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

An unprecedented development sees journalists reporting in family law courts on cases which include the future and wellbeing of children whose parents are divorcing.    

Whereas the media could previously observe such hearings but only report on what a judge allowed, accredited reporters can now write in detail on cases, have access to some legal documents and interview families about their cases – providing their identify is protected.  

The move, part of a pilot scheme, aims to remove long-standing concerns about the ‘secrecy’ surrounding family courts, create greater transparency and build public confidence.

Covering private and public children law cases – the latter which involves local authorities – the 12-month pilot applies to family courts in Leeds, Carlisle, and Cardiff.

As a whole, our highly acclaimed Children’s Department sees the pilot as a favourable move in providing a positive insight within the media in helping the public understand the realities of the Family Court System – and for an unbiased approach to be taken.

However, this isn’t without some reservation about  how those who represent themselves in Court Proceedings may try to use the media to their own advantage. Particularly if they did this to portray the other party in an unfavourable light or put their privacy at risk.

In those situations, there would be concerns about how this could be managed safely, especially around the potential for Social Media platforms to be abused.

The new reporting freedoms could also see divorcing couples – particularly those with a profile in their community who are concerned about protecting their own and their children’s privacy – resolve matters out of the courtroom glare.

This can be achieved through alternative routes such as mediation or the collaborative process which help separating couples to find an agreed way forward in a constructive, positive manner.

Less costly, acrimonious, and drawn-out, these alternatives protect children being exposed to the fall out of their parents’ relationship. They prioritise children’s well-being and help the long-term interests of all those involved in the break-up.  

The specialisms of Jones Myers award-winning Children’s Team – which deals with every aspect of private and public children law – span residence, contact, relocation, international child abduction, adoption, and child protection.  

Dedicated to consistently delivering excellence, we act for parents and grandparents, we represent children, through their court appointed Children’s Guardians allocated by Cafcass. We also act separately for children of a significant age and maturity. 

Our extensive expertise also includes a Family Law Mediator, a Child Inclusive Mediator, Collaborative Family Lawyer and In House Counsel.    

More information on the new reporting freedoms can be found here Reporting in the Family Court (parliament.uk)    

For queries on children law, mediation, or other family law issues, call 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 8^th in the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2023.

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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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Jones Myers is offering a free parenting guide to help families who are divorcing or separating to put their children’s interests first.

The Parenting Through Separation Guide written by family professionals has been spearheaded by national family justice organisation Resolution which promotes dealing with relationship breakdowns in a constructive manner.

The guide, which is being launched during Good Divorce Week (November 29^th – December 3^rd) contains a wealth of insights and advice on how parents can find a better way forward for them and their children.  

Jones Myers Partner Kate Banerjee, who heads the Children’s Department, said: “The pandemic has put huge pressure on families – and even more so – on those who are separating. Every parent wants to put their children’s interests’ front and centre, but all too often they don’t know where to turn for help and aren’t given the support they need in order to do this.
 
“Jones Myers consistently champions the importance of putting children’s best interest at the heart of relationship breakdown and it’s vital that parents have to good, authoritative and professional advice that helps them to parent responsibly through their separation.”

Advice in the guide includes co-parenting with a former partner, common disputes that arise between separating parents, and how to talk to children about the painful topic of divorce or separation.

Juliet Harvey, national chair of Resolution, added: “I’m really pleased to have Jones Myers support during Good Divorce Week Resolution members like their family lawyers do really important work in their community to help families separate in a constructive and amicable way.

“The more families who know about and use the free Parenting Through Separation Guide, the better equipped they will be to navigate the challenges divorce and separation brings, particularly when it comes to putting children first.”
 
The guide’s tips for discussing divorce with children include the following:

If your situation allows, try to have a joint conversation when all of your children are present. Keep this age appropriate.

Plan a series of conversations, including different follow up conversations, if your children are different ages. Be mindful that their reactions will depend on their age, developmental stage and their individual personality.

Reassure your children that it is okay to feel sad or scared and showing emotion is good. They can always talk to either of you and ask questions.

Remember you are a role model and your children are watching how you manage this situation. If they see that you are still their parents, making decisions together about them, then they will cope better.

For a free copy of the Parenting Through Separation guide contact the Children’s Department on 0113 246 0055.

For queries on children law, divorce or family law related issues, call Jones Myers 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 For more information on Resolution visit @ResFamilyLaw and www.resolution.org.uk

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Jones Myers has promoted family lawyer Anthony Parrish – who has over two decades experience in family law – to partner.

Anthony, who joined our award-winning niche family law firm as a solicitor in 2007, is a member of our internationally acclaimed Children’s Department.

