Jones Myers family law has been recognised among the best private client law practices nationwide.

Named among eprivateclient’s Top Family Law Firms for 2026, the honour coincides with the practice retaining its top tier rankings in the Legal 500 and Chambers guides.      

The latest listing is based on research conducted by eprivateclient – a division of PAM Insight which provides specialist news, analysis and comparative data for international wealth management.

Over the last three weeks, Jones Myers has also been awarded a top tier ranking in the Legal 500’s 2027 guide, which hails the practice an ‘exceptional family team’ and ‘the standout firm in Leeds’ .

Based on client interviews and recommendations, the listing reflects the firm’s extensive experience in financial remedies and cases spanning shareholder issues, property portfolios, and complex pension schemes.

Legal 500’s 2027 guide also endorses the expertise of the internationally renowned Children’s Department with its ‘friendly, pragmatic, and child-centric approach’ which ‘provides clients with the best advice and outcomes’.

Completing the trio of formative developments, Chambers 2027 guide consolidates the firm’s outstanding reputation with another Band 1 ranking.

The guide has regularly lauded how the team ‘always goes the extra mile for the client’ and is ‘highly committed to delivering the best possible outcomes for clients.’

Jones Myers Partner, Nicki Mitchell, said: “Consistently delivering excellence in family law though bespoke solutions in relationship breakdown lies at the heart of everything we do.  

“Our continued inclusion among eprivateclient’s premier family law firms and retaining our top Legal 500 and Chambers rankings  acknowledge our standing nationally and regionally.”

With headquarters in Leeds and offices in Harrogate and York, Jones Myers has retained its Legal 500 and Chambers Tier 1 and Band 1 awards for over three decades.

The extensive expertise of its specialist family lawyers includes mediators, collaborative family law experts and an in-house counsel.   

For queries on divorce or any aspect of children or family law, 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 5^th among the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2026. Feedspot is an RSS Reader that enables readers to subscribe to blogs, news sites, and websites

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Another ranking for ‘Best In Class’ – Long May it Last!

The outstanding reputation of Jones Myers family law firm continues to go from strength to strength as the practice retains its Band 1 ranking in Chambers 2027 legal guide.       

Based on client interviews and recommendations, the top listing for Yorkshire reflects the firm’s extensive experience in financial remedy proceedings and cases spanning shareholder issues, property portfolios, and complex pension schemes.

The accolade also endorses the expertise of the internationally renowned Children’s Department – whose specialists’ ability to handle complicated matters spanning abuse, abduction, and exploitation – is widely respected. 

Awarding Jones Myers the highest ranking for over three decades, Chambers has consistently lauded how the team ‘always goes the extra mile for the client’ and is ‘highly committed to delivering the best possible outcomes for clients.’

Richard Peaker,  Managing Partner and Head of Financial Remedies retains his individual Family and Matrimonial ranking along with Kate Banerjee, who leads the Children’s Team, and Partner Elizabeth Bell who handles complex, high value cases involving company structures and trusts. 

Partner Nicki Mitchell, a Family Mediator and Collaborative Family Lawyer who heads the  York office, is ranked in both the Family and Matrimonial and the Mediation categories – the latter in Band 1.

The announcement follows Jones Myers retaining its top tier position in the 2027 Legal 500 guide which commends the ‘exceptional family team’ and ‘the standout firm in Leeds’.

Legal 500 also highlights Jones Myers ‘friendly, pragmatic, and child-centric approach’ which ‘provides clients with the best advice and outcomes’,

Said Managing Partner, Richard Peaker: “The Chambers ranking is another great boost for our talented, hard-working teams who consistently go the extra mile to achieve the best solutions for our valued clients.

“We are proud to attract the best family law specialists in our sector, and the Chambers  and Legal 500 year-on-year top band rankings reflect our lawyers’ unique breadth and depth of expertise.”

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 2026.

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Jones Myers is hailed as an ‘exceptional family team’ and ‘the standout firm in Leeds’ in Legal 500’s rankings for 2027 based on client interviews and recommendations. 

Delivering every aspect of family law, our niche family law practice has maintained its Tier 1 status for over three decades.

The high-profile guide acknowledges our extensive experience and knowledge in contentious and non-contentious family and children law matters including financial remedy proceedings, complex pension schemes – and deprivation of child liberty cases. It also puts the spotlight on our knowledge of complex international and jurisdictional cases, particularly in international child abduction.

