A solicitor with a strong track record in family law and social care law is further enhancing the reputation of our children’s team at our niche family law firm.

Sasha Williams joins our department’s nine-strong team – which includes an ‘in house’ counsel – and attracts complex and varied casework in the UK and overseas. Her experience spans areas including residence, contact, immigration, asylum and domestic violence.

Based in Leeds, Harrogate and London, Jones Myers is at the forefront of international child abduction law and is accredited by a specialist panel operated by the International Child Abduction and Contact Unit.

Sasha said: “The reputation of Jones Myers, which is among the country’s most respected family law firms, is second to none and I’m looking forward to contributing to the ongoing success of the practice.”

Headed by Kate Banerjee – who has Higher Court Rights and is a member of the International Child Abduction and Custody Unit – the children’s department team members jointly combine almost nine decades of expertise.

Kate added: “In today’s evolving modern world, families are more diverse – bringing wider issues, which impact on children. With a wealth of experience in family law and social care law, Sasha’s expertise compliments our skills as our national and international casework continues to increase.”

Sasha’s new role has been well received in the media, achieving much vibrant coverage. This has included a special profile in the Yorkshire Post on the biggest developments the lawyer has witnessed in the legal world during her career.

Her appointment coincides with a series of recent milestones which include our specialist firm retaining its joint top tier ranking and being recommended as ‘one of the best in the area’ by the latest esteemed Legal 500 guide.

Formative developments have also seen us open a new office in Harrogate. Based at Windsor House, our services will complement those we provide at our existing offices in Leeds and Essex where we combine professional legal advice with a sensitive approach.

For more information about child abduction, children’s issues, divorce or any aspect of family law, call Jones Myers at our Leeds office on 0113 246 0055, our Harrogate office on 01423 276104, visit jm2023.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet us @helpwithdivorce

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The spotlight has fallen on youngsters who are caught in the explosive crossfire of warring parents following the volatile BBC melodrama, Doctor Foster.

The relentless and destructive behaviour of Tom’s divorced parents left the series on a cliffhanger, with the distraught 15 year old taking off on his own because all semblances of a normal family and school life had been stripped away.

The stark reality is that thousands of children and young people unwittingly find themselves trapped in the middle of constant conflict in the real world – irrespective of whether their parents are living together or apart.

Such damaging behaviour can not only affect youngsters’ mental health, the development of their social and emotional skills and academic achievements – it can also influence their ability to form future relationships

Jones Myers family lawyers put children at the heart of family law, always encouraging parents to work together to resolve their differences rather than engage in bitter conflict.

Couples who are not consumed by battles are more likely to strive towards supporting their offspring’s psychological and emotional needs. Failure to do so risks horrendous outcomes – as reinforced by Dr Foster’s conclusion.

We urge parents to choose collaboration over conflict at all times and follow these steps:

1. Don’t use children as bargaining tools in your relationship with your ex – encourage them to see – and love – both parents.
2. Linked with the above, don’t criticise your ex in front of them and avoid asking them directly or indirectly to take sides – no matter how resentful and bitter you feel about your former partner.
3. Children need to feel loved by both parents as they struggle to come to terms with the breakdown of family life as they know it.
4. Presenting a united front can help children to adjust. This includes agreeing on key areas such as bed times, amount of television or computer games and space and time for homework. For teenagers it extends to seeing friends and social/sports activities.
5. Encourage your children to show a genuine interest in what they do during their time with the other parent.
6. Listen to your sons and daughters; give them space and time to talk about their feelings.
7. If you, your children or your ex aren’t coping, seek external help and support. At Jones Myers,we take a holistic approach to separation and divorce, referring clients to appropriate professionals such as counsellors or therapists who are experienced in helping families and individuals deal with the fallout of a broken relationship.

We wholeheartedly understand that our guidance is given from the sanctuary of our office as opposed to emotionally charged backdrops which parents deal with daily when coping with their children and managing contact arrangements.

However, if both parents can draw on their inner strength to communicate with, and respond to, each other with dignity and care, they will reap the rewards of their children remaining loving and caring towards their mums and dads – and considerably less likely to fall by the wayside of life.

For more information about children’s issues, divorce or any aspect of family law, call Jones Myers at our Leeds office on 0113 246 0055, our Harrogate office on 01423 276104, visit jm2023.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet us @helpwithdivorce

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A disturbing disorder called parental alienation – which affects some children to such a degree that that they terminate all contact with one parent – urgently needs addressing.  

It is the view of our specialist team at Jones Myers that children are not suddenly affected with this disorder, which was identified in 1987 by an American child psychiatrist – but that parental behaviour leads to a gradual corrosion of the relationship between the child and their other parent.

Children in custody battles can be affected as a result of one parent’s all-consuming campaign to brainwash their children over a prolonged period – using them as a weapon against their estranged spouse. In extreme cases it is reported that youngsters have made up allegations, including abuse allegations, against their estranged parent.

I fully support a development which sees a group of QCs, leading psychiatrists and psychotherapists set up a working party to draw up new guidelines for the management of parental alienation cases through the courts.

