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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jones Myers blog is ranked 5^th among the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2026. Feedspot is an RSS Reader that enables readers to subscribe to blogs, news sites, and websites

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jones Myers blog is ranked 5^th among the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2026.

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

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

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

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

Is Your Marriage Worth Saving?

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

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

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

Consider The Consequences Of Divorce

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

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

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

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

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

When Staying Together Is Not An Option  

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

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

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

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

Collaborative family lawyers  provide support and legal advice throughout the sessions. Accountants, independent financial advisers, pensions advisers and/or childcare specialists can also attend and provide guidance on a neutral basis.   

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

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

Jones Myers blog is ranked 5th among the UK’s Best 20 Family Law Blogs to follow in 2026

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Jones Myers’ internationally renowned Children’s Department has further expanded with the appointment of Paralegal, Jessica Saville.  

Passionate about helping to make a difference to the outcome of client’s lives at a time when they most need it, Jessica is based across Jones Myers offices in Harrogate and York.   

Jones Myers Partner, Kate Banerjee, who heads the Children’s Department, said: “Jessica is highly committed to Jones Myers’ ethos to consistently deliver excellence in family law. She adds value to our highly experienced team, and we wish her every success in her career.”

Jessica said she was attracted to Jones Myers’ outstanding reputation as a leader in children law.

She commented: “Having previously worked with Jones Myers family lawyer, Laura Sargeant, I was drawn to the practice’s high-standing in its sector – and how it remains at the forefront of the most complex areas of children law.

“I love working with the team and learning from the vast experience of its family law specialists who always make time for me. I have an empathetic nature and enjoy interacting with our valued clients.”  

Covering every aspect of public and private children law, the extensive expertise of the 16-strong Children’s Department – supported by the firm’s in-house counsel – is believed to be unparalleled.

The practice is at the forefront of complex multi-cultural matters including Deprivation of a Child’s Liberty. It also consistently achieves a  high success rate in international child abduction across Hague and Non-Hague countries. 

The majority of children law experts are members of the Law Society Children Panel. The team’s expertise extends to membership of the Advanced Family Law Panel and the Child Abduction Panel.

Ranked in the top five per cent of UK law practices delivering family law services, Jones Myers is consistently awarded a 5 star ‘Excellent’ by Review Solicitors based on client ratings. 

With headquarters in Leeds and offices in York and Harrogate, the firm has retained its top tier rankings in the Legal 500 and Chambers UK guides for over three decades.

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

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Disputes among separated and divorced parents over access to their children can become  fraught and complicated when one parent seeks to relocate them to a different area in the UK or to a new country overseas. 

Anthony Parrish, a Partner in Jones Myers Children’s Department, addresses frequently asked questions.      

What circumstances prompt parents to relocate their child/children?

The main ones are returning to the country of origin to be with family, work, a new partner, and, for a better standard of living’.

Are the current laws straightforward for separated parents to move their child/children both in and outside the UK – and do they guarantee the other parent visitation rights?

If a parent wishes to relocate with a child permanently from their current country of residence,  they require either written permission from everyone holding parental responsibility for the child – or an Order of the court, called a Specific Issues Order.

Do different laws apply for relocating children to different continents?

No, the law is the same regardless of which country the relocation is to. However, consideration must be given to the specific country when looking at welfare and safety issues. For example, a relocation to France is very different to one to Iran.

What factors do courts consider when deciding relocation cases?  

A number of points, one of the main ones being the child’s ability to retain a relationship with the left behind parent. They will also look at the education needs of the child, support networks, the parents’ ability to provide for the child financially, housing etc.

What options are open to parents who are seeking to stop their child/children being relocated at home or abroad? 

The parent can file a Prohibited Steps Order to prevent the child being taken out of the jurisdiction and also seek a ‘Lives-with’ Child Arrangement Order for the child to live with them at the same time.

What recourse is there for parents if their ex has already taken their child/children to a new area in the UK or to a foreign country?  

This would be child abduction, therefore the immediate recourse would be under the Hague Convention, if the country is a signatory. It is more difficult in a Non-Hague country where parents could apply for the child’s return under the inherent jurisdiction of the High Court.  However, many Non-Hague countries will simply look to their own laws and often refuse to recognise this jurisdiction.

How long do conflicts relating to relocation cases at home and abroad take to resolve?  

On average six months, however, each case is different.

In Jones Myers’ extensive experience, how does the upheaval affect a child/children’s well-being?

Any relocation will affect them as they won’t be seeing the other parent as much and are moving to a new country and leaving friends and family behind. Despite all this disruption, children can be resilient.

I would urge concerned parents who are in this situation to seek legal advice immediately from family law experts like Jones Myers who are experienced in children law and child relocation.   

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

Jones Myers blog is ranked 5th among the UK’s Best 20 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2026

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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

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By Kate Banerjee, Head of Jones Myers Children’s Department

The easter holidays are in full swing, bringing the usual raft of challenges for co-parents which are further exacerbated by forecasts of travel chaos by land, air, road and sea.

