By Laura Sargeant, Jones Myers Family Law Solicitor

In February, thoughts often turn to romance with messages about Valentine’s Day circulating everywhere on social media and in every shop on the high street.

It’s easy to be drawn into the hype and see our own relationships or potential relationships through the lens of what the marketing tells us love should be like.

In reality, relationships aren’t always a fairy tale where we get charmed off our feet by the likes of Benedict Bridgerton or Jeremiah Fisher.

A gift of flowers or chocolates and a card professing unending love can be very thoughtful, but what if they are done to excess (a practice known as ‘love bombing’) or are sent in an attempt to ‘make up’ following an incident of physical or verbal abuse?

It can be hard to see the signs that a relationship is abusive. This is partly because the abusive partner is often very good at hiding what they do and deflecting attention away from their actions. It is also partly because we can find it hard to accept that the person we think loves us and who we think we love could be capable of abusing us.

Although the signs of domestic abuse are wide ranging, and whilst the below is not an exhaustive list, they can include elements of the following:

• Physical – hitting, slapping, hair pulling, pushing, strangulation, throwing objects at you;
• Verbal – this can range from loud verbal attacks, swearing and name calling to more subtle verbal abuse such as making derogatory comments about your appearance;
• Sexual – is your consent to sexual activity sought? Are you being forced to have sex when you don’t want to or manipulated into engaging in sexual activities you don’t enjoy?
• Threats – are you or members of your family being threatened with violence if you fail to comply with what your partner wants?
• Financial – does your partner control all the finances in the relationship and this isn’t by mutual, fully informed agreement? Does your partner take money from you or spend money in a way that puts you in financial difficulty?
• Control – does your partner always want to know exactly where you’re going and who with and do they check up on you throughout? Do they harass and follow you or check your phone messages? Do they dictate what you wear?
• Isolation – are you prevented from spending time with your family and friends either overtly or through more subtle means such as by your partner telling you your family are awful and you shouldn’t be spending time with them?

If you think you might be experiencing domestic abuse in your relationship there are lots of organisations who you can reach out to for specialist support including IDAS (www.idas.org.uk), the biggest specialist domestic abuse charity in Yorkshire.

At Jones Myers our paramount consideration is securing your safety, and we are trained in spotting the signs that there may be domestic abuse in a relationship.

Our highly experienced family lawyers can provide you with specialist help and advice regarding leaving a relationship and any protective orders that may need to be put in place for you or your children such as non-molestation or occupation orders.

For queries on domestic abuse 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 4th among the UK’s Best 20 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2026

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Enormous congratulations to Jones Myers’ committed Paralegal, Lauren Warford, who has qualified as a family law solicitor.  

Lauren is a valued member of the practice’s internationally renowned Children’s Team whose extensive expertise across private and public children law jointly combines over 16 decades.

The department’s specialisms cover matters relating to jurisdiction, private residence and contact disputes along with care proceedings. Family lawyers are also highly skilled in child abduction, adoption, special guardianship, protection, relocation, educational matters, and domestic abuse.

Lauren, who took her master’s degree at the University of Law in Leeds, has worked with Jones Myers since 2018 and was attracted to the firm’s ethos and values.

Said Lauren: “I was impressed by the practice’s commitment to always deliver the best possible  solutions for clients, and by how Jones Myers always puts children’s best interests first.   

“The team have been outstanding in supporting, mentoring, and encouraging me and it has been incredible learning from, and working with, family law specialists who are leaders in their field. I can’t thank them enough.” 

Lauren achieved her Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) which assesses legal knowledge, professional conduct, ethics, and practical skills and is now looking forward to the next stage of her career and managing her own cases.

Jones Myers Partner, Kate Banerjee, who leads the Children’s Department, said: “Lauren is a valued member of our team and we wish her continued success. Her dedication and hard work, which included studying alongside her busy paralegal work,  makes her promotion extremely well deserved.”

Jones Myers, which has headquarters in Leeds and offices in Harrogate and York, was launched in 1992 as one of the first family law firms of its kind in the North of England.