Praising our ‘friendly, pragmatic, and child-centric approach’ which ‘provides clients with the best advice and outcomes’, Managing Partner, Richard Peaker, who heads our Financial Remedies Department, retains his Leading Partner status.

Fellow Leading Partner, Kate Banerjee, Head of the Children’s Department, is lauded the ‘Obi Wan’ of the family team, her smooth professional style and leadership provide the backbone for this exceptional children team’.

Anthony Parrish, a Legal 500 Next Generation Partner, is recognised as ‘an impressive partner whose experience in international and child abduction is second to none. A star of the North!’  

Partner and in-house Barrister, Andrew Fox, named a Key Lawer, is ‘an impressive advocate who is able to deal with private and public cases alike. He provides practical advice and experience in achieving the best outcomes for clients’.

 The guide outlines how Nicki Mitchell, a Partner and fellow Key Lawyer, who heads the firm’s York office, focuses on alternative dispute resolution cases involving family businesses and multiple properties.

Family Solicitor, Jane Bolton, is singled out for providing ‘clear advice, support, and practical solutions in the field of public law’. Lisa Stephenson is described as ‘a paralegal second to none. She is the glue of the family team, providing support, communication, and assistance across the board to clients and professionals alike’ .

Managing Partner, Richard Peaker, said: “The glowing accolades from Legal 500 reflect our  standing as a specialist family law firm which attracts the best family lawyers in our field – and which consistently delivers excellence to our clients.

“Immensely proud to have achieved a top Legal 500 position for over three decades, enormous thanks goes to our committed and talented teams across our Leeds headquarters and our offices in Harrogate and York.”  

Jones Myers has also retained Legal 500 accolades for being among the best performing practices nationwide to deliver Client Satisfaction along with its strong sector knowledge and effective billing and efficiency processes.

For queries on divorce/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 to follow in 2026

Pictured left to right front row: Richard Peaker, Kate Banerjee, Andrew Fox. Bottom row left to right Jane Bolton, Anthony Parrish and Lisa Stephenson.

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The breakdown of a relationship and divorce can be stressful, challenging, and complicated.

This is particularly the case in high net worth divorces which often involve overseas properties and complex financial structures created to achieve tax efficiency.

In the video below  Jones Myers Managing Partner, Richard Peaker, a leading light in High Net Worth Divorce, explains the myriad of challenges in these cases, which often include the analysis of complex evidence to enable the differentiation between matrimonial and non-matrimonial assets.  

He also shares insights into the options available for those seeking to avoid a lengthy, expensive,  time consuming – and very public – court divorce.         

Richard Peaker, a Chambers and Legal 500 Leading Partner, has an enviable reputation in representing high net worth individuals and advising on high-value matrimonial finance disputes.

A specialist in high net worth cases, Richard acts for clients regionally, nationally, and internationally. Richard heads Jones Myers Financial Remedies Department – an acclaimed leader in financial remedy proceedings, shareholder issues, property portfolios, complex pension schemes, offshore trusts.

Specialising in high net worth cases (up to £250m), the department manages matters involving tens of millions of pounds and is regularly instructed in multi-jurisdictional proceedings, cases involving complex corporate (often offshore) trust structures.

The extensive expertise of Jones Myers specialist family lawyers in the area of high net worth divorce is second to none and includes children law specialists and an in-house counsel. 

Every case is treated as unique and the firm works with highly experienced forensic experts and tax specialists to ensure the best possible outcomes for its clients individual situation.    

For queries on divorce/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 to follow in 2026

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By Nicki Mitchell – Family Lawyer, Family Law Mediator and Collaborative Family Lawyer

The approach of Freshers’ Week at universities throughout the UK can set off wide-ranging emotions – and thoughts of divorce.   

While students are apprehensive and excited about leaving the family home, many parents who are experiencing a profound sense of loss start to question their relationship – and their future.   

Divorce figures overall are declining  but those among the over 50’s continue to rocket. The reasons vary from couple to couple. Some  couples know their relationship is over but stay together until the children have flown the nest. Others reconnect with old flames and many realise when the children are gone that their relationship has run its course and they want more from life. I share some insights below:  

Is Your Marriage Worth Saving?

Until you start living without the person you have shared over half your life with, you cannot know how much you will miss them. 

Before rushing to make seismic life changes you may later regret, communicate honestly and openly with your spouse and establish if you still want the same life goals.