These cases are extremely complex and the current judicial system – where courts often do not intervene – requires an overhaul and a more holistic approach to tackle this issue.

In the adage that prevention is better than cure, we would urge parents who are guilty of instigating such vitriolic situations to stop manipulating their offspring – and follow the steps below to ensure they always put their children’s interests first.

• Think carefully about the impact your behaviour is having on your children – don’t criticise your ex in front of them and avoid asking them directly or indirectly to take sides – no matter how resentful and bitter you feel about your ex-spouse.
• Always bear in mind that children need to feel loved by both parents as they struggle to come to terms with the breakdown of family life as they know it.
• Remember that children of all ages, particularly teenagers, are vulnerable to emotional manipulation – and consider the long-term impact on their health and wellbeing.
• Encourage your children to see their other parent and show a genuine interest in what they do during their time with your former spouse.
• If you, your children or your ex aren’t coping then do seek external help and support.  At Jones Myers we take a holistic approach to separation and divorce, referring clients to appropriate professionals such as counsellors or therapists who are experienced in helping families and individuals deal with the fallout of a broken relationship.

If you have any comments, queries or concerns on divorce related issues, leave a comment below, call the team at Jones Myers on 0113 246 0055 or tweet us on @helpwithdivorce

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A new study from Relate which reveals that almost one in five couples in Britain argue regularly or consider separating – reinforces how pressure can cause conflict and disharmony – which in turn can lead to marital breakdown.

The nature of marriage has changed – although the need for closeness, connection and personal growth is unabated, it seems that couples are less reliant on each other than they were in the past.

High expectations of our spouses can be a heavy burden, and the ever-increasing pressure on couples – compounded by external factors – can exacerbate the problems of a “distressed” relationship. Financial strain, busy schedules, and poor communication can contribute significantly to couples getting stuck in a rut – and are some of the most common complaints our experienced team at Jones Myers hears from our clients who are seeking a divorce.

Dr David Marjoribanks, from Relate, said that this constant bickering could have a “far-reaching” impact on children, leading to worse average school results and even crime.

He said: “Children who grow up with parents who have highly-conflicted relationships are much more likely to have mental and physical health problems, do not do as well at school and end up in antisocial behaviour and criminality even.”

While spousal separation may sometimes be unavoidable, exposing your children to harmful conflict isn’t. Here are some steps to protect your children from the fallout of divorce.

1. Set objectives: It is always best to start with seeking to achieve what is best for the children, despite your feelings or grievances. Genuinely strive for what will make them happiest and always put their interests first.
2. Communicate regularly with your ex: Aligned with setting objectives, talk to your ex and plan ahead. This will give you time to agree on and organise logistics, such as travel, seeing wider family, and grandparents’ access.
3. Tell the children what’s happening: they like certainty and security. With that in mind, let them know as far in advance as possible how their time will be spent. This will give them a chance to adjust to anything they might not have expected.
4. Don’t criticise your ex in front of them: Also, avoid asking them directly or indirectly to take sides.
5. Ensure the children know that your break up is not their fault – we can’t emphasise how important this is.
6. Be flexible: Accept that children will want to see as much of both parents, grandparents, wider family and, crucially, their friends as possible.
7. Make use of the resources available to you: Organisations like Relate and Resolution have the experience to help support you and your family; explore what’s out there.
8. Reinforce love and affection: especially during difficult and uncertain times

If you have any comments, queries or concerns on divorce related issues, leave a comment below, call the team at Jones Myers on 0113 246 0055 or tweet us on @helpwithdivorce.

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I have just had the honour of being sworn in for a third tenure as Lieutenant Bailiff in the Royal Court of Guernsey. The role of the Bailiff is an ancient one, rooted in the 13th Century, with the present incumbent being the 88th appointment in 742 years. Since the 1600s the Bailiff has governed the Bailiwick of Guernsey – the area over which he has jurisdiction – and has devolved some aspects of the law to just a handful of Lieutenant Bailiffs.

Drawing on my extensive experience in the area of family law and mediation in the South of England, the position perfectly complements my role heading up Jones Myers’ South East office at Woodford Green, Essex. The role as Lieutenant Bailiff is chiefly to offer independent, impartial assistance in family law cases on the island.

As a non-habitant, I can be called upon at any time to offer unbiased advice where there may be a conflict of interest with a Guernsey resident; this has happened on several occasions. One of my cases was appealed to the Court of Appeal (Guernsey) and then on to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, one of the highest courts in the land – I was upheld all the way through.

There’s no doubt that it’s a fascinating place in which to practise law, with its procedures continually evolving just as they do in England and Wales. In fact, the Bailiff has confirmed he would like to utilise my skills to assist with the development of mediation services on the island – something which I will be enormously proud to be a part of.

The team at Jones Myers has extraordinary experience in mediation and I myself have acted as mediator for many clients across the South of England, so this will be a fantastic opportunity to bring the associated benefits to many more people.

We’ll be examining in greater detail the different jurisdictions of the UK in forthcoming blog posts, so do visit these pages every week to see what’s new.

Image of David McHardy being sworn in, courtesy of photographer Brian Green

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