Jones Myers niche family law firm continues to be an acknowledged leader in its field following another Band 1 ranking in Chambers 2026 legal guide. 

Based on client interviews and recommendations, the top listing for the whole of Yorkshire reflects the extensive expertise of the practice whose enviable reputation in financial remedy proceedings  and cases spans shareholder issues, property portfolios, and complex pension schemes.

The Children’s Department, which covers every aspect of public and private children law, is renowned regionally, nationally, and internationally. Specialists’ ability to handle complicated matters, which include abuse, abduction, and exploitation, is widely respected.

Managing Partner, Richard Peaker, who heads the Financial Remedies Department, retains his Band 1 ranking. Also ranked is Partner Kate Banerjee, head of the Children’s Team and Partner Elizabeth Bell,whose experience spans wide-ranging financial disputes.  

Partner Nicki Mitchell, a family mediator and collaborative lawyer, who heads the firm’s York office, keeps her ranking in both the Family and Matrimonial and Mediation categories.

Said Managing Partner, Richard Peaker: “We are proud to attract the best family law specialists in our sector and Chambers’ year-on-year top band rankings reflect our lawyers’ unique breadth and depth of expertise.

“We give our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated teams for upholding our reputation for continuously delivering excellence in client care.”

The accolade comes just two weeks after Jones Myers retained its position as an outstanding family law firm in the 2026 Legal 500 rankings which praises the ‘fantastic team’ for delivering ‘an extremely supportive experience’.

Highlighting the practice’s extensive expertise, Legal 500 highlights how family law specialists … ‘give practical and realistic advice, always managing clients’ expectations.’

With headquarters in Leeds and offices in Harrogate and York, Jones Myers has retained its ‘best in class’ standing in legal guides for almost three decades.

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 2025.

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A Supreme Court ruling on whether substantial assets transferred between spouses during marriage should be divided equally on divorce – has reignited the importance of Pre-nups.

The ‘big money case’ saw divorcee Anna Standish lose her legal case to keep almost £80 million which her affluent banker husband had given her in 2017 to put in offshore trusts for their children and to avoid inheritance tax.

When their marriage fell apart in 2020, the money was still in her name, sparking a bitter, prolonged case which played out in the highest courts in the land.

The outcome is a reminder of the importance of Pre-nups for all couples tying the knot, especially for nigh-net-worth individuals and families involved in estate and inheritance planning.

Irrespective of a couple’s financial status, a Pre-nup helps couples to avoid  the potential distress, acrimony, and expense of disentangling their finances if they split up.

How to obtain a Pre-nup

To enter into an agreement properly, the couple each need to obtain independent legal advice on the agreement

Both must also have disclosed their assets to each other – and the terms of the agreement must produce a result that is fair and reasonable and meets needs

The agreement should be negotiated and signed at least 28 days before the wedding. This allows both to obtain advice, have time to consider it, and make an informed decision on signing it

Do courts uphold Pre-nups?

Increasingly courts are upholding pre-nups on divorce if they  are satisfied that the agreement was entered into freely, without undue pressure  and with the benefit of full financial information and independent legal advice.

As the law stands, a court still needs to approve the settlement at the point of divorce, ensuring the agreement meets the needs of both parties. If it does not, a different order can be made but this is likely still to take the terms of the Pre-nup into account to some extent.

Are Pre-nups suitable for second marriages?

Yes, the contracts can work particularly well for coupes marrying for the second time where a husband or wife seeks to retain their own wealth if they separate. They can also protect the interests of children from previous relationships.

Taking the time to draw up a Pre-nup before marriage can avoid financial and emotional heartache in a marriage breakdown. Jones Myers family law specialists are highly experienced in advising on Pre-nups and Post-nups.

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 2025.

Image by Pars Sahin, Unsplash 

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Recent reports highlight that over one fifth of married couples in the UK have taken out a pre-nuptial agreement (Pre-nup) to protect themselves if their marriage breaks down.

The open and transparent nature of Pre-nups are regarded positively by couples who want to avoid the potential distress, acrimony, and expense of disentangling their finances if they split up.

Pre-nups can also work particularly well for couples marrying for the second time where a husband or wife want to retain their own wealth if they separate. They can also protect the interests of children from previous relationships.

Jones Myers Partner Elizabeth Bell, explains more about Pre-nups below:

Sadly, we have seen repeatedly how arguments over money can cause enormous damage for separating couples and their wider families.

Jones Myers family lawyers have extensive expertise in advising on and drafting Pre-nup and Post-nup agreements which promote healthy dialogue as to what an individual’s future capital and income needs might be in the hope that the parties can disentangle themselves financially without the requirement for a court to make decisions for them should they separate.  