Highly commended for its outstanding client care in the 2025 Modern Law Private Client Awards, the firm has retained its top tier ranking in legal guides for over three decades. 

The practice is also a finalist in the Family Law Firm of the Year Regional category – which covers the North of England – in this year’s Lexis Nexis Family Law Awards.

Judges shortlisted the firm on factors including the firm’s outstanding level of client care, teamwork and the training and career progression of employees. The winners will be announced next month.

For queries on children law or other family law issues, call Leeds 0113 246 0055, Harrogate 01423 276104, York on 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 2025.

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By Jones Myers Partner, Anthony Parrish

New research has revealed just shy of one in six people in Britain have suffered economic or financial abuse at the hands of their partner.

Aviva’s study found 40% of British people are victims of such abuse, with spouses and partners being the perpetrator in 39% of those cases. Other common perpetrators include friends, parents, siblings, colleagues, and employers.

Jones Myers was invited to produce an article on how victims can apply to get their abusive spouse/partner to leave the home. You can read the article in full below. 

  Sadly, we work with many clients who, along with their children, are victims of domestic abuse.

Some flee the spousal home with little more than the clothes they stand up in while others stay and suffer in silence – because they fear losing any legal rights they may have.     

It is vital that you know there are injunctions you can take out which entail the Court making an order protecting you and your children from abuse or harassment by your partner/spouse and prevent them from living in your home.  

Non-Molestation Order

An FL401 form enables you to apply for a Non-Molestation Order, which forbids your spouse/partner from:

• Coming to, or near, your home

• Using or threatening violence against you and your children

• Intimidating, harassing, or pestering you and your children
• Going to places such as schools that you and your children visit regularly.
• Send/engage in threatening communication through letter, telephone, text message, or other means of communication ( including social media).
• Not to instruct or encourage a third party to do any of the above on their behalf.

Occupation Order

The same form can also be used to apply for an Occupation Order, where the court decides who should live in, or return to, the home or any part of it.

Depending upon your circumstances, you can apply for a non-molestation order, an occupation order – or both.

The application does not require court fees. If a family lawyer assists you with the application, you pay for their fees.  Legal Aid is available for applications of this nature provided the required thresholds for qualification are met.

Key Factors the Court Will Consider 

• The housing needs/resources of you and your spouse/partner and children

• Your respective finances
• Your behaviour to each other   
• The likely impact of a Court order/decision not to exercise its powers, on the health/safety/wellbeing of you, your spouse/partner and your children

Considerations for Married Couples

If you were married and have no existing right to occupy the property, the Court will also examine:

• The length of time since you last lived together

• How long ago your marriage was dissolved
• If any current legal proceedings exist between you for a financial order following your divorce, or for an order under Schedule 1 Children Act 1989 for financial relief or relating to the legal or beneficial ownership of the property.

Considerations for Cohabitees

If you are living with your partner and have no existing right to occupy the property, the Court will examine:

• If you have any children together or if you have, or have had, parental responsibility for any children (stepchildren, godchildren etc)
• If an Order is made in your favour, it could be for a specified period – often six months – or until another Court Order is made. In some situations, the Order can be renewed for another six months.

The protection the court offers is available to married, divorced, cohabiting and former cohabiting couples along with those in civil partnerships.

Jones Myers highly skilled and sensitive family law specialists has extensive expertise in helping victims of victims of domestic violence and abuse, or threatened violence to protect themselves and their loved ones.

We understand that domestic abuse occurs in all levels of society – regardless of race, gender, wealth or age.

In confidential consultations we discuss all your options and advise on the way forward, including court applications for an injunction as outlined above.

We can also suggest other organisations who can help you outside the legal process.  

For advice on domestic violence or family law related issues, contact myself or Jane Bolton on 0113 246 0055 jm2023.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet @helpwithdivorce

For more information on the FL401 form, visit the Government website

Jones Myers blog is ranked 10th in the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2023.

