By Nicki Mitchell, Jones Myers Family Law Mediator and Child-Inclusive Mediator  

The backlog crisis in family courts – resulting in long waits for divorcing couples trying to sort out their finances and children’s arrangements – is being put in the spotlight this month.   

We’re wholeheartedly supporting ‘Good Divorce Week’, organised by family justice group Resolution, which runs across November 28- December 2.  The campaign highlights the different ways families can resolve their disputes away from Court – where it is safe and appropriate to do so.

As a niche family law firm, Jones Myers leads the way in seeking non-confrontational solutions, wherever possible – putting children’s best interests at the heart of a relationship breakdown.

Here are alternatives to a drawn out and stressful Court divorce:

Mediation – where separating couples discuss the most important issues with a qualified mediator like me, working constructively towards agreed arrangements for the family’s long-term interests.

With the right mediator, financially complex issues can also be resolved using the process which takes the time it needs to resolve the issues, keeping communication channels open.  Any agreement is confidential to both parties.

Child Inclusive Mediation enables children to have their voices heard. As a Child Inclusive Mediator, I meet separately with children (with consent from them and their parents), encouraging them to discuss their take on the changing family situation.

They can also ask me to feedback specific messages to their parents, often giving them valuable insights when deciding matters affecting their children.

This process enables parents to agree practical, legal, and financial solutions with their children’s best interests at heart. It also gives children a much-needed platform to express their innermost hopes and concerns for the future.

Collaborative Family Law – where a “no court” agreement is signed at the outset in a shared commitment to find an agreed resolution.

The ex-spouses appoint their own collaboratively trained lawyer and work with them to find, address, and resolve key issues. Accountants, IFAs, and other relevant experts can also attend the sessions if required.  

Arbitration – in cases where it is not possible to find an agreement, arbitration provides an alternative to a protracted and expensive court process.  Arbitration is a private court hearing where couples hire an Arbitrator (‘Private Judge’) to speed up the outcome of their financial settlement.

Like a judge, the Arbitrator hears the evidence from the couple, collects relevant facts, and bases their decision on the evidence, considering the views of both parties.

Couples have the same Arbitrator through the process – something which will rarely happen at Court where different Judges are often involved at various stages of the proceedings.

The Arbitrator makes an Award over who should have what which is final and binding. The award is not publicised by the Arbitrator and is only distributed to the parties and their legal team.

For queries on divorce and family law, call us on 0113 246 0055 (Leeds), 01423 276104 (Harrogate) or 01904 202550 (York). Visit jm2023.jonesmyers.co.uk, info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet @helpwithdivorce

Jones Myers blog is ranked ninth in the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2022.

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We applaud the Government’s plans to increase funding to give those most in need access to legal support and help more people to manage their legal issues in the early stages.

The assistance aims to prevent fewer people from becoming a ‘litigant in person’ and representing themselves in court, while also providing specialist legal guidance to those who go on to do so.   

The dramatic increase in litigants in person has resulted from the 2013 demise of Legal Aid. Sadly, there are many cases where estranged parents cannot agree on key areas for their children’s welfare such as finance or living arrangements.

Many litigants in person find it challenging to prepare and read substantial paperwork and to understand procedures, the finer points of law and advocacy techniques.

They also experience anxiety about presenting a case in a technical manner, requiring knowledge and an emotional distance.  

Putting children’s best interests at the heart of relationship breakdown is vital.

Jones Myers is at the forefront of alternatives which guide and support our clients through the following processes which are less confrontational, private, and avoid going to court.

Arbitration – a private court hearing where couples hire an Arbitrator (‘Private Judge’) to speed up the outcome of their financial settlement.

Like a judge, the Arbitrator hears the evidence from the couple, collects relevant facts, and bases their decision on the evidence, considering the views of both parties.

Couples have the same Arbitrator through the process – something which will rarely happen at Court where different Judges are often involved at various stages of the proceedings. The Arbitrator’s Award over who should have what is final and binding.

Collaborative Family Law – a “no court” agreement is signed at the outset in a shared commitment to find an agreed resolution.

The couple appoint their own collaboratively trained lawyers and work with them to find, address, and resolve key issues. Accountants, IFAs, and other relevant experts can also attend the sessions if required to provide expert advice in a neutral way.  

Mediation – where separating couples confidentially discuss the most important issues with a qualified mediator.  They work constructively towards agreed arrangements for the family’s long-term interests.  

Bringing financial and time savings, the process takes the time it needs to resolve the issues, keeping communication channels open. Any agreement is again confidential to both parties.