We guide you with sensitivity – helping you to discuss and consider often difficult matters before you enter into the marriage. We can also advise should the marriage break down and consider if the terms of a Pre-nup agreement signed by the parties prior to the wedding should be followed.

For queries on Pre-nups, Post-nups and 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 2025.

Wedding image courtesy of Lanty at Unsplash.  

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Jones Myers has appointed Sarah Barr-Young, a family lawyer with extensive expertise, to head the firm’s Financial Remedies Department in Harrogate.

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 valued by clients as a knowledgeable, ‘no nonsense’ strategist who is patient and empathetic.

Sarah is delighted to be back in Harrogate where she was born and attended junior school. She said:  “I am a long-standing admirer of Jones Myers’ standing for delivering excellence in client care and legal services of the highest calibre and regard this opportunity as a real honour.

“It is also a privilege to be taking over from Neil Dring, a highly dedicated and compassionate family lawyer. I had the pleasure of previously working with Neil who sadly passed away earlier this year following an illness.”

Richard Peaker, Jones Myers Managing Partner, said: “Sarah’s first-class reputation in divorce and financial remedies is widely renowned and respected and she is a great asset to our award-winning team.

“We wish Sarah continued success in her career as a key member of our committed lawyers who are recognised as leaders in their field.”         

Sarah’s appointment comes in a formative year for Jones Myers, which has also doubled the size of the York city centre team with a series of new appointments.

With headquarters in Leeds, the firm, which has its own in-house counsel, has retained its top tier rankings in the Legal 500 and Chambers UK guides for over three decades.

Jones Myers is also ranked in the top five per cent of UK law practices which deliver family law services by Review Solicitors, an independent legal review site. Outperforming its peers nationwide, clients award the practice a consistent ‘Excellent’ rating. 

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 in the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2025.

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Jones Myers niche family law firm is marking a formative year which includes doubling the size of its team in York city centre.

A raft of new appointments, which further enhance the expertise of the practice’s specialist family lawyers, include solicitors Brittany Codling and Katie Jennings.

Brittany and Katie are members of Jones Myers’ Divorce and Financial Remedies Department which is praised by Legal 500 as a “leading matrimonial finance firm” for its “first-rate client care” and “strength in depth.”

Legal assistants Linda Lacey and Sarah Martin also join the team headed by Jones Myers Partner, Nicki Mitchell – York’s first qualified collaborative family lawyer who is also a family law mediator and child inclusive mediator.

Said Nicki: “We warmly welcome our new team members and wish them all every success. They join us during an outstanding 12 months as Jones Myers further consolidates its reputation as a leading family law firm in the York legal market.”

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

Said Brittany: “Jones Myers’ standing as a respected Tier 1 family law firm is known far and wide. I am delighted to be working alongside the best family lawyers in their field on complex, high net worth cases.”

Added Sarah: “Having previously worked with some team members, I was attracted by Jones Myers’ commitment to excellence and clear focus on what clients need when faced with relationship breakdown. I’m really enjoying my new role.”

Jones Myers is ranked in the top five per cent of UK law practices which deliver family law services by Review Solicitors, an independent legal review site. Outperforming its peers nationwide, the firm’s clients award the practice a consistent ‘Excellent’ rating.

The firm also holds the title for Outstanding Client Care in the nationwide Modern Law Private Client Awards which champion and celebrate firms working in the private client industry.

Jones Myers’ York office is located at The Quadrant, Bootham Row.

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 in the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2025

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Jones Myers has paid tribute to Neil Dring, a senior family law specialist who has recently passed away following an illness.

A very experienced and talented family lawyer who worked in the field for most of his career, Neil joined Jones Myers in 2022 heading the Divorce and Financial Remedies team in the firm’s town centre Harrogate office.

Highly respected across Harrogate and the Yorkshire region, Neil’s reputation and expertise was well known and recognized in the divorce and separation cases that he dealt with, especially those involving complex high net worth financial disputes, advocacy, property transfer and pension cases.

Richard Peaker, Jones Myers Managing Partner, said: “We are deeply saddened by the news of Neil’s death and send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Neil was an extraordinary family lawyer whose unwavering dedication and compassion touched countless lives. Neil’s passing is a great loss to the legal community and to all who had the privilege of knowing him.

“We were delighted when Neil, a hugely committed and highly skilled family lawyer, joined our firm. His valuable contribution to, and passion for, family law and most importantly securing the best outcomes for his clients, was outstanding and he will be sorely missed by all of us.”

After studying at Nottingham University, Neil qualified in 1984 and embarked on roles specialising in family law in South and North Yorkshire. Those who inspired him included his late father-in-law and his own father. He was also amused and entertained by fictitious ‘Rumpole of The Bailey’ barrister, Horace Rumpole created by author John Mortimer.