A marriage in a rut can be worth salvaging and, If you are both on the same page, consider working with third parties like counsellors to get it back on track.  

Consider The Consequences Of Divorce

New living arrangements –divorce means finding a way to make the finances which have supported one household work for two.  It can often mean downsizing from a large house and garden, taking on a new or higher mortgage and possibly paying or being dependent on maintenance.

The Cost of Divorce canbe substantially higher for mature couples, many of whom have more assets, complicated savings, and property portfolios – often abroad. 

Specialist pensions advice will be needed to ensure a fair division of retirement income, including pension lump sums  Older couples often have financial plans for this stage in their life but have to rethink those plans when they separate.  Good financial advice is key to ensuring those assets are restructured fairly and how the children’s university costs will be funded .   

The Impact On Your Children -How will your children, and grandchildren, react – and how will divorce impact on how often you see them? Older children may better understand the reasons but can be more likely to take sides.

The loyalties of friends and wider family may be split, substantially reducing your support network. Also consider how the emotional cost of the break up will affect you.

When Staying Together Is Not An Option  

If there is no way forward, consider non-confrontational options to divorce, which avoid a lengthy, costly, and stressful court route, and put children’s best interests first.

Mediation –a means of resolving family disputes constructively, enabling you to keep  control over decisions which will affect the future of you and your family.

This private and confidential process takes place in an impartial environment and involves a mediator like me, an independent third party who helps you and your ex to reach an agreement over key areas. Many mediators, like myself, are lawyers and can provide extremely useful information about the law to inform your decisions.

Collaborative Family Law – you and your ex each appoint your own collaboratively trained lawyer. In a series of confidential meetings, you all work together to identify, address and resolve financial, parenting and other key issues.

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.   

If court is the only way forward, I recommend securing the best possible legal advice from highly experienced family law professionals like Jones Myers. Our bespoke, innovative and problem-solving approach ensures we always seek the best solution for your individual situation.   

For queries on divorce/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 to follow in 2026

Image by Skullman at Pixabay 

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What makes you laugh?

I enjoy light hearted comedies such as Amandaland, politically sharp comedians such as Stephen Colbert and John Oliver – and the recent season of Saturday Night Live UK.

A lot of aspects of world news at the moment are quite depressing if you spend too much time reading and watching it, and these comedians put a light hearted edge on serious issues.

Your specialisms include domestic abuse – what are your coping mechanisms for such distressing cases?

When dealing with very emotional and sensitive cases, you have to be able to talk about them with those around you – vocalizing the issues in a case can take the edge off them.

The Jones Myers team are incredibly supportive – there’s always someone around to talk things through with. I support my physical and mental health with a wild swim or a pool swim at least once a week, I love reading, and I practice yoga at home.

As a champion of change, what laws would you like to see reformed?

Although I think the government’s appetite (and indeed budget) for this is limited, I would like to see Legal Aid provision and funding reformed.

The situation has worsened since I started my Training Contract in 2007 when Legal Aid rates were woeful and the system was under strain.

The combination of rates being frozen and the continuing reduction of Legal Aid Agency’s payment rates is deterring young entrants from Legal Aid work. It is also resulting in committed professionals and firms who are heavily reliant on this work abandoning the field.

These factors affect the ability to access Legal Aid funding for those who need it most – with the significant tightening of eligibility requirements seeing fewer people able to access support. 

Although there are many competing priorities for funding, providing vital legal assistance and keeping justice accessible for all  is essential for the proper functioning of society.

How does Jones Myers excel in always putting children’s best interests first?

By constantly striving to look not only at the legal framework, but also at the practicalities of a family’s and child’s individual circumstances.

We know a ‘one size fits all’ approach doesn’t work for all families and children, so considering their particular circumstances and needs is essential in planning for the best outcome.

Following the ‘Guide to Good Practice’ by family law group Resolution to resolve family disputes, we encourage the use of mediation to help families reach agreement where appropriate.

We also apply our extensive expertise to  defuse conflict in family disputes in cases where litigation can’t be avoided and going to court is the only option.  

Who has inspired you in your career?

Everyone at my practice, firms I work on cases with on a regular basis, and employees at local court centres. They are all highly committed to family work despite its emotional challenges. It is not an area everyone is suited to and requires a high degree of empathy and emotional resilience.

What are you most proud of? 