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By Jones Myers Family Law Solicitor, Jane Bolton

The issue of coercive control and its devastating effect on victims has been re-enforced in a landmark High Court case where the term ‘gaslighting’ appears in a published judgement for the first time.

Coercive control has been a criminal offence in England and Wales since 2015. It happens when someone personally connected to you displays controlling and manipulative behaviour to make you feel controlled, dependent, isolated, or scared.

Gaslighting is a form of coercive control used to distort victims’ sense of reality and lower their self-esteem. The term originates from a 1938 play ‘Gaslight’ where a husband’s manipulation of his wife includes dimming gaslights and telling her she is hallucinating. It also affects all sectors of society.

The recent High Court case centres around a woman who had been raped and abused by her partner. The father of her child and a mental health care worker, he convinced her family and health professionals that she had bipolar disorder.

The case went to the Court of Appeal after a judge in an initial ruling warned the mother that, if she continued with her claims or rape and abuse, her child would be taken into care and adopted. He also issued a consent order setting out time when the father could see his child.

However High Court Judge, Mr Justice Cobb, decreed that the mother was a vulnerable and naïve woman who had been subjected to emotional control/coercion. He also said there was no clear medical evidence that she suffered from bi-polar.

Agreeing that the use of the term gaslighting by the mother’s representative, human rights lawyer Dr Charlotte Proudman, was ‘apposite,’ Mr Justice Cobb said, ‘the father’s conduct represented a form of insidious abuse designed to cause the mother to question her own mental well-being, indeed her sanity.’  

It is a major step forward that this case sets a precedent for the use of the term gaslighting in the family courts and is instrumental in highlighting public awareness of coercive control.

Latest Government statistics reveal the volume of recorded domestic abuse-related crimes in England and Wales continues to rise with 845,734 reported cases in the year ending March 2021. This represents a six per cent increase on the previous year.

The effect of these crimes on victims includes anger, shame, fear, isolation, resentment, psychological problems, self-harm, and feelings of powerlessness. Many worry that their children can also become targets of abuse.

As a firm which witnesses the devastating effect of domestic abuse on victims, our skilled and sensitive family law specialists can help victims of abuse, or threatened violence, to protect themselves and their loved ones.

We encourage anyone who is in this position to talk to us about the issues they are facing. We can assist with decisions regarding their relationship and refer them to fellow professionals including counsellors.

If you are concerned about coercive control, gaslighting, domestic abuse or any aspect of family law, call us at Leeds on 0113 246 0055, Harrogate on 01423 276104, or York on 01904 202550. Visit jm2023.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet us @helpwithdivorce

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By Jones Myers Senior Family Law Executive Anna Sutcliffe

It’s a distressing but historical fact that, whilst most of us are looking forward to Christmas, the festive season is a period dreaded by many victims of domestic abuse.

The volume of reported incidents involving domestic abuse and applications for Non-Molestation Orders rises as enforced togetherness puts pressure on relationships. This is often made worse by more frequent opportunities to drink alcohol and, last year and this, by pandemic lockdown restrictions.

This article highlights the circumstances in which they can seek a Non-Molestation Order. 

What is a Non-Molestation Order?

A Non-Molestation Order is a type of injunction that victims of domestic abuse can apply for.

It prevents your abuser from threatening or inflicting further violence or threatening behaviour upon you.

How do I get a Non-Molestation Order?

It is only possible to apply for a Non-Molestation Order if you can prove that you fall under the category of being an associated person.

This means that your relationship with the person against whom you are seeking the Order must fall within one of the following seven categories:-

• you have been – or are – married to each other
• you have agreed to marry each other
• you have been, or are in, a cohabiting relationship
• you have lived together but not by way of a tenant, lodger, boarder or employee you are having, or have had, an intimate personal relationship with each other which is or was of significant duration
• you are related
• you are parents to a child or the associated person has Parental Responsibility for your child
• you are parties to the same family proceedings (i.e proceedings about children contact etc)

You will then need to complete an application FL401 and prepare a statement telling the Court what has happened and asking for the relevant Order.