Our partner, Nicki Mitchell, a highly experienced mediator and collaborative family lawyer is also a child-inclusive mediator who meets with children of separated parents and hear what they want.

Founder, Peter Jones, can arbitrate on financial and property disputes and the breakup of civil partnership or disputes between cohabiting couples whose relationships have ended. 

These alternatives enable divorcing couples to agree solutions which put their children’s future wellbeing and happiness first.

For queries on divorce or family law, call us at Leeds, 0113 246 0055, Harrogate 01423 276104, York on 01904 202550. Visit jm2023.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet us @helpwithdivorce

 Jones Myers blog is ranked 9^th in the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2022.

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Jones Myers leading family lawyers feature in the ‘Best Lawyers in the United Kingdom’ 2023 rankings for the 15^th consecutive Year following recommendations from their peers.   

The accolade comes in a year when the firm retained its prestigious Family Law Firm of the Year North title in the Family Law Awards. Judges singled out the practice’s skills in Mediation, Collaborative Law and Arbitration which avoid going to court. 

Director and Partner Richard Peaker (pictured centre) – who heads the Financial Remedies Department and is an expert in complex financial disputes – retains his Best Lawyers listing since 2009.   A specialist in high-net-worth cases, Richard acts for clients including businesses owners, shareholders, lawyers, accountants, and other high-end professionals. He is regularly recommended by clients, barristers, and independent financial advisors.

Peter Jones (pictured right), who founded Jones Myers 30 years ago, also maintains his listing across the same period. A former Deputy District Judge, he was one of country’s first Arbitrators to resolve differences on financial and property matters.  

An ex national chairman of Resolution who chairs Resolution’s Specialist Accreditation Committee, Peter has been presented with two prestigious awards in the past 12 months for his outstanding contribution to family law.

Partner Kate Banerjee (pictured left), an acknowledged leader in Children’s Law who heads Jones Myers Children’s Department, features in the listing for the second year running.  

Lauded by the Legal 500 Guide as a “Rolls-Royce among practitioners,” Kate’s reputation is acknowledged nationally and globally.

Representing children, parents, guardians and local authorities, Kate has extensive expertise in international child abduction cases. Her specialisms also span contact, residence, education law, adoption, and surrogacy.

Said Peter Jones: “We are immensely proud of our reputation as an outstanding niche family law firm which has achieved top rankings in esteemed legal guides for over two decades.

“It is an honour to be recommended for the 15^th year running for the Best UK Lawyers by our peers, a recognition which reflects our commitment to consistently delivering excellence in family law.”  

The Best UK Lawyers endorsements are submitted by leading lawyers who recommend the professional abilities of colleagues in the same geographical and practice area.

For queries on divorce or any aspect of family law, call us at Leeds on 0113 246 0055, Harrogate on 01423 276104, or York on 01904 202550. Visit jm2023.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet us @helpwithdivorce

Jones Myers blog is ranked 9^th in the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2022.

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We’re delighted to share the news that the Jones Myers blog is ranked 9^th in the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2022.

Launched in 2011, our weekly blog shares insights and tips on wide-ranging aspects of family law to help boost our readers’ understanding of key issues which may affect them and their families.

Topics include divorce, financial settlements, children’s law, arbitration, collaborative family law, mediation, cohabitation, pre-nups, and post-nups.

Aligned with recent seismic changes in divorce laws and the introduction of No-Fault Divorce, we have produced a series of informative blogs to enhance our readers’ understanding of how the new laws will affect them.     

The articles included how, for the first time ever, couples can submit a joint application on mutual terms in No-Fault Divorce – along with the various steps to take for those who are in this situation.

Jones Myers extensive expertise in working with clients towards solutions which avoid confrontation, unnecessary expense, and litigation (going to court) span arbitration, collaboration, and mediation.

Our No-Fault Divorce blogs also explain how No-Fault Divorce includes a 20 week ‘reflection period’ during which mediation can be instrumental to help separating couples negotiate an agreed settlement of the financial issues.  

Since Jones Myers was founded in 1992, our ethos has always been to recommend that clients put the interests of their children first in divorce and separation.

Tip and articles from our internationally renowned Children’s Department include how to prevent child abduction, the importance of protecting and supporting Children’s mental health – and how separated parents can work together for their children’s wellbeing.            

Over the years Jones Myers has campaigned vociferously for major law reforms including protection for cohabitating couples.

At the law currently stands, despite forming the fastest growing type of family group, couples living together have no legal protection should they separate, or if one of them dies.

Our blogs include advice on how these couples can protect themselves in key areas such as savings, income, pensions, business interests, property. They also focus on how children can be supported.

