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

As an experienced Family Law Mediator and Collaborative Family Lawyer with extensive expertise in litigation, I understand the challenges facing separating couples in finding the right way to divorce for their individual circumstances.

The trepidation of a prolonged, costly, and stressful court divorce is prompting an increasing number of  couples to seek out routes such as mediation and collaborative family law which avoid going to court.

Another option is arbitration where separating couples hire a ‘private judge’ to accelerate the outcome of their financial settlements.

These processes were previously known as Alternative Dispute Resolution – because they provide alternatives to litigating in court. The language has now changed to refer to Dispute Resolution, the hope being that they will become the first choice and court the last resort.  I am not convinced that this is where we are now but what is clear is that these options are often better choices than court as they promote a spirit of collaboration for spouses and parents to achieve the best  future for their family, with the children’s best interests in mind.  

Over the coming weeks I will explain more about these  options and their advantages and disadvantages to help you to decide which is best for your unique situation. Our first article focuses on mediation.    

What is mediation? 

Mediation is a means of resolving family disputes constructively. It enables you to keep  control over  decisions which will  affect the future of you and your family.  In the court process you potentially hand those decisions over to a judge, who does not know you or your family and knows nothing about what is important to you. Mediation is appropriate for most situations including the most financially complex.

Who is involved in mediation?

The private and confidential process takes place in a safe, 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.  At the outset both of you sign an Agreement to Mediate so negotiations can continue on a ‘without prejudice’ basis.

The number of discussions/sessions varies for each couple depending upon the complexity of the split. As a facilitator, the mediator assists, guides, and helps you to move dialogue forward.  

Many mediators, myself included, are lawyers and can provide extremely useful information about the law to inform your decisions.

Whether or not they are legally qualified, mediators will recommend that you each  retain  your own solicitor who can provide specific legal advice where required during the process.

What does success in mediation look like?

A successful outcome in mediation can mean many things.  Many couples choose the mediation process to get to an agreement which is formalised in a binding Court Order.

Often called a Final Order, this is a legal document which officially terminates your marriage without you having to go to court.  However, mediation has many other advantages, including developing a new way of communicating as separated parents.

Is mediation compulsory?

No. Mediation is a voluntary process. You may have read about a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) meeting, usually relating to cases involving finances or children, which all divorcing couples are expected to attend before court proceedings are issued.

These meetings are designed to inform  you both about alternative resolution schemes and to establish if the circumstances are suitable for mediation.

What are the advantages and disadvantages?

Mediation can result in a swifter resolution, reducing legal expenses which mount up in prolonged court cases between warring couples. Highly confidential, it is a more impartial and considered approach and can lessen the emotional impact of separation and divorce on children.

What happens if mediation fails?

Due to its voluntary nature, talks can be concluded at any time if headway is not made. However, there are many ways in which the process can be adapted to get over sticky issues and avoid failure. 

There is an increasing trend towards lawyers being present in mediation sessions to provide technical advice and support during the process, in particular where there are difficult dynamics and/or complex legal issues. 

Alternatively, disputed legal points can be determined by bringing in a neutral lawyer to give a view or even an arbitrator to give a binding decision on a particular issue. All of this can be done in the context of mediation.

Jones Myers specialist family lawyers are at the forefront of non-confrontational routes to divorce such as mediation and collaborative family practice.

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

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

Image by Hutomo Abrianto on Unsplash. This article first appeared in The Divorce Magazine 

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By Jones Myers Partner, Nicki Mitchell, and Gary O’Brien, Ardent Financial Planning

Following a relationship breakdown, separating couples face multiple challenges which can seem  extremely daunting.

When walking into a solicitor’s office, or appearing for the first time on a screen,  heads are full of anxiety about numerous issues, often jumbled together. 

It is the role of highly experienced family lawyers like Jones Myers to disentangle those anxieties, work out what we can do anything about – and give clients a plan to get through it.

There are three key challenges facing separating couples:   

• Managing the emotional aspects around the changes in their key relationships;
• Disentangling their finances;
• Understanding and working within the legalities of divorce and financial arrangements.

Our role as trusted family lawyers and financial planning professionals is to help clients understand and manage the potential long-term financial and emotional consequences of any decisions they make.

Jones Myers’ locations include York where we launched a vibrant collaborative community of professionals in 2005.

Over the last two decades this long-standing collaboration has enabled us to support  families to achieve long term resolution of financial and emotional issues arising from separation more effectively than litigation (going to court) or endless solicitors’ correspondence.

We collaborate by drawing on the skillsets of professionals  including lawyers, Independent Financial Advisors (IFAs), mediators and coaches who are best suited to provide support for the three key challenges.  

In developing our ‘best practice’ to provide the best possible support for  our clients we have taken inspiration and learning from professionals elsewhere in England and Melbourne in Australia.