The statement should include a Statement of Truth at the end of the document and be dated. If the abuser doesn’t know your address you can apply for it to remain confidential by completing a C8 form.

What if I need an Order urgently?

You can apply for an emergency Order which can be granted by the Court – without giving your abuser notice – for your immediate protection.

After that an “on notice” hearing – giving you and the abuser notice of hearing – will be listed on the first available date so the offender has an opportunity to address the Court. ;

Can I speak to my ex if I have a Non-Molestation Order?

These issues will be addressed by the Court. It is a normal for communication to be allowed in some way when children are involved but this is normally limited to “correspondence about arrangements for children only” or “correspondence through the Applicant’s Solicitors in respect of child arrangements.

What happens if a Non-Molestation Order is breached?

Breaching a Non-Molestation Order is a criminal offence and the abuser can be arrested and imprisoned for up to 5 years.

How do I get a Non-Molestation Order extended or removed?

Courts usually grant a Non-Molestation Order for 12 months. You can apply for it to be extended or removed by writing to the Court in person, explaining the current situation along with why you want the Order lengthened or removed, and the benefit to you of doing so.

For queries on Non-Molestation orders, 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 Kate Banerjee, Head of Jones Myers Children’s Department

Charities are warning that domestic abuse will have rocketed by almost 40% following England’s defeat in the penalty shootout again Italy in the Euro 2020 final.  

The National Centre for Domestic Violence has reported that domestic violence increased by 26% when England played in the championships – rising to 38% if they lost a game. Studies highlight that alcohol is the major cause for the surge.  

Every hour of every day police throughout England and Wales receive over 100 calls connected with domestic abuse. 

The Euros final has re-enforced just how urgently  action is needed and Jones Myers welcomes the Government’s pledge to do more to help victims.

Anyone experiencing violence or abuse can contact Jones Myers in the strictest confidence.

Our specialist lawyers will explain to you all the options available to help keep you safe, including applying to the court for an injunction to protect you and your children including, in some situations, orders barring abusers from the family home.

These orders are available whether you are married, divorced, are or were living together as well as in civil partnerships.

The organisations listed below provide invaluable support for those in need:

National 

National Centre for Domestic Violence https://www.ncdv.org.uk free assistance Text 60777 or tel 0800 970 2070.

The  Silent Solution Awareness Campaign #MakeYourselfHeard – Silent Solution awareness campaign | Independent Office for Police Conduct enables 999 mobile callers too scared to make a noise, or speak, to press 55 when prompted to inform police they are in a genuine emergency.

Supportline  https://supportline.co.uk  for those isolated, at risk, vulnerable and victims of any form of abuse. Helpline 01708 765200 or email info@supportine.org.uk  

The National Domestic Abuse Helpline – https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/ offers help round the clock Call 0808 2000 247.

Women’s Aid https://www.womensaid.org.uk live chat 10am-6pm seven days a week

Refuge – freephone 24-Hour Helpline 0808 2000 247 or visit www.nationalhelpline.org.uk  for live chat (Monday-Friday 3pm-1pm). Guidance also provided on securing technology against hacking.

National Men’s Advice Line  – Helpline for male victims of domestic abuse – telephone and email support (Monday-Friday 9am-8pm, webchats Wednesday– Friday 10am-11am and 3pm-4pm). Call0808 801 0327.

Mankind – https://mankind.org.uk support for male victims of domestic abuse and domestic and their wider circles. Call 01823 334244

Yorkshire

IDAS – https://idas.org.uk Yorkshire’s largest specialist charity for those affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence. info@idas.org.uk

03000 110 110 (North Yorkshire and Barnsley), 0808 808 2241 (Sheffield), 01904 646630 (York Refuge), 01904 646636 (York Outreach)

Leeds Domestic Violence Service – https://ldvs.uk/, combines Leeds Women’s Aid, Behind Closed Doors and Women’s Health Matters. 24 hour helpline, call 0113 246 0401

Leeds Women’s Aid refuges –  https://leedswomensaid.co.uk Support services through the Community Domestic Violence Team via telephone/FaceTime.

