Jones Myers flies high in Chambers rankings

Jones Myers’ reputation as a leader in its field sees the firm retain another top tier legal guide listing – with more of its specialist family lawyers ranked for their expertise.  

Chambers 2025 legal guide has awarded the muti-award winning family law firm a Band 1 ranking for the whole of Yorkshire.

The latest edition applauds Jones Myers’ expertise in dealing with financial remedy proceedings along with cases involving shareholder issues, property portfolios and complex pension schemes.

It also highlights the practice’s ability to handle complicated children cases, including matters concerning abuse, abduction and exploitation.

Managing Partner, Richard Peaker, who advises on high-value matrimonial finance disputes and advises landowners and high-earning professionals on divorce and cohabitation matters, retains his Band 1 ranking.

Based on client interviews and testimonials, the guide says: “Richard is extremely experienced and I regard him absolutely as a go-to matrimonial finance specialist in the region.”

Partner Kate Banerjee, head of the Children’s Team and recognised as “the go-to children specialist in Yorkshire” also remains in Band 1.

Hailed as “a phenomenal lawyer and someone I recommend,” the guide describes Kate as  “an exceptionally good quality solicitor” who“always goes the extra mile for the client.” 

Retaining her listing in the Family and Matrimonial category, Partner Nicki Mitchell is also ranked for her expertise in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) – non confrontational options for divorcing and separating couples which avoid going to court.   

A collaborative lawyer, accredited family mediator and child inclusive mediator who heads the firm’s York office, Nicki’s expertise includes matrimonial finance disputes and private children matters. 

Highlighting her strong reputation in York as, clients laud how “Nicki has her clients’ best interests at heart,” is “very sensible and very good in her approach” and is “pragmatic, sensible and comes to a positive solution.”

Jones Myers Partner, Elizabeth Bell – described as a “very talented” and “high-quality lawyer”whose“conduct, management and handling of clients is superb“ – is ranked for the first time.

Advising clients on matrimonial finance matters, including complex elements such as pensions, trusts and domestic abuse allegations, clients stress how “Elizabeth is highly committed to delivering the best possible outcomes for clients. She is passionate about achieving a fair outcome and is very experienced.”

Said Managing Partner, Richard Peaker: “We are immensely delighted with, and proud of, Chambers glowing accolades which reflect our lawyers’ unique breadth and depth of expertise.

It is tremendous that even more of our specialists are acknowledged as leaders in their field in the 2025 edition. We give our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated teams for upholding our reputation for continuously delivering excellence in client care.”

The listing follows Jones Myers’ top tier Legal 500 2025 ranking which re-enforces the practice’s ‘first class reputation for private client money and children work’ and lauds its ‘perfect blend of vast experience and strength in depth.’

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 us 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 among the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2024.

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Powerful recommendations from our peers have resulted in our award-winning, niche family lawyers’ inclusion in the 2023 edition of Best Lawyers in the United Kingdom.  

Director and Managing Partner Richard Peaker, applauded as an “outstanding matrimonial finance practitioner” by the Legal 500 guide – which is also based on peer and client testimonials – features for the 15^th consecutive year.

An expert in complex financial disputes, Richard heads our Financial Remedies Department which the guide hails as “The Leading matrimonial finance firm in Yorkshire, with outstanding individuals and strength in depth”.

The Department is regularly instructed for multi- jurisdictional proceedings/cases involving complex corporate and (often offshore) trust structures. Our clients include business owners, landowners, farmers and parties with substantial family Trusts – both  shore and offshore.

Partner Kate Banerjee an acknowledged leader in Children’s Law, who is described as a “Rolls-Royce among practitioners,” (Legal 500 2023) keeps her listing for the second year running.

Named ‘”Private Client Lawyer of the Year” in the 2023 Northern Powerhouse Awards, Kate’s heads the Children’s Department whose 12-stong team succeeds with the most complex cases and is at the forefront of new areas of law including deprivation of a child’s liberty.