As a multi award-winning firm which is passionate about consistently delivering excellence to our valued clients, we thank our readers who are key to us achieving this prestigious ranking.

We also welcome comments from our clients and readers who we are here to support and advise.   

For queries on No-Fault Divorce, or any aspect of family law, call our Leeds office 0113 246 0055, our Harrogate office 01423 276104, or our York office on 01904 202550. Visit jm2023.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet us @helpwithdivorce

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By Nicki Mitchell, Mediator and Collaborative Family Lawyer

No-Fault Divorce – which dispenses with the ‘blame game’ – makes it easier for couples to manage their separation and work together to avoid lengthy, costly, and stressful court disputes.

The ground-breaking changes in the law, which enables divorces to be completed in just six months, will help separating couples to focus on vital issues such as finances, children, and property.

New time scales include a 20 week ‘reflection period’ between lodging an application and applying for a Conditional Order stating when a marriage will end.  

During the 20-week period, mediation can be instrumental in helping couples to negotiate an agreed settlement of the financial issues arising from their separation. This can then be simply provided to the court for approval without any hearings.

We cannot overestimate the importance of addressing the financial consequences of separation, including pensions, insurance benefits, and potential tax implications, and obtaining a court order which confirms how those issues are to be dealt with, before applying for a Final Order which legally ends the marriage.

However, a Final Order of divorce does not, on its own, bring an end to the financial claims which spouses have against each other.

Confidential mediation sessions enable couples to work constructively towards agreed arrangements aligned with the family’s long-term interests.

This measured approach, which keeps communication channels open, can also be key to sorting out the welfare of, and arrangements for, children – whose interests should always come first. Adopting a constructive and united approach can likewise lessen the emotional impact of the split on the children.

It is important that legal advice is taken to support the mediation process – the mediator will guide couples as to when this is needed.

Our highly skilled team of specialist family lawyers includes myself, a family law mediator since 2015, a qualified child-inclusive mediator and a qualified mediator.

Peter Jones, who founded our award-winning, niche family firm, is also qualified to arbitrate on financial and property disputes along with the breakup of civil partnership or disputes between cohabiting couples whose relationships have ended.

Under No-Fault Divorce, individuals can apply for a Court Order to start the divorce process and, for the first time ever, couples can also submit a joint application on mutual terms.

Irrespective of the divorce process, an early conversation with a family lawyer can help to make informed decisions about the future. Our specialist family lawyers often speak with our clients before they make any firm decision to separate and can allay many of their fears. 

For queries on mediation, No-Fault Divorce, or any aspect of family law, call our Leeds office 0113 246 0055, our Harrogate office 01423 276104, or our York office on 01904 202550. Visit jm2023.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet us @helpwithdivorce

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Our commitment to deliver an outstanding experience to our valued clients sees solicitor Lindsey Cross join Jones Myers award-winning team.

Working exclusively in family law since 2004, Lindsey has extensive experience in divorce and the financial aspects of relationship breakdown relating to both married and unmarried couples.

Lindsey is the second new appointment to the Financial Remedies team headed by Managing Partner, Richard Peaker, since February this year.

The Department specialises in high net worth cases up to £250m, frequently managing matters involving tens of millions of pounds and the team is regularly instructed in multi- jurisdictional proceedings and cases involving complex corporate and (often offshore) trust structures.

 Said Richard: “Jones Myers is proud of its reputation to attract the best lawyers in its field, and we warmly welcome Lindsey who brings a wealth of experience in family law to our growing teams.

“She is respected by clients for her empathetic and honest approach in providing straightforward and realistic advice to manage their expectations and deliver the best outcome for their individual situation.”

Lindsey said: “Jones Myers is renowned and respected for being a long-standing leader in the field of family law which always delivers work of the highest calibre. I was keen to work on complex matters with a team of specialists whose standing is second to none.”

Our niche practice, which has offices in Leeds, York, and Harrogate, retained its Family Law Firm of the Year title North title in the latest Family Law awards. We have also achieved top tier in esteemed legal guides for over two decades.   

Our specialists include an in-house counsel, mediators, collaborative law experts and an arbitrator. They also comprise a former national chair of family law group Resolution, the current national chair of Resolution’s Specialist Accreditation Committee and an ex-Deputy District Judge. 

Our unique expertise and qualifications enable us to offer clients solutions which are best suited to their individual needs. They include processes such as Mediation, Collaborative Law and Arbitration.  

Which avoid a lengthy court process and can to a faster and more cost-effective resolution. 