His extensive expertise in family law includes representing children, teenagers, parents, and local authorities.  Anthony is also experienced in international child abduction cases and adoption work.

Jones Myers partner, Kate Banerjee, who heads our Children’s Department, said: “Anthony’s promotion, which is aligned with our firm’s ongoing expansion, is extremely well deserved.

“A valuable and committed member of our team for the past 14 years, Anthony is commended for giving realistic advice in a sensitive and appropriate way, which is tailored to suit the individual needs of our clients. We wish him continued success.”

The latest Legal 500 guide applauds the new partner for being: “Well organised and totally on top of the facts in a case. He deals with his lay clients and other professionals in a case with absolute courtesy.”

Said Anthony: “I am absolutely delighted with the opportunity of becoming a partner at Jones Myers. It is an exceptional firm that I am very proud to be part of. I look forward to continuing to play a key role within a highly experienced team which consistently provides outstanding client service and legal advice.”

Jones Myers, which has offices in Leeds, Harrogate and York, has retained our Top Tier ranking in the esteemed Chambers and Legal 500 guides for over two decades. The latest Legal 500 edition describes us as a ‘premier niche family law firm’

Marking our 30^th anniversary in 2022, our practice, which currently holds the ‘Family Law Firm of the year North’ title, is a finalist in the same category for this year’s Family Law awards which take place in London on November 24.  

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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Our niche family law firm has again punched above our weight in the latest Legal 500 rankings which applauds Jones Myers as “the county’s premier niche practice law firm”.

We are the only family law practice with a York office in the 2022 top tier Yorkshire firms in the esteemed 2022 guide which covers Leeds, West Yorkshire, and North Yorkshire.    

Praising our strong teamwork across all aspects of family law, Legal 500 highlights how Jones Myers offers realistic and achievable goals and competitive fees.

It also outlines how we adapted to the challenges presented during the pandemic, “offering face to face activity within the social distancing rules but also adapting technology to ensure a superb quality of service”.

Described as the leading specialist firm in Leeds in financial remedy, our Department is headed by Director and Partner, Richard Peaker, who is named as a Leading Individual along with Partner Kate Banerjee who leads our internationally acclaimed Children’s Department.

Kate is praised as a “Rolls-Royce among practitioners” and “a first-class operator” who is “technically superb with an instant knowledge of the law. You feel she is always fighting the client’s corner, but she also delivers pragmatic, accurate advice in managing expectations.”

Partner Nicki Mitchell  a mediator and collaborative family lawyer who heads our York office, is named as a key member who is known throughout York for her specialism in matrimonial finance and for offering top rate advice, support and value.

The guide describes Nicki as “a collaborative lawyer who has a genuine interest in helping clients and is excellent in her communication skills and has a natural empathy towards clients who are experiencing an often difficult and contentious period in their lives.”

Another named key member is Senior Solicitor Anthony Parrish from our Children’s Department who is “well organised and totally on top of the facts in a case and who deals with his key clients and other professionals in a case with absolute courtesy.”

Highlighting how our clients include senior members of the medical profession, partners in legal practices and small and medium sized enterprises, the publication also stresses our strong track record in the farming sector and in dealing with onshore and offshore trusts.

Says Nicki Mitchell: “We are extremely proud with this recognition as a premier niche family law practice which rose to the pandemic challenges to continue delivering an outstanding service to our clients. The ranking also reflects our team’s extensive expertise across all areas of family law.”

Retaining our joint Tier 1 position in the guide for over two decades, Jones Myers was founded by leading divorce lawyer Peter Jones and celebrates its 30^th anniversary in 2022. 

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 Solicitor, Lisa Russell

In a tumultuous week which has seen schools and colleges in England closed until at least half term and A-Levels and GCSEs cancelled, estranged parents are seeking clarification about contact arrangements for their children.    

The third national lockdown – forced by a surge in the new variant of Covid-19 – will no doubt further increase logistical and practical challenges for parents who are divorced or separated.  

Restrictions mean everyone must stay at home except those who cannot work from home. Leaving the house is only permitted for specified reasons including essential shopping, medical assistance and exercise.

Children under 18 whose parents are separated can still continue to visit parents they do not live with – providing both households are healthy and children are not put at risk.

Support and child care bubbles can remain the same but, as with previous lockdowns, children and their parents cannot mix with people (either indoors or outdoors) outside their parents’ households.

The latest school closures will no doubt be very difficult for separated parents who will need to ensure their children can participate in remote learning – regardless of whose home they are in throughout the week.

Children of key workers will be entitled to school provision and nursery school children can access Early Years childcare which will remain open.  