This collaborative process is effective and straightforward. When we receive an enquiry, we ask the prospective client if they would be prepared to work with their soon to be ex as part of a team to reach an agreed settlement that provides the right bespoke support and works for them both going forward.    

We explore with our clients the potential impact of short-term decisions on the long-term future of themselves, their children and their wider family, help to identify what matters most to them and help them to focus on  future stability and peace and avoid positions and “quick wins”.  

We find that the  interaction between a family lawyer and an IFA is particularly advantageous for our clients.   

Working impartially in the couple’s joint interests, an IFA focuses on the financial realities such as how cashflow plans enable clients to understand the long-term outcomes of different settlement options and the impact of their decisions on their future long-term peace and security.

The neutral, transparent, and co-operative nature of the collaborative process promotes a spirit of cooperation,  reduces suspicion – and brings long lasting benefits. 

We have seen time and again how, after attending an initial meeting feeling bewildered, our clients leave with a sense of confidence that they can start to look to the future.

A consultant surgeon, who took part in our first collaborative team case said: “It has been a pleasure working with a group of people who all take their professions as seriously as I take mine.”

Since 2005, these words have been echoed by dozens of separating couples who, thanks to this process, have seen their way through the fog of anxiety and embraced the next chapter of their lives.    

The full version of this article, commissioned by family law group, Resolution, can be found in this link

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

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

About Nicki Mitchell

With over three decades of experience in family law, Nicki specialises in the financial aspects of relationship breakdown – and particularly complex cases involving family businesses, multiple properties, and complicated pension arrangements. 

A skilled Mediator, Child Inclusive Mediator and Collaborative Family Lawyer, Nicki champions Alternative Dispute Resolution processes which avoid a lengthy court process and can lead much more quickly and cost effectively to a successful resolution.

Her exceptional track record also includes advising clients on the more traditional methods of resolving issues surrounding family breakdowns. Nicki.mitchell@jonesmyers.co.uk 

About Gary Ardent 

Gary is one of the founding directors of Ardent Financial Planning, helping to set the firm up in 2006. He is a Chartered Financial Planner with over 35 years of experience in financial services. His professional passion is to help people to organise their finances and their future. His time at work is split between guiding clients towards their chosen future lifestyle, whilst helping to run the business. For more information, visit https://ardentuk.com/

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By Jones Myers Partner Nicki Mitchell – Mediator, Child Inclusive Mediator and Collaborative Family Lawyer

The fear of starting all over again and all the financial worry that can bring with it can understandably have a profound effect on many people going through divorce or separation.

This anxiety can be particularly acute for those who have not had to deal with financial practicalities such as tax, standing orders and direct debits during their relationship.  

Below are some insights to help you stay on the right financial track.

Be Open and Honest

Not sharing financial information during a relationship can contribute to problems during divorce proceedings. 

One spouse may have no idea where the budget line is – or even where it should be drawn – and may have unrealistic expectations of what they are entitled to, or what is a realistic and affordable. 

One spouse may have hidden savings or income from the other or scrutinised the other’s spending without being transparent about their own. On divorce, there is nowhere to hide. It is fundamental that both spouses fully and frankly disclose everything they have to each other as a starting point for an informed negotiation.

The Importance of Financial Disclosure   

In every divorce, separating couples must provide to the other full details of their assets, income, pension and liabilities. This is known as financial disclosure.

Financial disclosure ensures that both spouses can make fully informed decisions about what they consider to be a fair settlement. A failure to disclose anything material to the settlement can in some cases lead to an agreement being set aside. Lawyers and judges know every trick in the book and will ask questions if they suspect that money has been concealed. They may even employ forensic accountants to track down missing assets.

Don’t be tempted to hide money in offshore banks. These still have to be disclosed.  If you do not provide everything that is necessary to understand the financial position, family courts have the power to question your accountant, your financial advisor and even your bank manager.

Setting up a new business shortly before separation may well be seen as suspicious or even a deliberate attempt to hide assets. Taking steps designed to put money beyond the reach of your spouse could lead to injunctions being made against you, freezing assets, or ordering the return of monies from third parties.  In the long run, actions such as these are highly unlikely to succeed and will almost certainly damage your credibility in the eyes of the court.

The Penalties of Concealing Assets

If it later comes to light that you have withheld material financial information during the financial disclosure process, your spouse might be able to ask the court to set aside the Financial Consent Order and relook at what would be a fair order – taking into account all the assets, including those not previously disclosed.

The court can also make an order that you pay your ex’s legal costs. In the worst-case scenario, deliberately withholding financial information in breach of a court order can amount to a contempt of court for which a range of penalties (including ultimately imprisonment) could be imposed.  