The Team consistently achieves a consistently high success rate in international child abduction matters across both Hague and Non-Hague countries.

Said Richard: “Our inclusion among the Best UK Lawyers reflects our reputation as a respected leader in our field on a regional, national, and international level.

“It also reflects the wider team’s extensive expertise and underpins Jones Myers standing as a top-ranking, niche family law practice which has maintained its number 1 position in the legal guides for over two decades.”

The Best UK Lawyers endorsements are submitted by leading lawyers who recommend the professional abilities of colleagues in the same geographical and practice area.

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

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

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By Neil Dring, Jones Myers Senior Solicitor and Consultant 

The impact of divorce can be devastating – which is why our focus at Jones Myers is on helping our clients to reach a fair financial settlement without going to Court.

Emotions understandably run high for those undergoing divorce, and we need to do all we can to control those emotions because relationship breakdown involves families, often with children, who will continue to be families long after they have separated.

When it comes to finances, the matrimonial pot, in principle, is shared equally when you divorce. Exceptions include cases where couples have previously tied the knot and owned properties, shares, and investments in their former marriages. Also, in situations where meeting the financial needs of one of the parties, and in particular the housing needs of the children, means that an unequal division might be needed.

A starting point in securing a fair financial settlement that meets the needs of everyone is for both of you to undergo a ‘full and frank disclosure’ of each other’s financial situations in these three areas:   

1. Assets – your house and other properties, savings, investments, shares, and businesses 
2. Income – whether you are employed or self-employed, along with dividends and interest payments
3. Pensions – the type of scheme and value

You and your spouse are expected to provide information  detailing all your finances including bank account details and one year’s worth of statements for each account. Pay slips and other documents are also needed.  

Doing this produces a detailed picture of the financial requirements you both need now – and going forwards – to protect you both.   

The repercussions of failing to disclose all your financial assets during the disclosure process include loss of trust with your spouse – which can also make agreeing a settlement out of Court more difficult.

If your divorce goes to Court and a Judge discovers you have not divulged key financial information, you could lose credibility with the Judge and face ‘ligation misconduct’ which can include being ordered to pay your spouse’s Court costs.

If, having agreed a Consent Order – a legal document approved by the Court verifying how you will divide your assets, income, and pension – it later comes to light that you have withheld financial information, your spouse might be able to make future additional claims.  

In the worst-case scenario, deliberately withholding financial information in breach of a court order can amount to a contempt of court for which a range of penalties (including ultimately imprisonment) could be imposed.            

While the prospect of planning your future finances may seem daunting at such a period in your life,  reaching a financial settlement that is mutually satisfactory, and will stand up to legal scrutiny, is vital.  

Providing clarity and certainty to you and your spouse, it enables you both to look to the future with security, optimism, and peace of mind.

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

Jones Myers blog is ranked 8^th in the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2023.

About Neil Dring

Senior family law specialist, Neil Dring, has almost four decades of expertise in divorce and financial settlements arising from relationship breakdowns.

Neil’s strong track record in divorce and separation includes dealing with complex high net worth financial disputes and advocacy. He is also highly experienced in advising on pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements.

A champion of seeking to help clients resolve their relationship break up through alternative and less confrontational routes than going to court, Neil’s clients commend him for his clarity and common-sense approach to settlement along with his empathy, sensitivity and understanding.

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Jones Myers has appointed a senior family law specialist with almost four decades of expertise in relationship breakdown and financial settlements to head its Harrogate office.

Neil Dring, Senior Solicitor and Consultant, joins the firm’s Financial Remedies Department, which is regularly instructed in multi-jurisdictional proceedings and cases involving complex corporate and offshore trust structures.

His track record in divorce and separation includes complex high net worth financial disputes and advocacy, along with both pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements.

Jones Myers, which set up offices in Harrogate in 2017, has recently moved to bigger town centre premises opposite the Harrogate Justice Centre in Victoria Avenue in line with client demand.

