2026

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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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Pictured left to right is Elizabeth Bell, Jacqueline Rowbotton and Sarah Barr-Young. 

Jones Myers is helping to enhance the quality of care for cancer patients at the Sir Robert Ogden MacMillan Centre in Harrogate in memory of the firm’s late colleague, Neil Dring.  

A well-loved and highly-respected family lawyer who was passionate about achieving the best solutions for his clients, Neil is also fondly remembered by the team who treated him.

The Centre, part of the Harrogate and District Foundation NHS Trust, diagnoses and treats wide-ranging cancers, offering a variety of care and complementary therapies.  

Jones Myers Partner, Elizabeth Bell, and Sarah Barr-Young, who heads the firm’s Financial Remedies Department in Harrogate, were blown away by the team’s commitment to delivering outstanding patient care during a visit organised by Jacqueline Rowbotton, Macmillan Integrated Personalised Care Programme Lead (Harrogate District).

Said Liz: “Supporting the Centre aligns with our firm’s deep-rooted ethos of giving back to our local communities. We met some of the team, including nurses and a complementary treatment therapist, who all spoke fondly of Neil. Their heartfelt dedication to patients is inspirational and it was tremendous to hear how the treatments are complemented by holistic and therapeutic services”.

Jones Myers is contributing a much-needed new Airglove unit – an air-warming system designed to warm and raise veins in patients’ arms – to the Centre. 

Added Sarah:  “The medical team explained how some cancer patients’ veins are in ‘a poor stage’ and how the Airglove machine is invaluable in reducing discomfort and stress for both patients and the nursing staff. The timing of this new machine is vital for enhancing patients’ quality of care and Jones Myers is looking forward to a long-standing relationship with the Centre and its team.” 

Yvonne Campbell, Head of Charity for Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“We are incredibly grateful to Jones Myers for their generous support, which has enabled us to purchase an Airglove unit for patients receiving treatment at the Sir Robert Ogden MacMillan Centre. This equipment will make a real difference to patient comfort and wellbeing, and we sincerely appreciate the firm’s commitment to supporting our services.”

For more information on services provided by Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre, visit here

For queries on any aspect of  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 4th^h among the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2026

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By Jones Myers Partner, Nicki Mitchell, a Family Law Mediator and Collaborative Family Lawyer

In 2026 more couples who are divorcing and separating are expected to choose non-confrontational ways to legally end their relationship and put their children’s best interests first.   

Among the options available to couples who want to deal with the consequences of their separation in a spirit of cooperation is collaborative family practice, where couples commit to avoid the court route and work together with specially trained lawyers to make their own decisions about the future.    

How does it work – and who is involved?

You and your ex each appoint your own collaboratively trained lawyer and have a series of meetings where you all work together to identify, address and resolve financial, parenting and other key issues. Like mediation, the process is entirely confidential.    

Collaborative family lawyers  provide support and legal advice throughout the sessions. Accountants, independent financial advisers, pensions advisers and/or childcare specialists can also attend and provide guidance on a neutral basis. You have as many or as few meetings as are necessary to resolve the issues between you. 

At the outset you, your collaborative lawyers and any other specialists involved sign a Participation Agreement that commits all of you to strive to reach resolutions without going to court.

The Agreement  prevents your collaborative lawyers from representing you in court if the collaborative process breaks down, ensuring everyone is wholly bought into making the process work.   

What are the advantages and disadvantages?

Like mediation, collaborative family  practice puts you and your ex in the driving seat so you can progress the sessions at your own pace, working around your respective work and family commitments.

Faster, less stressful and more cost effective than going to court, it ensures that everyone involved is committed to achieving a solution. In times where transparency is encouraged in the family courts and journalists can attend hearings, collaborative practice guarantees your family’s privacy.

What happens if a successful outcome is reached?

Once an agreement is reached, your lawyers will formalise it, obtaining a formally binding Court Order without you having to go to court.

What if talks break down? 

At any time during the sessions either of you can terminate the process through a Formal Notice of Withdrawal. Again, as in mediation, failure can be avoided with the right support, including where necessary, an early neutral evaluation or arbitration on disputed legal issues.

How does this process differ from mediation?

In mediation, family mediators are neutral – they cannot give advice to either of you as their role is  to facilitate discussions leading to your own decisions being made.

Collaborative family lawyers, however, can advise those they represent at the same time as conducting the negotiations. As highlighted above, they also sign an agreement to avoid court, providing a positive investment in the process for the whole team.  

Our specialist family lawyers help our clients to prepare for non-confrontational routes to divorce, working with them to achieve their desired outcomes.  

For queries on 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.

Image courtesy of Eric Ward, Unsplash

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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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