It is vital that separated parents communicate regularly and are flexible regarding their usual child contact arrangements to enable each parent to continue to work.

The guidance from the President of the Family Division and Head of Family Justice, RT Hon Sir Andrew McFarlane back in March 2020 remains as relevant now as it was then. “It is for the child’s parents to make after a sensible assessment of the circumstances, including the child’s present health, the risk of infection and the presence of any recognised vulnerable individuals in one household or the other.”

There is a lot of evidence that children can thrive in separated families.  What is damaging for them is being exposed to conflict between their parents.

In situations where effective communication is not so straightforward, Mediation can help to work out suitable arrangements. It can also minimise the risk of children being “caught in the crossfire”.

Jones Myers highly committed Children’s Department balances the needs of children and their parents in issues including residence and contact disputes, care proceedings, international child abduction and adoption.

Our specialist lawyers are here to advise and support in all areas of children and family law through the challenging and uncertain days, weeks and months ahead.     

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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Ensuring the well-being of children and young people caught up in relationship breakdowns is always of paramount importance.

This is why Jones Myers urges our clients to always put their children’s best interests first.  

With the Covid-19 pandemic presenting additional challenges and restrictions over the holiday period, below are vital services for children, their parents and the vulnerable at this particularly difficult and emotionally charged time of year.   

Childline

Childline is expecting thousands of children to turn to them for help this Christmas. The national support resource helps anyone under 19 in the UK to talk about any issue they are going through with trained counsellors. Call 0800 1111 (Freephone) every day between 7.30am and 3.30am.

Young Minds

A UK charity supporting the mental health of children and young people. For young people requiring support or for parents or carers worried about their children visit  Contact Us (youngminds.org.uk)

NHS Helpline

Call 111 if you have a problem and are unsure of what to do. The line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.   

Emergency Services 

Call 112 for all emergency services – police, ambulance fire and rescue.

Supportline  

SupportLine is aimed at those who are isolated, at risk, vulnerable and victims of any form of abuse.

Contact the helpline on 01708 765200 or email info@supportine.org.uk  

The National Domestic Abuse Helpline

This service is available round the clock for those experiencing domestic abuse. Call 0808 2000 247.

Refuge

Refuge offers a freephone 24-Hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit www.nationalhelpline.org.uk  to access live chat Monday-Friday 3pm-1pm.

Refuge also provides guidance on how to secure technology against hacking and tracking – visit  https://www.refuge.org.uk/our-work/forms-of-violence-and-abuse/tech-abuse-2/resources/

National Men’s Advice Line

The helpline for male victims of domestic abuse provides telephone and email support Monday-Friday 9am-8pm. Webchats are also available Wednesday – Fridayfrom 10am-11am and 3pm-4pm. Call  0808 801 0327.

Jones Myers empathises with the additional stress and trauma associated with the holiday period and is continuing to provide urgent advice and support to existing and potential clients.

This includes offering face-to-face meetings – in line with government guidance – and ensuring effective social distancing protocols – in circumstances that cannot be dealt with remotely.

Our offices in Leeds, Harrogate and York are remaining open throughout the national lockdown – and beyond – should it be extended.     

With courts only open for urgent cases, our remote working capabilities also see us conduct court hearings and confidential consultations so our clients’ cases can be heard and processed effectively and in timely manner.

Call us at Leeds on 0113 246 0055, Harrogate on 01423 276104 and York on 01904 202550. Visit jm2023.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet us @helpwithdivorce

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The second lockdown and increased restrictions have understandably raised anxiety levels even more for those embroiled in relationship breakdowns.  

We wanted to reassure our existing and potential clients that Jones Myers is continuing to offer face-to-face meetings (in line with government guidance) – in circumstances that cannot be dealt with remotely.

As a niche family law firm we empathise with the stress and trauma associated with such a difficult period. This is why we always do our best to accommodate our clients while ensuring effective social distancing protocols.

Our offices in Leeds, Harrogate and York will remain open throughout the national lockdown – and beyond – should it be extended.      

With courts only open for urgent cases, our remote working capabilities also see us conduct court hearings and confidential consultations so our clients’ cases can be heard and processed effectively and in timely manner.

We understand that support networks are more vital than ever and our long-standing partnerships with professionals give clients access to counsellors, therapists and information on matters such as tax advice.

Key issues we are contacted about include:   

Children Arrangements 

Clients’ concerns centre on co-parenting and child arrangements and maintenance and financial issues – particularly with ongoing job losses. We encourage estranged couples to keep talking, helping them achieve the best solution for their individual situation.  

Seeking to ensure children’s interests always come first; our Children’s Department also assists parents with concerns over the safety of children during the lockdown.