As always, putting children’s best interests and happiness first should always be the top priority – as difficult as this may be when external elements threaten to disrupt the best laid plans.

Below are some practical tips for co-parents to ensure their children return to school bursting with upbeat stories to tell their friends about the great times they enjoyed with both their parents.

Have A Back Up Plan And Be Flexible – If the predicted travel chaos curtails your combined plans for dividing the holiday period with your children, adapt your arrangements to prevent undue stress – both on yourselves and on them.

It has been proven time and again that children are particularly susceptible to tensions which, in some cases, can impact on their emotional and behavioural development in later life.

Having a back-up plan for any ‘ What If’ scenarios – which can include one of you falling ill or a family crisis – will serve you both well. This can apply to easter outings with one parent being rescheduled until after the official bank holiday – most children don’t return to school until April 20.    

Co-operate And Communicate – Be mindful of your children’s welfare and happiness at all times – it is not a competition over who can spend the most time with them.

In scenarios where things go awry such as being late for picks up or drop offs, avoid manifesting your frustration and being irritated with each other. Above all, in the presence of your children and the absence of the other parent, avoid criticising each other.    

Be Respectful And Realistic  – Accept and respect that you cannot influence the decisions and choices of your former spouse. Be mindful and tolerant of each other’s cultures, routines and family routines which may include a co-parent wanting to involve their children in extended family birthdays or religious festivals.

Build Up A Support Network  – Juggling many balls is no mean feat for any parent, particularly for separated parents who are single handedly trying to manage school schedules, along with work and household demands.

Your network can include close friends and relatives you can rely on and trust – and who won’t let you down if plans start to unravel. Seek out local community groups where you can meet and relate with like-minded parents.  

At Jones Myers, our holistic approach sees us act as a signpost for councillors and relevant  channels of support that co-parents can benefit from – you do not have to undertake this journey alone.     

This spirit of goodwill through considerate co-parenting can positively impact on your children’s happiness and wellbeing in the short, medium and long term.

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

Jones Myers’ blog is ranked 5^th among the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2026.

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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.

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Legal 500 has further consolidated the reputation of niche family law firm Jones Myers by naming the practice among the country’s best-performing practices for delivering Client Satisfaction.  

The accolade is based on the firm’s Net Promoter Score – a key metric which measures client loyalty and satisfaction – and determines if clients would recommend the practice on a scale of zero to ten. The honour is also based on Jones Myers’ sector knowledge and its billing and efficiency processes.

Jones Myers Partner Nicki Mitchell, said: “Delivering excellence and client satisfaction in family law is the bedrock upon which our practice was founded over thirty years ago and it is wonderful that Legal 500 has named us among the country’s best-performing practices.

“Legal 500 also recognises our sector knowledge which is second to none and attributable to how we attract the best lawyers in our field. We sincerely thank our talented teams who work tirelessly to secure the best bespoke solutions for our valued clients.”  

Consistently ranked in Band 1 by Legal 500’s annual guides based on client testimonials, the 2026 edition describes the team as “Fantastic ….very personable. They give practical and realistic advice, always managing clients’ expectations. They work collaboratively with counsel to find the best solution for the clients”   

Legal 500’s acknowledgement also reinforces the firm’s strong standing on Review Solicitors, an independent legal review site which ranks Jones Myers in the top five per cent of UK law practices delivering family law services. 

Awarded a consistent 5 star ‘Excellent’ rating by clients, the firm consistently outperforms its peers nationwide.  

Delivering every aspect of family law, Jones Myers specialists’ include an in-house barrister, a  mediator, and a specialist in collaborative family practice.  

As well as being an acclaimed leader in financial remedy proceedings, shareholder issues, property portfolios, complex pension schemes and offshore trusts, the firm’s Children’s Department is at the forefront of complex multi-cultural matters and international child abduction.

Described as a ‘Northern Powerhouse’ by judges, Jones Myers clinched first place in the Lexis Nexis Family Law Awards for two consecutive years. In 2024 the firm won the nationwide  Outstanding Client Care category in The Modern Law Private Client Awards and was Highly Commended in the same category in the 2025 awards.

Founded in 1992 as among the first specialist firms of its kind, the practice has headquarters in Leeds and offices in York and Harrogate.

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 2026.

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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). 

To coincide with ADHD Awareness Month across October 2026, I share some key insights

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 to follow in 2026.

Image courtesy of Peter Burdon, Unsplash

About Sarah Barr-Young

Sarah brings a wealth of expertise to her role as Head of Jones Myers’ award-winning Financial Remedies Department at the firm’s Harrogate town centre office.

Highly experienced in complex, high net worth financial disputes, Sarah’s reputation in business property portfolios, pensions on divorce and resolving disputes out of court through negotiation is widely recognised.

A named Legal 500 ‘Key’ Lawyer and Chambers ‘Notable Practitioner’, Sarah is respected and valued by clients as a strong ‘no nonsense’, knowledgeable, strategist who is also patient and empathetic.

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