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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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A guide that ranks the UK’s top family law firms has acknowledged Jones Myers’ reputation for excellence for the second year running. Jones Myers is the only family law practice in Yorkshire to feature in Tier 2 of the eprivate Top Family Law Firms guide which recognises and promotes best practice in the sector.

Just 52 family law firms – the majority of which are based in London – feature in the publication which is renowned as the definitive guide featuring leading providers of advice in key areas such as divorce, pre and post nups and child protection. The prominent listing, which is determined after a comprehensive survey of the firm’s expertise, follows Jones Myers recent expansion to York with the opening of an office in St Martin’s Lane and a three strong team whose combined experience in family law exceeds six decades. Heading the team is partner Nicki Mitchell, who became the first collaborative family lawyer in York in 2005. Nicki specialises in the financial aspects of relationship breakdown and particularly complex cases involving family businesses, multiple properties – and complicated pension arrangements. Associate solicitor Samantha Gunnell, also a collaborative family lawyer, has a strong track record in matters including financial settlements, cohabitation and pre and post nuptial agreements. Lynne Richards, an experienced legal assistant, supports the team. Jones Myers has also expanded its Harrogate office this year with the appointment of senior family law solicitor Rachel Baul whose extensive expertise includes high net worth financial cases involving business and trust assets in the UK and overseas. Regularly representing sports professionals and members of the medical profession, Rachel is also adept in cases involving farming and agricultural assets in marriage and relationship breakdown. Consistently retaining top tier regional rankings in Chambers and Legal 500, Jones Myers has been acknowledged as an outstanding niche family law practice for over two decades. Founder Peter Jones said: “2019 is a formative year in the firm’s expansion and we’re delighted to be recognised among the UK’s best family law firms for the second successive year. Our reputation attracts lawyers who are leaders in their field and who share our values.” For queries on family law and children related issues, call our Leeds office on 0113 246 0055, our Harrogate office on 01423 276104 or our York office on 01904 202550. Visit jm2023.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet us @helpwithdivorce

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Unlike the ‘boomerang generation’, who return to the family home not long after flying the nest, ‘doomerangers’ are fully-grown adults – often with children of their own – who find sky-high rents or mortgage costs unattainable.

While few of us would actively choose to return to our parents after living independently, the emotional support and good advice of family and friends at a time of crisis can be invaluable.

The results of a survey have revealed that 25% of doomerangers who moved back with mum and dad after a bad-break up said they needed distance or independence from their ex-partner. The findings also highlighted that men are more likely than women to go through the humbling experience of becoming a doomeranger after a divorce or separation.

In such circumstances it is vital that a wider support network for doomerangers includes experienced family lawyers, who can enlist the support of other agencies to ensure that the divorce process is as painless as possible and help them to map out their future.

At Jones Myers, we work with accredited counsellors, relationship coaches and financial advisors to help couples manage their emotions. Of equal importance is considering in detail the practical outcome and consequent expense of settlement terms. Finding a solution which is realistic and financially suitable for couples often can avoid the need to return to a parents’ home.  We are committed to looking at the complete picture and how it will impact on the family in the future.

As Resolution-accredited lawyers, our family specialists always recommend the most appropriate constructive, cost-effective and least painful route to finding a financial solution –among the other options are arbitration and mediation.

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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It may come as a surprise to many people that an ex could be entitled to a share of granny’s bequest. Here we answer four questions about the circumstances in which an inheritance left to one party could be claimed by the other.

1. Can a partner claim the other partner’s inheritance when they get divorced?

Rather than use the word “claim”, an inheritance forms part of the “pot” of assets to be divided up in a divorce and will be included only if it is deemed “fair” to do so. If the needs of the parties, and any children, cannot be met without using a legacy, then it is likely to be included. Each case is fact specific.

If an inheritance was used some time before separation, for example, towards buying the matrimonial home, or to pay off the mortgage, then it is likely to be included in the pot.

2. Why is it fair that one person’s inheritance has to be shared with their ex?

The law states that the needs of both parties have to be met from the available resources, whatever their origin. Therefore, an inheritance might be included in the joint assets if, for example, there is no other way to fund a home for a mother who will be a carer of any children or if it has been intermingled with jointly built-up assets.

3. Are future inheritances considered where sharing marital assets?

If one person is likely to inherit money in the near future – for example, from a sick, elderly relative or dying family friend – then a future legacy could be included in the pot of funds to be divided. However, whether such an inheritance would be considered depends in particular on how certain is the receipt of the anticipated legacy, and how far into the future it will be received.

In some cases it may be that settling financial issues is adjourned until an inheritance is received.  However, while there is no absolute timescale, the key phrase in law regarding any future resources is “the foreseeable future”.

4. How can inheritances be protected from inclusion in divorce assets?

Drawing up a pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreement excluding any legacies might carry some weight if a court considers the arrangement to be fair and is assured that both parties agree and have not been bullied into signing.

Anyone who expects to inherit money or assets in the future should encourage the donor to look at trust or estate planning, which can help to protect legacies.

With the average house outside London now worth £272,000, many more people are likely to inherit substantial sums of money. Therefore, whether you are married, separating or cohabitating it makes sound financial sense to take professional advice on how best to protect potential future assets.

If you have any concerns or questions about how to protect an inheritance in your divorce call us on 0113 246 0055, leave us a comment below or drop us an e-mail. You can also follow us on Twitter: @helpwithdivorce.

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The research Relationships, Recession and Recovery shows that people who suffered financial hardship during the recession were more likely to experience relationship problems – and are continuing to endure them despite the economy recovering.

The charity analysed data from Understanding Society which focused on how people were affected by the recession between 2009 and 2012. They were grouped according to their experiences – job loss, optimism for the future, perception of current and future financial situation, working overtime, satisfaction with employment and being behind with their bills. The couples’ experiences were then analysed to see how relationships fared in each group.