Dividing Assets   

Couples who have split up – or who are about to separate – are unsure over when is the best time to divide their assets on divorce (without going to court). Our specialist lawyers have extensive expertise in this area. 

Avoiding Court    

The prolonged court delays see us assisting even more clients through processes which avoid this route.  

Mediation – an impartial third party “the mediator” helps couples to discuss issues confidentially and find workable agreements more quickly and cost effectively than the court process or in solicitors’ correspondence. In the current climate, online mediation can be available.

Collaborative Law – a “no court” agreement signed at the beginning of the process ensures a shared commitment to finding an agreed resolution. Couples can reach an agreement calmly and in their own time. It can be of particular benefit in higher value or complex children situations.

In family Arbitration couples appoint an arbitrator who makes decisions for them and enables them to resolve disputes in a more flexible and less formal setting. They also have the same Arbitrator through the process which will not happen at Court with Judges.

We are also adept at assisting clients if a court hearing is inevitable.

Our capability, expertise and commitment will provide urgent legal advice and support though the challenging days, weeks and months ahead to those who most need it.    

For advice 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 @helpwithdivorce

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We’re delighted to share the news that our niche family law firm has retained our joint Tier 1 ranking in the prestigious Chambers UK 2021 guide which acknowledges the excellence of our family lawyers.  

The guide applauds how our expertise in dealing with financial remedy nuptial cases adds depth to our practice – and how well versed we are in cases involving shareholder issues, property portfolios and complex pension schemes.

It also emphasises the ability of our dedicated family team to handle complicated children cases, including abuse allegations and forced marriage proceedings.

The guide, which covers the areas of Leeds, Bradford and surrounding areas, quotes an interviewee who says: “They are very well thought of and have very good practitioners.”

Our notable practitioners included in Chambers UK are:

Partner Kate Banerjee described as “brilliant and goes the extra mile,” according to interviewees. The head of our Children Department, Kate handles a wide range of child law matters, including care proceedings, residence disputes and international abduction cases.

Partner Nicki Mitchell – who the guide praises for her expertise in Alternative Dispute Resolution (processes which avoid going to court) and collaborative law.  Nicki often advises on matrimonial finance disputes concerning high-value assets and pension arrangements.

The guide says founder Peter Jones is “revered in the industry” for his extensive knowledge and experience advising on financial remedy proceedings.

Partner and director Richard Peaker is well known in the market for advising on high-value matrimonial finance disputes. Chambers UK says he often advises landowners and high-earning professionals on both divorce and cohabitation matters.

Partner Sarah Dickinson frequently – who acts on high-value financial disputes, often involving complex business structures, trusts and offshore assets – is also praised.

The announcement comes just three weeks after we also retained our Legal 500 joint top ranking for over two decades.

Also applauding our extensive expertise, Legal 500 highlighted our expansion with the opening of our York office in mid 2019 and the appointment of partner Nicki Mitchell.

More of our lawyers – whose expertise jointly combines almost 300 years’ legal experience – are named as leading individuals year-on-year in both the Legal 500 and Chambers guides compared to any other family law specialist in Yorkshire.

The only family law practice in Leeds with our own specialist in-house counsel, we also have extensive expertise in the alternative dispute resolution processes of Mediation, Collaborative Law and Arbitration – which avoid a lengthy court process and can lead much more quickly and cost effectively to a successful 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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Jones Myers Family Law is supporting a new website – Relationship Matters – a partnership of Leeds City Council and regional 14 local authorities – to provide families with information, tips and advice to navigate difficult disagreements and arguments through these difficult times.

Relationship Matters helps people to recognise when regular conflict negatively affects families, particularly children.

The valuable resource www.relationshipmatters.org.uk comes as families spend prolonged periods at home due to self-isolation, lock down and social distancing measures.

The site is designed to help reduce the impact in situations such as regular arguments and shouting, worries about separation/divorce, silent treatment and slamming doors.

It also provides advice in scenarios when worries and anxiety get in the way of managing everyday life and when people have difficulty apologising and moving on after an argument. Tips include how to navigate conflict arising from hurtful texts, emails, or social media.

Helping families to stay calm and work out the next steps, the site signposts them to organisations where they can obtain further help.

Partner Kate Banerjee, who heads Jones Myers Children’s Department, said: “At this particularly challenging time, the wellbeing of children is paramount and this resource is key to help families deflect and deal with tensions that can arise. Signposting them to other services that they may benefit from also goes a long way to help diffuse difficult situations.”

Following lockdown restrictions and school closures, Jones Myers family lawyers in Leeds have received a surge in enquiries from parents who are concerned about their sons and daughters visiting their former spouse/partner. The firm’s experienced solicitors based at offices in Harrogate and York have also dealt with an increase in queries. 