Include Pensions in Financial Settlements

Frequently overlooked in financial settlements, pensions are frequently one of the most valuable assets of a marriage. They often make up the second highest- value asset in a divorce settlement after the family home – or sometimes the highest.

It is key that information about pensions is made available in the financial disclosure process which must include details of all pensions, including state pensions – and the value of each one.

Pension sharing, the most common way in which a disparity in pensions is addressed in a divorce settlement, splits the pensions immediately and provides a clean break

As an alternative, in some cases ex-spouses prefer to take a greater share of the equity in the family home or other capital, as a trade-off for a share of the other’s pension.

Some divorces may involve several pension arrangements so it is important to consider which arrangements should be shared, and to what extent.  Pensions are complex and, save in very straightforward cases with pensions of limited value, it is important to get specialist advice about them before agreeing a settlement. 

The pension share may be internal (when the recipient becomes a member of the scheme) or external when the share must be invested in an existing or new arrangement of the receiving party. Care should be taken to obtain details of the cost of any transfer.

In deciding what is best for them, the couple need to consider how their respective financial needs will be met and what other assets are available for distribution.

As part of our holistic approach, Jones Myers advises and guides our clients through the stages of divorce during and after their divorce.

Part 2 of this article will include how financial planning can prove useful, the importance of a formal Financial Order – and how to plan for your finances post-divorce.    

This article was originally commissioned for, and published in, The Divorce Magazine.

Image courtesy of Unseen Studio on Unsplash

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

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

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A Supreme Court ruling on whether substantial assets transferred between spouses during marriage should be divided equally on divorce – has reignited the importance of Pre-nups.

The ‘big money case’ saw divorcee Anna Standish lose her legal case to keep almost £80 million which her affluent banker husband had given her in 2017 to put in offshore trusts for their children and to avoid inheritance tax.

When their marriage fell apart in 2020, the money was still in her name, sparking a bitter, prolonged case which played out in the highest courts in the land.

The outcome is a reminder of the importance of Pre-nups for all couples tying the knot, especially for nigh-net-worth individuals and families involved in estate and inheritance planning.

Irrespective of a couple’s financial status, a Pre-nup helps couples to avoid  the potential distress, acrimony, and expense of disentangling their finances if they split up.

How to obtain a Pre-nup

To enter into an agreement properly, the couple each need to obtain independent legal advice on the agreement

Both must also have disclosed their assets to each other – and the terms of the agreement must produce a result that is fair and reasonable and meets needs

The agreement should be negotiated and signed at least 28 days before the wedding. This allows both to obtain advice, have time to consider it, and make an informed decision on signing it

Do courts uphold Pre-nups?

Increasingly courts are upholding pre-nups on divorce if they  are satisfied that the agreement was entered into freely, without undue pressure  and with the benefit of full financial information and independent legal advice.

As the law stands, a court still needs to approve the settlement at the point of divorce, ensuring the agreement meets the needs of both parties. If it does not, a different order can be made but this is likely still to take the terms of the Pre-nup into account to some extent.

Are Pre-nups suitable for second marriages?

Yes, the contracts can work particularly well for coupes marrying for the second time where a husband or wife seeks to retain their own wealth if they separate. They can also protect the interests of children from previous relationships.

Taking the time to draw up a Pre-nup before marriage can avoid financial and emotional heartache in a marriage breakdown. Jones Myers family law specialists are highly experienced in advising on Pre-nups and Post-nups.

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 2025.

Image by Pars Sahin, Unsplash 

The post Why a landmark ruling strengthens the case for Pre-nups  appeared first on Jones Myers.

Recent reports highlight that over one fifth of married couples in the UK have taken out a pre-nuptial agreement (Pre-nup) to protect themselves if their marriage breaks down.

The open and transparent nature of Pre-nups are regarded positively by couples who want to avoid the potential distress, acrimony, and expense of disentangling their finances if they split up.

Pre-nups can also work particularly well for couples marrying for the second time where a husband or wife want to retain their own wealth if they separate. They can also protect the interests of children from previous relationships.

Jones Myers Partner Elizabeth Bell, explains more about Pre-nups below:

Sadly, we have seen repeatedly how arguments over money can cause enormous damage for separating couples and their wider families.

Jones Myers family lawyers have extensive expertise in advising on and drafting Pre-nup and Post-nup agreements which promote healthy dialogue as to what an individual’s future capital and income needs might be in the hope that the parties can disentangle themselves financially without the requirement for a court to make decisions for them should they separate.  

We guide you with sensitivity – helping you to discuss and consider often difficult matters before you enter into the marriage. We can also advise should the marriage break down and consider if the terms of a Pre-nup agreement signed by the parties prior to the wedding should be followed.

For queries on Pre-nups, Post-nups and 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 2025.

Wedding image courtesy of Lanty at Unsplash.  

The post Why more couples are taking out Pre-nups appeared first on Jones Myers.