The third national lockdown has understandably raised more questions and worries about the impact of the new restrictions, the availability of vaccines – and access to key services.    

Jones Myers is responding to concerns that the lockdown – forced by a surge in the new variant of Covid-19 – will prevent members of the public who are experiencing difficulties with their relationships from obtaining advice and if necessary issuing proceedings.

We have received numerous enquiries as to whether areas of family law such as arrangements for children,  finances, and protection for cohabitating couples can be progressed.  

We are reassuring our clients that we will continue to provide them with advice and support, which includes a free-of-charge 30-minute consultation via telephone or video for new clients.    

We can also still offer face-to-face meetings – in line with government guidance and ensuring effective social distancing protocols – in circumstances that cannot be dealt with remotely.

We can assist our clients within and outside the UK to access our specialist services and our offices in Leeds, Harrogate and York will remain open.     

With courts only opening their doors for face to face hearings in urgent cases, our remote working capabilities ensure  clients’ cases are heard and progressed effectively and in a timely manner.  

We are also helping an increasing number of clients through Mediation,  Collaborative Law and Arbitration which avoid going to court and can help achieve a resolution more swiftly and cost effectively.

Finding the right family lawyer is critical. We always recommend appointing one who is a member of Resolution which is committed to dealing with relationship breakdown issues in a constructive and non-confrontational manner.  

Jones Myers is a long-standing Resolution member. Our founder Peter Jones, a former National chairman of Resolution and Deputy District Judge, also chairs Resolution’s specialist accreditation committee.

As a niche family law firm we empathise with the prolonged stress and trauma which those embroiled in a relationship break down are encountering.

We offer access to vital support services and our capability, expertise and commitment will advise and support in all areas of family law through the uncertain days, weeks and months ahead.      

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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By Jones Myers Solicitor, Lisa Russell

Following a year like no other, many separated parents have extra concerns and questions about the arrangements for their children during the festive period due to the Government’s Covid-19 restrictions.

In what can in normal circumstances be a difficult and emotional time of year, separated parents are also having to navigate further rules – which are constantly changing – and which will influence how families can spend time together during the holiday period.

Following a change in restrictions on 19th December 2020, those living in the new four areas in England can now only celebrate Christmas with members of their own household and support bubble. They cannot travel to other tiers to spend time with family and friends. 

For people in tiers 1,2 and 3, a Christmas bubble can continue to be formed. However, this is now restricted to allow up to three households to meet on Christmas Day only. Christmas bubbles are no longer permitted between 23^rd and 27^th December. Family and friends in Tier 4 cannot be included in the Christmas bubbles of those living in the lower tiers.

It is recommended that everyone stays local and avoid travelling from a lower to a higher prevalence area. Importantly overnight stays are prohibited and therefore this in Christmas bubbles can spend time with each other during the day only.

If you are in an existing support bubble with someone who lives in a Tier 4 area, you can see each other on Christmas Day. If you choose to do so, you must not join a Christmas bubble with anyone else.

As with the earlier lockdown, children under the age of 18 can move between the homes of separated parents and their respective “Christmas Bubbles”.  Nobody else should be in two bubbles.

If one or both parents live in a Tier 4 area, children may continue to move between their parents’ houses, but neither household is permitted to join a Christmas bubble with others.

Here are our tips for managing your arrangements:

1. Plan Now – the earlier communications begin the better. Discussing the arrangements for Christmas early will allow time for consideration of each other’s expectations and plans and, importantly, compromise if there is no immediate agreement.
2. Remain Child-Focused – Like all children, mine have also experienced an extremely unusual and unsettling year. Unable to attend their normal nursery, school, alternative child care provision and extracurricular activities; they have also been prevented from socialising with peers, family members and enjoying the freedoms and experiences which childhood should bring. Most children will no doubt have experienced confusion, worry and anxiety at one time or another during this pandemic.  Listen to your children’s views. It is important to remember that Christmas celebrations do not have to take place on Christmas Day to be special and exciting for our children. The magic of Christmas can happen twice!  Now, more than ever, your children need to feel secure and loved and not bear responsibility for choosing between their parents and, in turn, their wider families.
3. Keep up to Date with & Remember the Rules – Depending upon which tier you live in, there is now just Christmas day when your children may have an opportunity to see their wider families which could include siblings, cousins, grandparents and other extended family members. It is therefore important to think flexibly and acknowledge that arrangements which worked previously may not this year for a number of reasons. They include how the ‘normal’ division of time may not allow for both parents to spend time with the children during this one-day window taking into account the new tier system. For families where a separated parent wishes to travel abroad with children there are additional considerations. With travel restrictions changing daily, consult Government travel guidelines and be aware that the parent will need to ensure that all Covid-19 rules and precautions are followed including the need for quarantine and regarding any risk factors at the intended destination. The consent of the other parent who has Parental Responsibility must be obtained. If it is not given an Order from the Court granting permission to travel with the children is required. Bear in mind the Court system is currently under considerable pressure and it may not be possible for an immediate hearing – therefore the earlier the agreement or disagreement is established the better.
4. Have a Plan B – agree a contingency plan to avoid anxiety and disagreement at the last minute if original plans are not possible.
5. Seek Legal Advice – if you require legal advice in respect of the arrangements for your children during the festive period or otherwise please do not hesitate to get in touch. We offer 30 minute free consultations by telephone or video call.