Neil said: “Jones Myers’ standing as an award-winning leader in its field which attracts the best family lawyers is acknowledged on a regional and national level. Its esteemed Children’s Department is also renowned internationally.

“The firm’s ethos of seeking non-confrontational solutions to relationship breakdowns resonates with my approach and values, and I am looking forward to playing a key role in the practice’s continued expansion.”

Richard Peaker, Jones Myers Managing Partner who heads the Financial Remedies Department, said: “Neil is a highly respected and well-known family lawyer whose breadth and depth of experience highly complements our expertise and approach in delivering bespoke solutions for our clients.

“We warmly welcome him to the team as we continue to go from strength to strength in Yorkshire and beyond.”       

The appointment coincides with the practice’s York team also moving to bigger city centre offices at Bootham Row to accommodate future growth.

Retaining its Family Law Firm of the year North award in the Family Law Awards across 2020-2022, Jones Myers was the only Yorkshire-based family law firm in the national finals of the awards’ Children Law Team of the Year category.   

The practice, whose headquarters are in Leeds, also has offices in York and marks its 30^th anniversary this year.

For divorce or family law related issues including children, 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

Jones Myers blog is ranked 9^th in the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2022.

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The news that actress Halle Berry is to represent herself in court to finalise residence arrangements for her six year old son following her divorce is a reminder of the downside of self representation.       

The demise of Legal Aid in 2013 sparked a dramatic increase in the number of people seeking to represent themselves (known as litigants in person). Many cases involve children whose estranged parents cannot agree on key areas such as finance, or arrangements for where the children should live.

Self representation can be a minefield. It involves preparing and reading substantial paperwork, understanding the correct procedures to follow – and appreciating exactly what issues a judge will consider to be important.  

Many people are anxious about talking to a judge and find it hard getting to grips with the finer points of law and advocacy techniques that qualified family lawyers have developed over many years. 

Cases need presenting in a technical manner, requiring knowledge and an emotional distance that many parents find difficult.

There is likewise a woeful lack of support and assistance in court for those representing themselves.

The culmination of all of this can lead to highly charged court hearings, with tensions and arguments aired in court which is detrimental for everyone involved – especially the children.        

As a niche family law firm we always advise clients that there are alternatives to going to court which are less confrontational, less stressful and completely private. They can bring a swift resolution and save on legal expenses.

Mediation

Mediation is 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 limits the emotional damage which follows in the wake of an acrimonious battle. In the current climate, online mediation can be available.

Collaborative Law

Collaborative Law also avoids Court proceedings. 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 people to come to an agreement calmly and in their own time. Although it can work for any couple, it can be of particular benefit in higher value or complex children situations.

Arbitration

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 Judges.

Whichever route is chosen – or if a court hearing is inevitable – it is vital to have the right legal representation from highly experienced family lawyers.

Our dedicated Children Department balances the needs of children and their parents in issues including residence and contact disputes, care proceedings and adoption.

If you have any comments, queries or concerns on self representation, 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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By Debra Jackson – family law solicitor and specialist in cohabitation cases 

A recent government announcement to reform laws to enable partners who have lived together for at least two years to claim bereavement damages – is undoubtedly a step in the right direction.

It follows a Court of Appeal decision in 2017 that the current law – which does not entitle an unmarried partner or cohabitee to make a claim – was incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights.

Currently set at £12,980, the statutory damages award is paid in certain circumstances following a death caused by someone else’s wrongful act or omission.

Jones Myers has been at the forefront of a campaign led by Resolution (the association of family lawyers), to encourage the government to extend the rights enjoyed by married couples – or those in a civil partnership – to those who choose to live together.

While this new development recognises that society has changed dramatically since previous legislation from the 1970s, it is important to remember that nothing has yet changed to protect those couples should they choose to separate.

Jones Myers founder, Peter Jones, has recently written about the importance of Living Together Agreements, known as cohabitation agreements, for those planning to move in together.