A champion of resolving relationship breakdown by non-confrontational means, Neil’s dedication to family law and his local community involved him in events which included representing Jones Myers at the Harrogate Chamber of Commerce.

Martin Mann, Chief Executive of Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce, said: “All of us within the Chamber and the wider business community in Harrogate will remember a kind, charming and generous man with a real passion for his work and zest for life. Neil lit up a room with his warmth and inimitable wit, and he will be sorely missed by those who knew him,”

An ardent supporter of the firm’s longstanding charity partner, Henshaws which supports 4,000 service users with sight loss and wide-ranging disabilities, Neil undertook volunteering work in the gardens at Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre, giving up his time and offering his support.

He was also a regular contributor of podcasts giving listeners insights and information on divorce and financial related issues on Your Harrogate radio station.

Kate Banerjee, Jones Myers Partner, added: “Neil will be remembered not only for his expertise in family law coupled with his deep sense of empathy, but also for the fact that he helped countless individuals navigate some of life’s most challenging moments.”

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The strains of the Easter holidays on families and relationships may prove a trigger point for many spouses to contemplate divorce in the hope that their lives will ‘return to normal.’  

Filing for divorce is traumatic and life-changing with various studies revealing that between one third and one half of divorcees wished they had made more effort to stay in their marriage.       

Before taking the leap, answer these questions:

Do you still love your husband/wife?

A video of a wife who was on the verge of a divorce revealed she knew their marriage could be saved because they still loved each other. If your marriage is worth salvaging, consider counselling sessions to address your issues in a confidential environment.

How would divorce affect your children?

Many adults still remember the bombshell of their parents splitting up. Divorce can be long-lasting and, in some cases, damaging to children’s long-term health. Think through how terminating your relationship will impact on their interests which should always come first.

How would it impact on the wider family and friends?

A marriage break up can have far reaching effects on wider family members who may feel the need to take sides. How would it impact on your support network and important routines such as school runs, sports activities, and holidays? Being divorced can also change the dynamics of your friendships with other couples.   

Can you afford to be divorced?

Fear of starting all over again can cause a state of paralysis. This is particularly applicable to spouses who have not had to deal with financial practicalities such as tax, standing orders and direct debits.

Would you have sufficient income, where would you live – and how would that work for your children’s domestic, schooling and holiday arrangements?

If you are a mother who has stayed at home to bring up your children, would you need to return to work. If so, would this require, retraining, studying etc?

How would it affect your work?

If you are working, does your current work and career involve working shifts and unsociable hours? Would your employer be supportive if you divorced and required extra time off if the children were unwell or, for example, needed taking to appointments?

Would you be happier post-divorce?

Understanding what makes you happy is vital. While some people see divorce as a solution to their problems, many studies indicate that it does not necessarily make them happier.

As a niche family law firm, Jones Myers adopts a holistic approach to family law and has access to tried and tested professionals including counsellors and tax experts.

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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Our commitment to deliver an outstanding experience to our valued clients sees solicitor Lindsey Cross join Jones Myers award-winning team.

Working exclusively in family law since 2004, Lindsey has extensive experience in divorce and the financial aspects of relationship breakdown relating to both married and unmarried couples.

Lindsey is the second new appointment to the Financial Remedies team headed by Managing Partner, Richard Peaker, since February this year.

The Department specialises in high net worth cases up to £250m, frequently managing matters involving tens of millions of pounds and the team is regularly instructed in multi- jurisdictional proceedings and cases involving complex corporate and (often offshore) trust structures.

 Said Richard: “Jones Myers is proud of its reputation to attract the best lawyers in its field, and we warmly welcome Lindsey who brings a wealth of experience in family law to our growing teams.

“She is respected by clients for her empathetic and honest approach in providing straightforward and realistic advice to manage their expectations and deliver the best outcome for their individual situation.”

Lindsey said: “Jones Myers is renowned and respected for being a long-standing leader in the field of family law which always delivers work of the highest calibre. I was keen to work on complex matters with a team of specialists whose standing is second to none.”

Our niche practice, which has offices in Leeds, York, and Harrogate, retained its Family Law Firm of the Year title North title in the latest Family Law awards. We have also achieved top tier in esteemed legal guides for over two decades.   

Our specialists include an in-house counsel, mediators, collaborative law experts and an arbitrator. They also comprise a former national chair of family law group Resolution, the current national chair of Resolution’s Specialist Accreditation Committee and an ex-Deputy District Judge. 

Our unique expertise and qualifications enable us to offer clients solutions which are best suited to their individual needs. They include processes such as Mediation, Collaborative Law and Arbitration.  