Whilst welcoming this latest report, as family lawyers, we would have to say these findings reveal nothing new. Of course financial insecurity is bound to impact on a relationship, particularly if there is a lack of income or a couple are in debt.

What we did notice during the recession was that couples who were experiencing money issues tended to stay together. This is probably because they were aware that with limited funds to go around, coupled with restrictions on lending following the ‘credit crunch’, it was almost too expensive to split up with the average divorce and costs of setting up a new home, buying another car and paying for childcare believed to be as high as £44,000.

Perhaps the key part of the research is that despite the economy improving, Relate stresses that couples are still feeling the effects of the recession, therefore the protection of relationships should be a priority by the government to ensure ‘social recovery.’

Is it fair to say that a recession is responsible for the breakdown of a relationship or do you think it can only be a contributory factor?

If you have any concerns or questions about how to fund your divorce call us on 0113 246 0055, leave us a comment below or drop us an e-mail. You can also follow us on Twitter: @helpwithdivorce

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Collaborative family law experts from throughout the UK will gather at the Doubletree Hilton Hotel in Leeds on Friday, October 3 to hear Norman and fellow collaborative practitioner Clare Thornton outline the latest developments in collaborative practice.

The event brings together like-minded practitioners of family law who help separating couples to avoid the divorce courts through a non-confrontational approach.

Jones Myers – a member of The Leeds Collaborative Lawyers Practice, Organisational and Development Group (POD) – promotes the collaborative approach and always advises that separating couples find lawyers with similar mind-sets to avoid a bitter ‘War of the Roses’ style divorce.

At the conference lawyers and other family professionals can hone their existing skills and learn new ones with the aim of helping their clients to achieve a better outcome from their divorce or separation.

Norman will be joined by other experts at the one-day event who will present workshops focusing on:

• assessing children’s wishes and feelings

• battling parents – high conflict intervention

• family consultants – why bother?

• changing perspectives

• online dispute resolution – the future?

Norman, who has been invited to speak at previous conferences, said: “With the government pressing for an increase in out of court options for divorce and family matters, it makes sound economic sense for couples to undergo a collaborative process which promotes a ‘children first’ approach and ensures that the lawyers representing them remain on the same page – even if the couples themselves are at loggerheads.

“The forthcoming event is an excellent platform for those specialising in collaborative family law to come together, exchange views and ideas and learn about best practice from experts who are all leaders in their fields”

To book a place on the event, visit this link To find out more about collaborative family lawyers, or do you have any questions about separation or divorce, please e-mail us. You can follow us on Twitter @helpwithdivorce

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Choosing a collaborative solicitor – a lawyer who is trained to help reach divorce settlements without going to court – means that issues, including finances and children, are likely to be settled in a more consultative way.

With the government pressing for an increase in out of court options for divorce and family matters, it makes sound economic sense for couples to undergo this process – which promotes a ‘children first’ approach. It also ensures that the lawyers representing them remain on the same page – even if the couples themselves are at loggerheads.

Collaborative family lawyers communicate effectively to break down barriers to reach a settlement – regardless of any animosity clients feel towards their exes. This can speed up the divorce process, and possibly reduce the costs, with the couple both feeling more in control of their own destinies.

How do I find a collaborative divorce lawyer?

The Leeds Collaborative Lawyers Practice, Organisational and Development Group (POD) is a good place to start.  It comprises of collaboratively trained lawyers – including members of the Jones Myers team – and other professionals such as IFAs, forensic accountants, mediators and life coaches, who share an interest in promoting the good practice of collaborative law.

Details of collaborative lawyers are also available from Resolution, an organisation for divorce solicitors who takea constructive, non-confrontational approach to family law matters. CFL North is useful for finding collaborative family lawyers in the north of England – you’ll find several lawyers from Jones Myers on the website.

How do I persuade my ex to use a collaborative lawyer too?

We advise clients who are interested in the collaborative approach to encourage their former partner to review the above information and links to see how it works and what the benefits can be.

Emphasising the “children first” approach can be helpful. Likewise, a trusted family friend, financial adviser, or accountant could persuade your partner that having solicitors with similar values may make the divorce process simpler.

If both parties use collaborative lawyers is there a much better chance of avoiding court?

By definition the collaborative process is one that avoids court. If there is a non-collaborative case, where for some valid reason the collaborative process may not be appropriate – perhaps there is a lack of trust between the parties or there may be mental health/domestic abuse issues involving two collaboratively trained lawyers, it is likely their approach will be similar, civilised, constructive and solution driven, as opposed to lawyers who think litigation first, and talk second.

Are there any instances when it wouldn’t make any difference for both lawyers to be collaborative?

If both parties are hell bent on going to court, it will still be a more constructive experience if both lawyers are collaborative – even if their clients are not.

If there are complex financial assets or complicated issues relating to children, is it still best for both parties to have a collaborative lawyer?

Sometimes the complexity of the issue, or the nature of the people involved, will need a third party to make a decision.  This could be a Judge or an Arbitrator – but this should not mean that the lawyers have to behave aggressively. There is more chance of avoiding this problem if the lawyers are collaboratively trained.

What happens if my ex doesn’t use a collaborative lawyer – or even a lawyer who isn’t a specialist in divorce?

This does happen, although it is rare these days to come across a solicitor who is not a family law specialist.  At Jones Myers we always start the communication process assuming it will proceed in a constructive manner and that both parties are seeking a mutually agreeable solution.

Do you want to know more about collaborative family lawyers, or do you have any questions about separation or divorce?  Please, drop us an e-mail You can follow us on Twitter @helpwithdivorce

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