My son, who was aptly described by his teacher as ‘curious, energetic and spirited’! He’s very funny and imaginative and I love our days out together. Every day in my career I’m proud to support families going through some of the most challenging times in their lives.

For divorce and family law queries, 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 20 Best UK Family Law Blogs to follow in 2026

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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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By Jones Myers Solicitor, Katie Jennings

Jones Myers has been at the forefront of ongoing campaigns to overhaul outdated cohabitation laws which currently do not give couples living together legal protection or rights if they split up.    

This is a far cry from the situation with married couples, who, on separation, are safeguarded in crucial areas such as savings, income, pensions, property, business interests, and their children’s future.        

We therefore embrace proposals at the heart of a Government consultation which seeks to protect cohabitants who are parting ways in areas including financial remedies – and in situations when one of them dies without leaving a will.

As a specialist family law firm we are frequently instructed by clients – who have been cohabiting and are unmarried or in a civil partnership – and who are unaware that they have no automatic rights to their partner’s property or savings when their relationship breaks down.   

The current situation can cause even more uncertainly when there are children from the relationship.

As we await the outcome of the proposed changes, we suggest that cohabitees in this situation  obtain advice about their protections under the law – ideally before they move in together – or at any stage of their co-habiting relationship.

More couples are entering into co-habitation agreements which set out how financial matters within the relationship will be managed . The contracts are especially useful documents in circumstances where people already own assets in their sole names or have made purchases with contributions from parents or from inheritance. They provide an essential roadmap for them to follow should they split up.  

It is important that each party seeks independent legal advice and discloses all financial information in the lead up to signing the agreement, which should be reviewed regularly.

Entered into correctly, a co-habitation agreement is legally binding and can be used as the framework for a Pre-Nuptial Agreement should marriage be on the cards.

Jones Myers is committed to helping our clients navigate these issues, whether through our team of specialist family lawyers or through our experienced mediation practitioners.

More on the Government consultation, which closes on August 14, can be found here.  

For queries on cohabitation agreements or any areas of 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

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Jones Myers commitment to develop and inspire the next generation has seen the firm recognise the exceptional performance of a Masters law student for the seventh consecutive year.

Farhan Khan, the 2026 recipient of the Jones Myers Prize for the Best Overall Performance on Master of Laws of England and Wales at Leeds Beckett University, received the accolade at a special prize giving ceremony.

Farhan says he is truly honoured and deeply grateful to be selected for the distinguished recognition – a privilege he will always cherish.

He commented: “To me, this award represents far more than a certificate or a trophy. It is a recognition of hard work, dedication, perseverance, and the values that guide us in our personal and professional lives.

“While this honour is deeply meaningful to me, I believe its impact extends far beyond the individual recipient. It inspires family, friends, colleagues, fellow students, and the wider community to believe in their own potential, work with greater determination, and pursue excellence.”

Commented Sarah Barr-Young, head of Jones Myers Financial Remedies Department in Harrogate who presented Farhan with his prize: “Farhan is a true inspiration whose passion and commitment to consistently excel makes him a worthy recipient of this award.

“Our practice’s annual Masters honour chimes with our deep-rooted ethos to champion the next generation of lawyers and we all wish him lifelong success and happiness in his chosen career.”  

Extending his heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Jones Myers and Leeds Law School, Farhan added: “The award is a wonderful example of how recognising achievement can create a lasting, positive impact.

“By celebrating the contributions of individuals, you encourage others to serve with integrity, compassion, and commitment. Initiatives such as this help build stronger communities, inspire future leaders, and contribute to the continued growth and success of our society and our nation.”

Dr Rachel Dunn, Head of Law (Postgraduate) at Leeds Beckett University, said: “Farhan’s special performance prize reflects his outstanding accomplishments, and we wish him every future success in his ambitions. 

“Since the Jones Myers award was launched in 2020, the University’s Law Faculty has enjoyed and valued our partnership with the firm and the dedication of its family lawyers to recognise and reward tomorrow’s talent.”

Andrew Fox, Jones Myers director and in-house barrister, added: “At Jones Myers we consistently strive to deliver excellence in everything we do and are immensely proud of the difference that our award makes to outstanding students like Farhan.”

With headquarters in Leeds and offices in York and Harrogate, Jones Myers, 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

Jones Myers blog is ranked 5^th in the 20 Best UK Family Law Blogs to Follow in 2026.

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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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