Which avoid a lengthy court process and can to a faster and more cost-effective resolution. 

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. Visit jm2023.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet us @helpwithdivorce

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By guest blogger Ralph Zoing, Director at Harrogate Wealth Management

“The world is full of obvious things which nobody by any chance ever observes.” Unfortunately, Arthur Conan Doyle’s words are all too often relevant, when looking at many divorce settlements involving financial remedies.

Matrimonial assets usually centre around the matrimonial home as the highest valued asset. This perception has been happily supported by the phenomenal rise in property prices over the last 40 years or so.

The average price of a property has increased by 1,314% from Jan 1982 to today1 However, another family asset, which often competes with the matrimonial house for top ranking in value but is often ignored by many, is the real value of pensions. 

Rightly or wrongly the perception is that the wife, homemaker, and primary child career is happy to retain the property as a security and continuity for her and the children often at great expense and without scrutinising the value of pensions. This may be due to the perception that the pension funds may be of little or insignificant value.

A recent report published by the Social Market Foundation (SMF) says, “the typical person aged 50-64 has pension savings that are 58% short of what they require, yet only one-in-five have spoken to a financial adviser about their pensions”.

Savers approaching retirement age are now almost £250,000 short of the pension pot they need, to deliver the pension income they want in later life, the SMF found.

The report outlined that more than two-thirds of 50-64-year-olds in the UK do not know how much they will need for retirement.  It appears that most are not interested in pensions, which is a crying shame as they are the still most effective way to save for your retirement.

If you also consider that women have far less pension provision than men, then the decisions made around the financial settlement are vital to ensure successful longer-term outcomes for women. In the latest Scottish Widows Women and Retirement Report, the gender pay gap has helped fuel a gender pension gap. This year’s report (2021) demonstrates that women could face a huge £185,000 gap in retirement.

On average, women in their 20’s will retire with £100,000 less in their pension pot than men and will need £85,000 more than their male counterparts for retirement. 

In Part 2 of this article, I will explain the reasons behind this shortfall – and why pension assets are vital in the financial disclosure process of divorce which produces a full statement of the current earnings and assets of divorcing couples. The process aims to ensure each couple receives a fair settlement which could include a division of the pension benefit fund. 

With over three decades expertise in the financial services industry, Ralph Zoing can advise on all forms of pension and retirement planning. Tel 01423 530277 or Ralph@harrogatewealth.co.uk

Source: 1 UK House Price Index

For queries on divorce, finances, 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 Collaborative Family Lawyer, Norman Taylor 

Having undergone divorce and its practical and emotional challenges, taking control of your financial future is the next critical step.     

Fear of starting all over again can leave many people in a state of paralysis. This is particularly applicable to spouses who have not had to deal with financial practicalities such as tax, standing orders and direct debits.  

In divorce, a financial agreement sets out how you and your ex will divide your finances. It can include you obtaining a share of your former spouse’s pension and/or regular maintenance payments.

As part of its holistic approach, Jones Myers advises and guides our clients through the stages of divorce. Our post divorce support includes helping them to stay on the right financial track.

When preparing for the impact of your divorce, you may already have organised your finances ready to move towards being in control. If not, here are some practical tips to assist you in taking charge of your own destiny:

1. Create a ‘to do’ list of all things financial (bills etc) and an aspirational list to set goals for enjoyable things such as treats and breaks
2. Linked with this, have two bank accounts – one for day-to-day expenses for the house, food, car and associated expenses, direct debits, standing orders and credit card payment. The second is for setting aside some savings for exceptional expenses such non-essential clothing, holidays, and house repairs.
3. Set out the absolute and exact payments needed every month for your house and family 
4. Don’t have bills estimated and only pay for what you use
5. Pay off your credit card monthly and avoid debit cards 
6. Know when your maintenance payments arrive and budget accordingly. Ensure standing orders don’t go out before your monthly payments are due in
7. Apply to your Council for a 25% council tax discount. The concession applies if you are on your own or have younger children  
8. Expand your support network if you’re on your own or have children. Now is an ideal time as the country emerges from lockdown
9. Be prepared and plan for child maintenance coming to an end
10. Take professional advice on preparing and budgeting for your own retirement
11. Make a will. If you have a pension or life assurance, ensure it includes your chosen beneficiaries and is updated. Review it every few years.
12. Stay healthy in body and spirit – try new things. You could also consider engaging a life or Divorce coach who specialises in helping people in your situation prepare for their new future 

If you meet a new partner and are thinking about moving in together, seek the advice of an experienced family law firm like Jones Myers as it could affect existing maintenance agreements.

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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