Leeds Survivor-Led Crisis Service – http://www.lslcs.org.uk  Support via telephone and Zoom 6pm-2am 0808 800 1212, 0113 260 9328 or by text 07922 249452 Survivor.led@lslcs.org.uk

Support After Rape and Sexual Violence Leeds – Remote support available by text and email 12-2pm Tuesday – Thursday 07860022880 support@sarsvl.org.uk

Together Women Project – One to one telephone support with key workers 9-5 daily

Bradford: 01274 301470, Leeds: 0113 3808900, Hull: 01482 218125, Sheffield: 0114 275 8282

Supporting Victims – https://www.supportingvictims.org/help/, North Yorkshire, call 01609 643100, 9am-5pm weekdays help@suportingvictims.org    

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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Our niche family law firm continues to expand our expertise at our York office following increased demand for our specialist matrimonial advice.

The latest appointment sees senior family law executive Anna Sutcliffe join our practice’s city centre office in St Martin’s Lane which was launched in May 2019.

Working exclusively in family law since 1995, Anna specialises in divorce and separation and related financial arrangements. Her experience extends to cohabitation and private law children disputes along with domestic abuse cases.

The York office is headed by Jones Myers partner Nicki Mitchell. A mediator and the first family lawyer in York to qualify as a collaborative family lawyer in 2005, Nicki has over 25 years’ experience specialising in the financial aspects of marriage breakdown.   

Nicki says: “We are delighted to welcome Anna on board as our commissions from our regional, national and international clients increase across our offices in Leeds, York and Harrogate.  

“Anna is commended by clients for her sensible advice and commitment to achieving the best outcomes for them and we wish her every success.”

Anna commented: “Jones Myers has an excellent track record and is highly respected by its clients and peers. I’m looking forward to playing a role in the firm’s continued expansion as it goes from strength to strength. ” 

Jones Myers ongoing recruitment drive has resulted in a series of new appointments which include experienced family lawyer Debra Jackson, a specialist in cohabitation, joining the Leeds office and newly qualified solicitor Lilly Grant.  

Consistently ranked in a joint Top Tier position by the Legal 500 and Chambers guides alongside national firms, Jones Myers is the only family law firm in Leeds with its own in-house barrister.

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

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As new Covid-19 lockdown measures come into effect, our committed teams at Jones Myers continue to support and advise our new and existing clients through these exceptional circumstances.

Robust contingency planning and nimble thinking ahead of the March 24 lockdown across the UK saw us swiftly move all our teams – including our secretarial staff – across our offices in Leeds, Harrogate and York to home working.

Unlike many firms in our sector, our teams remain working at full strength.   

Fast forward seven weeks and our systems, driven by robust, up-to-date technology, have had minimal impact on our clients regionally, nationally and internationally with whom we are communicating effectively.

Our highly experienced family lawyers are reacting quickly to provide clients with urgent legal advice whenever needed as we conduct court hearings and confidential consultations along with arbitration hearings and mediation remotely via Zoom and Skype.

Sustaining our regular internal communications, also carried out remotely, ensures clients continue to benefit from our extensive expertise as a niche family law firm which is consistently ranked in a joint Top Tier position by the Legal 500 and Chambers guides alongside national practices.

We understand that this crisis has turned everyone’s lives upside down and that people are more stressed and anxious and unaware of the options available to them when it comes to divorce.

Our lawyers, who are leaders in their field, are on hand to provide an initial free-of-charge consultation to correct misunderstandings and debunk myths over legal rights in divorce.

We are advising and reassuring our clients about exactly what is involved so they can think through the ramifications of divorce before making a decision. We can also refer them on to respected support organisations and marriage guidance counsellors.

Visit our blog which provides topical information and tips on key issues including child maintenance payments and family finances, concerns over child contact arrangements, advice for cohabitating couples and valuable resources for domestic abuse victims.