If you are already living together, you can still draw up an agreement, recording how you would wish your finances to be dealt with should you separate. It is also important to prepare Wills providing for one another, so your estate is dealt with as you would wish.

Although you may be in a deeply committed relationship, and intend to spend your lives together, if you do split up from your partner, you should consult a qualified lawyer to ensure you understand your rights and entitlements.  

Unlike married couples or those in civil partnerships whose relationships break down, your  entitlements will not necessarily enable you to share your partner’s pension, savings, or property.

Jones Myers will continue to campaign for a change in the law to fully protect the 3.4 million or so people living with their long term partners. 

In the meantime, please do get in touch if you are living with a partner or planning to do so, or you feel that your relationship has run its course, and we would be happy to advise and assist you.

For queries on cohabitation agreements, Call Debra and our experienced family lawyers 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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Our niche family law firm has launched free family law clinics for our colleagues at our Windsor House office in Harrogate.

The clinics started on April 4 and take place each Wednesday from 12 noon until 2.00 pm. They are headed by Rachel Baul, a highly experienced family lawyer with over two decades of expertise. Rachel is offering everyone who books to see her 30 minutes of free confidential guidance and legal advice on all aspects of family law, including divorce and separation, financial issues arising from relationship breakdowns and children law.

Our Harrogate office at Windsor House, Cornwall Road, which opened in 2017 to accommodate an increase in instructions from North Yorkshire clients, is located just a few minutes from the town centre and parking is available.

Said Rachel: “Jones Myers is a highly-regarded specialist family law firm with an outstanding reputation for excellence. I’m delighted with the interest and positive feedback we’ve already received to date from the new clinics.”

Our firm, which also has offices in Leeds city centre, is acknowledged as a leader in our field. In 2018 we marked a double milestone by retaining our joint number 1 ranking in Chambers and the Legal 500 guides for the last two decades.

Our family lawyers are leaders in their field. They include a former Deputy District Judge, a Family Law Arbitrator, a chair of Resolution’s Specialist Accreditation Scheme and two collaborative solicitors who jointly combine 270 years’ experience.

To arrange an appointment, please contact Rachel on direct dial 01423 276164 or via email rachel.baul@jonesmyers.co.uk jm2023.jonesmyers.co.uk

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Our Leeds and Harrogate niche family law firm has appointed a highly experienced family law solicitor to join our growing Harrogate team.

Rachel Baul’s specialisms include 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’s extensive expertise includes pension assets and drafting cohabitation and pre-nuptial/post-nuptial agreements involving significant assets.

A former president of Harrogate & District Law Society, Rachel is based at our Harrogate office at Windsor House which opened in 2017 to accommodate an increase in instructions from North Yorkshire clients.

Jones Myers director Richard Peaker, who is acknowledged by the Chambers and Legal 500 guides as a leading solicitor in his field, said: “Rachel is a well-respected family lawyer whose depth and breadth of experience across more than two decades spans sectors including farming, agricultural and sport. We warmly welcome her and wish her continued success.”

Commented Rachel: “Jones Myers has an outstanding reputation for excellence and it’s   tremendous to be working with a team which includes a Deputy District Judge, a Family Law Arbitrator, a chair of Resolution’s Specialist Accreditation Scheme and two collaborative solicitors.”

In 2018 we marked a double milestone by retaining our joint number 1 ranking in Chambers and The Legal 500 guides for over two decades. We were also ranked in the eprivate client Top Family Law Firms 2018 guide, which is regarded as the definitive publication featuring leading providers of advice in key areas such as divorce and child protection.

The first firm of our kind to launch in Leeds, our family lawyers jointly combine 270 years’ experience.

Contact us for an initial no cost meeting by calling our Leeds office on 0113 246 0055, our Harrogate office on 01423 276104, visit jm2023.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet us @helpwithdivorce

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A case handled by Jones Myers has helped five Supreme Court judges to rule that a divorced surveyor should not have to increase payments to his former wife who mishandled her finances after they broke up.