For queries on divorce or family law related issues, call us at Leeds on 0113 246 0055, Harrogate on 01423 276104, or York on 01904 202550. Visit jm2023.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet us @helpwithdivorce

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Peter Jones, the founder of niche family law firm Jones Myers, has received a prestigious award for his outstanding contribution to the field of family justice.  

The leading UK divorce lawyer was presented with the John Cornwell Award by family justice group Resolution which promotes dealing with relationship breakdowns in a constructive manner.

The accolade is named after the group’s late founder and first national chair, John Cornwell.  

Since qualifying as a solicitor in 1980, Peter’s commitment to furthering the development of family law and promoting and practising excellence in the profession – has been tireless and exemplary.  

A pioneer of resolving family disputes by non-confrontational means, he was at the forefront of change and consistently demonstrated the group’s Code of Practice.  

A founder member of the group, then called the Solicitors Family Law Association (SFLA), he was a regional chair before being appointed its youngest and first national chair from the regions.  

Almost four decades later, Peter’s instrumental role continues as Chair of Resolution’s Specialist Accreditation Committee which promotes the benefits of achieving accreditation and demonstrating excellence in the profession.

Judges at the awards ceremony, which took place in London, said: “He is an outstanding family lawyer, technically excellent and utterly committed to conducting cases in accordance with the Code. He is someone who has ‘given something back’ to the family law community and wider society throughout his career.”

A strong believer in lifelong learning and sharing best practice and his experience for the betterment of the profession, Peter was also a Deputy District Judge for 15 years and lectured in family law for 5 years.

Launching Jones Myers as the first niche family law firm of its kind in the North of England in 1992, he was also among the country’s first Family Law Arbitrators in 2012.

Jones Myers Managing Partner and Director, Richard Peaker, said: “Peter is a worthy recipient of this esteemed award. Initially starting the practice as a sole practitioner in 1992, Jones Myers is now a Tier One firm with over 20 fee earners and a national reputation.

“During that time Peter has been responsible for the nurturing of many young solicitors careers. He has, throughout his career, had unfaltering commitment to improving the profession and driving standards of client care.

“Peter has always acted with the utmost integrity whilst demonstrating a tenacious desire to achieve the best possible outcome for clients and families”.

Consistently named as a leading practitioner in leading law guides, Peter is praised as ‘A highly regarded stalwart of the sector’, ‘One of the most long-standing experts here’, and a ‘veteran in the family law sphere’. 

For queries on divorce or family law related issues, call us at Leeds on 0113 246 0055, Harrogate on 01423 276104, or York on 01904 202550. Visit jm2023.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet us @helpwithdivorce

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We’re over the moon that Jones Myers, which currently holds the ‘Family Law Firm of the year North’ title, is a finalist in the same category for the Family Law Awards 2021.

Judges in the 2020 LexisNexis awards praised our practice as a ‘Northern Powerhouse’ and singled out our expertise of offering solutions such as Mediation, Collaborative Law and Arbitration   which avoid the delays, stress and costs associated with going to court. 

With offices in Leeds, Harrogate and York, we are among six family law firms shortlisted for this  accolade which celebrates excellence and outstanding achievements in family law. 

Jones Myers partner Nicki Mitchell, said: “Having won this award, we’re delighted to be in the final line up of this coveted category which acknowledges our tireless commitment to deliver exceptional client care and service along with achieving the best bespoke solutions for our clients.

“Judges will be looking for high levels of expertise in the shortlisted firms and we are proud of our reputation for consistently attracting highly experienced lawyers who are leaders in their field. We wish all the finalists the best of luck.” 

Jones Myers’ specialists include an in-house counsel, mediators, collaborative law experts, an  arbitrator, the current national chair of Resolution’s Specialist Accreditation Committee, a former national chair of Resolution – and an ex Deputy District Judge. 

The shortlisting follows our finalist nomination earlier this year in the nationwide eprivateclient Excellence Awards which recognise firms who consistently provide outstanding levels of service to their clients.

This year our 30-strong practice – which has consistently retained our top tier regional rankings in Chambers and Legal 500 for over two decades – has also been selected by our peers for The Best Lawyers in the United Kingdom.

Jones Myers is a long-standing member of family law group Resolution which promotes dealing with relationship breakdowns in a constructive and non-confrontational manner and champions putting children’s best interests first.  

Winners of The Family Law Awards will be announced on Wednesday 24 November 2021, at the Bloomsbury Big Top, London.