Jones Myers family lawyers in Leeds, Harrogate and York continue to provide urgent legal advice and to urge estranged couples to work together for the wellbeing of their children through the Covid-19 crisis.

Adds Kate: “Sustaining an element of trust and keeping communication channels open is of paramount importance and we always recommend separated couples follow government guidelines and make sensible judgement calls regarding their individual situations.”

“Our remote working capabilities enable us to effectively conduct court hearings and confidential consultations along with mediation and arbitration hearings.” 

Jones Myers Family Law is supporting a new website – Relationship Matters – a partnership of Leeds City Council and regional 14 local authorities – to provide families with information, tips and advice to navigate difficult disagreements and arguments through these difficult times.

Relationship Matters helps people to recognise when regular conflict negatively affects families, particularly children.

The valuable resource www.relationshipmatters.org.uk comes as families spend prolonged periods at home due to self-isolation, lock down and social distancing measures.

The site is designed to help reduce the impact in situations such as regular arguments and shouting, worries about separation/divorce, silent treatment and slamming doors.

It also provides advice in scenarios when worries and anxiety get in the way of managing everyday life and when people have difficulty apologising and moving on after an argument. Tips include how to navigate conflict arising from hurtful texts, emails, or social media.

Helping families to stay calm and work out the next steps, the site signposts them to organisations where they can obtain further help.

Partner Kate Banerjee, who heads Jones Myers Children’s Department, said: “At this particularly challenging time, the wellbeing of children is paramount and this resource is key to help families deflect and deal with tensions that can arise. Signposting them to other services that they may benefit from also goes a long way to help diffuse difficult situations.”

Following lockdown restrictions and school closures, Jones Myers family lawyers in Leeds have received a surge in enquiries from parents who are concerned about their sons and daughters visiting their former spouse/partner. The firm’s experienced solicitors based at offices in Harrogate and York have also dealt with an increase in queries. 

Jones Myers family lawyers in Leeds, Harrogate and York continue to provide urgent legal advice and to urge estranged couples to work together for the wellbeing of their children through the Covid-19 crisis.

Adds Kate: “Sustaining an element of trust and keeping communication channels open is of paramount importance and we always recommend separated couples follow government guidelines and make sensible judgement calls regarding their individual situations.”

“Our remote working capabilities enable us to effectively conduct court hearings and confidential consultations along with mediation and arbitration hearings.” 

Jones Myers Family Law is supporting a new website – Relationship Matters – a partnership of Leeds City Council and regional 14 local authorities – to provide families with information, tips and advice to navigate difficult disagreements and arguments through these difficult times.

Relationship Matters helps people to recognise when regular conflict negatively affects families, particularly children.

The valuable resource www.relationshipmatters.org.uk comes as families spend prolonged periods at home due to self-isolation, lock down and social distancing measures.

The site is designed to help reduce the impact in situations such as regular arguments and shouting, worries about separation/divorce, silent treatment and slamming doors.

It also provides advice in scenarios when worries and anxiety get in the way of managing everyday life and when people have difficulty apologising and moving on after an argument. Tips include how to navigate conflict arising from hurtful texts, emails, or social media.

Helping families to stay calm and work out the next steps, the site signposts them to organisations where they can obtain further help.

Partner Kate Banerjee, who heads Jones Myers Children’s Department, said: “At this particularly challenging time, the wellbeing of children is paramount and this resource is key to help families deflect and deal with tensions that can arise. Signposting them to other services that they may benefit from also goes a long way to help diffuse difficult situations.”

Following lockdown restrictions and school closures, Jones Myers family lawyers in Leeds have received a surge in enquiries from parents who are concerned about their sons and daughters visiting their former spouse/partner. The firm’s experienced solicitors based at offices in Harrogate and York have also dealt with an increase in queries. 

Jones Myers family lawyers in Leeds, Harrogate and York continue to provide urgent legal advice and to urge estranged couples to work together for the wellbeing of their children through the Covid-19 crisis.

Adds Kate: “Sustaining an element of trust and keeping communication channels open is of paramount importance and we always recommend separated couples follow government guidelines and make sensible judgement calls regarding their individual situations.”

“Our remote working capabilities enable us to effectively conduct court hearings and confidential consultations along with mediation and arbitration hearings.” 

For queries on children related issues during the Covid-19 crisis, call us at Leeds on 0113 246 0055, Harrogate on 01423 276104, or York on 01904 202550. All calls are redirected to our staff working remotely. Visit jm2023.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet us @helpwithdivorce

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