The case of Graham and Maria Mills, who divorced in 2002 after a 15-year marriage, has put the spotlight on the ‘meal ticket for life’ scenario in which a wife receives maintenance in her life time.The highest court in the land rejected the Court of Appeal’s decision to back Mrs Mills’ request to increase monthly payments from £1,100 to £1,441 because she fell into debt after making bad property investments with a £230k settlement from Mr Mills when they divorced.

The Supreme Court judges were in no doubt that Mr Mills should not have to pay an additional amount due to his ex-wife’s poor financial management – and they restored the existing periodical monthly payments of £1,100.

Previous case outcomes which the judged drew on before reaching their decision included North v North in 2007 when Jones Myers successfully represented a husband who appealed against his ex-wife receiving maintenance payments following the expiry of over 20 years since separation and partly due to bad investments she had made.

Jones Myers founder, Peter Jones, said: “We can conclude from the Mills V Mills decision that the Supreme Court will not support a party seeking an increase in maintenance to bail out their financial difficulties which have been caused by their own failings.

“However, the principle of an ex-spouse receiving lifetime maintenance in certain limited situations, remains intact.

“Coupled with the substantial financial costs of this prolonged and very public dispute are the high emotional costs and stress which will undoubtedly have taken its toll on both parties. In retrospect, had they given more careful consideration of the possible repercussions, it may have resulted in both parties behaving differently.”

For more information about divorce and finances, family or children law or Contentious Trusts and Estates, call Jones Myers at our Leeds office on 0113 246 0055, our Harrogate office on 01423 276104, visit jm2023.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet us @helpwithdivorce

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We wanted to share the news that our niche family law practice – which has offices in Leeds, Harrogate and North London – has been shortlisted in high-profile legal awards.

Judges in The Yorkshire Legal Awards shortlisted our firm in the Family Law category  based on criteria which included demonstrating a strong track record, making an impact and being acknowledged by our clients.    For almost two decades we have consistently retained our top tier regional ranking in the highly regarded legal guides. Chambers praises us as “A genuinely brilliant firm” with Legal 500 recognising us as “One of the top niche practices.”

Founded in 1992 by Peter Jones, one of the country’s top divorce lawyers and a former national chair of Resolution, Jones Myers was the first specialist family law practice of its kind in Leeds.

In 2012 we expanded to Essex and in 2017, the year of our 25^th anniversary; we opened a Harrogate office to serve North Yorkshire clients.

The only family law practice in Leeds with our own specialist in-house counsel; our lawyers jointly combine 250 years’ legal experience. They include one of the UK’s first arbitrators, a Deputy District Judge and International Child Abduction and Custody Unit members.

Peter Jones said: “The practice was set up on the ethos of delivering specialist advice in a complex and emotionally charged area of law. We value our clients and always aim to deliver an exceptional service and it’s tremendous that we’ve been recognised among the region’s best family law firms. Our reputation attracts lawyers who are leaders in their field and who share our values.”

Our practice’s three departments comprise Financial Remedies, the regionally, nationally and internationally renowned Children Team and the Contentious Trusts and Estates Department.

A vociferous campaigner for the introduction of “no fault” divorce and improved rights for cohabiting couples, our lawyers take on wide-ranging, non-fee earning roles to champion ‘best practice’ in the legal profession.

Peter Jones Myers is the national Chair of Resolution’s specialist Accreditation Committee, solicitor Rosanna Hyett is secretary of West and North Yorkshire Young Resolution Committee and collaborative law pioneer, Norman Taylor, participates in Leeds Beckett University’s pro-bono clinic.

Committed to developing the next generation of lawyers, we provide regular placements for law students. Our community relations programme supports charities including Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS), Alzheimer’s Society and Shine which helps those with Spina Bifada.

For more information about divorce and finances, family or children law or Contentious Trusts and Estates, call Jones Myers at our Leeds office on 0113 246 0055, our Harrogate office on 01423 276104, visit jm2023.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet us @helpwithdivorce

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