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. All the telephone numbers 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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Jones Myers ongoing commitment to supporting vulnerable clients throughout the coronavirus crisis – and the speed with which the firm reacted to provide urgent legal advice when needed following the outbreak – has featured in the Yorkshire Legal. Below is the article in full compiled by editor Mark Dugdale.      

The pace at which the Covid-19 outbreak went from pandemic to lockdown has left many people and businesses reeling. Nicki Mitchell, partner in charge of the Jones Myers York office, reveals how her firm is responding, and what it’s doing for clients

Effective contingency planning and some quick thinking on the part of its leadership ahead of the government-advised lockdown last month enabled specialist family law firm Jones Myers to move its entire staff to home working with minimal impact on clients, according to Nicki Mitchell, partner in charge of its York office.

“As soon as we saw the lockdown coming, we managed to set the entire firm up to work remotely,” Mitchell says. “This meant that once the lockdown arrived last month, everyone could work from home. As a result, we have only had to furlough one member of staff and been able to keep all employees on – including our secretarial staff. And from the client’s point of view, there hasn’t been much of a change.”

The biggest impact for the firm’s children and finance teams has been the move to remote working. Courts, in particular, were caught unaware, resulting in significant confusion, at least for a few days. Mitchell says: “Now everything is happening remotely and we have had to adapt to participating in court hearings, for example, using technology.”

For Mitchell as a solicitor specialising in out of court settlements, mediations and collaborative law, these are the areas where she has had to adapt. “Traditionally, much of that is done face to face, but we’re using remote technology to connect with clients. Founding partner Peter Jones, for example, is an arbitrator, providing financial dispute resolution as an alternative to court hearings. All of that work can and is being done remotely.”

Clients are responding well to this new normal, Mitchell says, because they accept that changes in wider society are placing significant restrictions on how services are delivered and received.

The challenge, she says, has been in maintaining the same working practices under the current circumstances. “What we do is quite a social job. We tend to bounce ideas off each other, because, as a specialist practice, we have a huge amount of expertise and there are very few issues that at least one member of staff hasn’t come across before.”

“So, while working remotely, we are focusing on keeping that good momentum going, through Zoom and Microsoft Teams calls. Our leadership has been really good at encouraging this and we have been making sure that the entire firm has been having those conversations.”

Most concerning for clients of Jones Myers are managing what are difficult situations at the best of times. With a pandemic and lockdown in the mix, the firm’s most vulnerable clients require greater contact and information resources.

As government advice specifies only leaving home under a strict set of circumstances, there has been increasing worry that victims of domestic abuse would face greater risks. Indeed, police forces across the country have clarified that victims of domestic abuse during the lockdown should still report their experience to the authorities and seek support from services. One such service, the National Domestic Abuse helpline, has reported a 25% increase in calls and online requests for help since the lockdown last month.

Jones Myers has made several resources available on its website in response, so far urging domestic abuse victims to heed government advice during coronavirus crisis, explaining what they need to do when contacting the police for help through the 999 service, and outlining what domestic violence services are currently available in Leeds, Harrogate and York.

Mitchell says: “These online resources came from one of our lawyers expressing concern about people who we knew were at risk. We needed a means of getting in touch that was sensitive to the needs of the particular person, whether that was giving a ring or email, or making these resources available online to say that there are steps that these individuals can take, and that the current situation doesn’t have to be riskier for them.”

Elsewhere, the children team at Jones Myers is experiencing a significant amount of work, primarily from families that have undergone or are undergoing a separation. Questions have arisen over the safety of children during the lockdown and pandemic. This is also the case in public care, with a lot of concern for children in unsafe households that cannot be monitored in the same way as they could before the lockdown. The finance team is dealing with increased financial pressures on its clients and their counterparts, with maintenance allowances and orders at risk of disruption because the party in question’s financial position has become precarious.

If you have any comments, queries or concerns on children, 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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