For more information contact 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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November 30 marks the start of ‘Good Divorce Week’ which promotes reducing conflict in relationship breakdowns and the damage – sometimes long lasting – it can cause to children.    

As a niche family law firm – we champion alternative ways to achieve a ‘good’ divorce which is in the best interests of children, their parents and their wider families.      

The following formula promotes a spirit of mutual cooperation and fairness:    

Always put your children first

The current unprecedented pandemic has further exacerbated the challenges facing estranged couples and parents beset with fears of job losses, concerns over co-parenting and child arrangements, maintenance and financial issues.

We encourage parents to keep communication channels open and to devise a parenting plan which boosts trust. Avoid arguing or criticising each other in front of your children and reassure them that your separation is not their fault.    

Undergo Mediation

This spirit of cooperation extends to undergoing Mediation which can help couples resolve their differences and find solutions to move forward positively.

An impartial third party ‘the mediator’ helps them discuss issues confidentially and find workable agreements. With mediation agreements can be reached a great deal more quickly and cost effectively than by using the court process or in solicitors’ correspondence.

Ongoing communication also limits the emotional damage which follows in the wake of an acrimonious battle. Our specialist lawyers are experienced mediators and can offer online mediation. 

Discuss future financial arrangements 

The starting point for divorce is sorting out finances and disclosing assets such as your home, pensions, savings and trusts. Making decisions in the midst of life changing events isn’t easy – especially with the upheaval caused by the current pandemic. Our experts will advise and guide you through the process.  

Appoint a lawyer who is a Resolution member

Good Divorce Week is organised by Resolution – an organisation of family lawyers and fellow professionals.

Jones Myers – a long standing member whose experts include a former national chair of Resolution – follows Resolution’s code of practice and is committed to dealing with relationship breakdown issues in a constructive and non-confrontational manner.  

Enlist emotional support

Managing the emotional fall out of divorce is crucial. Our holistic approach and long-standing partnerships with wide ranging professionals ensure our clients regionally, nationally and internationally have access to counsellors and therapists. We can also assist with access to information on issues such as tax advice.

Reducing trauma and emotional conflict in the early stages of divorce and separation can pave the way for a more healthy and positive future that will help children’s well being and happiness in the months, years and decades ahead.

During Good Divorce Week (November 30 – December 4), Jones Myers is offering 30 minutes of free legal or professional advice to those who need it.

To find out more, 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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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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The stress and trauma of divorce and relationship break ups have been further exacerbated during the prolonged Pandemic where a myriad of job losses are also heightening financial concerns. 

The surge in divorce looks set to continue during the second lockdown where stringent measures in some areas could remain in place for six months.   

Finding the right family lawyer who can advise and support you has understandably taken on an unprecedented importance.

Below are some key criteria to help you choose:

Credentials 

As a niche family law firm, we always recommend working with a lawyer who is a member of Resolution – a body of family lawyers and fellow professionals who follow a code of practice and are committed to dealing with relationship breakdown issues in a constructive and non-confrontational manner.  

Jones Myers founder Peter Jones, a former National chairman of Resolution and Deputy District Judge, chairs Resolution’s specialist accreditation committee.

Peer and Client Recommendations    

The only family law practice in Leeds with our own specialist in-house counsel, we have retained our joint top tier ranging in the Legal 500 and Chambers guides for over two decades. 

Jones Myers is also a finalist in the prestigious Family Law Awards for the outstanding quality of service we deliver to our clients.    

Accessibility and Technological Capability  

Our robust contingency planning and secure technological capability during the pandemic has seen more of our clients referring their family, friends and contacts from much further afield than our immediate geographical area.

Clients within and outside the UK can easily access our specialist services and are reassured by how well we communicate remotely with them – because they know their cases are being progressed effectively.       

Alternative Dispute Resolution  

With the Pandemic contributing to significant hold ups in court proceedingsand delays in arranging dates for hearings, our specialists are assisting even more clients through processes which avoid going to court and resolving the problems much quicker avoiding the delays.

Mediation – where 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. It also limits the emotional damage which follows an acrimonious battle. In the current climate, online mediation can be available.

Collaborative 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. It allows couples to come to 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. There is also the benefit of having the same Arbitrator through the process which will not happen at Court with different Judges being involved in the proceedings.

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

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

For all 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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