For queries on divorce or family law related issues, call us at Leeds on 0113 246 0055, Harrogate on 01423 276104, or York on 01904 202550. Visit jm2023.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet us @helpwithdivorce

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By Jones Myers founder, Peter Jones

News that the number of divorcees forced to share pensions has plummeted to a 10-year low re-enforces how pensions remain an undervalued asset in settling financial claims on divorce.   

The report says the courts ordered over 10,500 people to split their pensions with their former spouse in 2020 – a 33% drop from 15,000 in 2019. The reduction also coincides with retirement savings increasing during the pandemic. 

Pensions are frequently one of the most valuable assets of a marriage, often making up the second highest value asset in a divorce settlement after the family home.

They are also key in the financial disclosure process of divorce which produces a full statement of the current earnings and assets of divorcing couples. The process aims to ensure each couple receives a fair settlement which could include a division of the pension benefit fund. 

The most popular way of reaching a divorce settlement is pension sharing which provides a clean break between parties, as the pension assets are split immediately.

The criteria in considering a pension share requires the pension fund to be valued and included in the list of the family’s assets.  

The receiving party needs to decide if it’s better for them to receive a percentage share or, in some circumstances, seek a greater share of the liquid capital as a “set off” when not pursuing a share of the pension.

Some divorces may involve several pension arrangements so it is important to consider which arrangements should be shared, and to what extent. Expert advice from an Independent Financial Adviser will assist with this along with the valuation and projected future incomes.

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

The court will look at the needs of the parties and what other assets are available for distribution.

Agreed financial settlements which avoid going to Court can also be decided through alternative processes including Mediation where an impartial third party “the mediator” helps separating couples discuss issues confidentially and find workable agreements.

There is also Collaborative Family Law where a “no court” agreement is signed at the beginning of the process so that there is a shared commitment to finding an agreed resolution.

Another option is Arbitration where a Family Law Arbitrator in the role of a ‘judge’ decides the outcome of divorce financial settlements. As one of the first UK Family LawArbitrators qualified to decide the outcome of financial and property disputes, I am arbitrating on an increasing number of cases which often include pension arrangements.    

Once an agreement (referred to as an Award) has been decided with the above processes, details are submitted to the court for an order which enables a pension share to be implemented. 

If going to Court is necessary, Jones Myers lawyers can advise divorcing couples on the option which may suit them best.

For queries on divorce, pension sharing, finances, or any aspect of family law, call us at Leeds on 0113 246 0055, Harrogate on 01423 276104, or York on 01904 202550. Visit jm2023.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet us @helpwithdivorce

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Jones Myers is a finalist in the nationwide nationwide eprivateclient Excellence Awards which recognise firms who consistently provide outstanding levels of service to their clients.

Criteria for the inaugural honours includes delivering appropriate and effective solutions to meet clients’ objectives, innovation in services and community and social impact.

Said Jones Myers Partner, Nicki Mitchell: “We are honoured to be shortlisted in the Family Law Firm (boutique) category and warmly congratulate all the finalists. Our practice was launched in 1992 with a commitment to deliver exceptional levels of client care and service and we are delighted this has been recognised by the judges.”

Jones Myers is a long-standing member of family law group Resolution which promotes dealing with relationship breakdowns in a constructive and non-confrontational manner and champions putting children’s best interests first.  

We are at the forefront of offering processes which include mediation, collaborative law and arbitration and aim to avoid the delays, stress and costs associated with going to court.  

If, however, the court route is a client’s only option, we are highly experienced in litigation in local and national Family Courts, High Courts and in the Court of Appeal.

The awards criteria also include the experience of our 30-strong family team based across Leeds, Harrogate, and York as we continue to include the best lawyers in our field.

Their extensive expertise spans a former Deputy District Judge, a Family Law Arbitrator, a former national chair of Resolution, mediators, collaborative family law experts and a Barrister. 

Our empathetic ethos includes making our skills and expertise available to the vulnerable and those most in need. Giving back to our communities and developing the next generation of lawyers is also embedded in our culture.  

The awards shortlisting follows Jones Myers being selected by our peers to feature in the latest edition of The Best Lawyers in the United Kingdom.

Director and Partner Richard Peaker, Founder Peter Jones, and Collaborative Family Law expert Norman Taylor retain their listing for the 14^th consecutive year. Partner Kate Banerjee, who heads our internationally renowned Children’s Department, is featured for the first time.  

The winners of the eprivate Excellence Awards will be announced on Thursday via a live virtual gala event.

For queries on divorce or any aspect of family law, call us at Leeds on 0113 246 0055, Harrogate on 01423 276104, or York on 01904 202550. Visit jm2023.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet us @helpwithdivorce

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