Jones Myers highly experienced family lawyer, Sarah Barr-Young, has been appointed as a board member to help drive the vision and objectives of the Harrogate Business Improvement District (BID).

Sarah, who heads Jones Myers Financial Remedies Department in the firm’s Harrogate office, joins a voluntary Board of influential directors overseeing the delivery of BID’s plan to support, safeguard and improve the town centre for businesses, visitors and residents.

Born in Harrogate, Sarah has extensive expertise in family law matters including complex, high net worth financial disputes, business property portfolios, pensions on divorce and resolving disputes out of court through negotiation.

She said: “I am honoured to be instrumental in BID’s strategy to maximise the potential of Harrogate as a dynamic destination and empower local businesses to tackle local issues.

“My role at Jones Myers entails meeting and working with wide-ranging local companies and I’m looking forward to adding value to BID’s goals during the organisation’s second term.”

Over the past 12 months BID has clocked up a  raft of successful achievements. They include its rapid response Street Rangers further enhancing the town’s visual appearance, forging key partnerships with police, councils and voluntary organisations – and recruiting a Business Crime Officer.

Funding has also been secured for ongoing investment in tackling anti-social behaviour and a new IT system that tracks spend data across the BID area.

Jason Maxwell, CEO of Harrogate BID, commented: “We warmly welcome Sarah to Harrogate BID in a formative year as we further strengthen our role as a voice for town centre businesses and promote key regional events.

“Sarah’s extensive experience of working with local companies, coupled with her dedication  to our long-term strategic vision for the town centre, complement BID’s ethos and values. We look forward to Sarah’s contribution as we accelerate our vision throughout 2026 and beyond.”

Andrew Fox, Jones Myers director and in-house barrister, added: “As a long-standing Harrogate employer committed to local businesses and the community, Jones Myers is delighted to forge long-standing partnerships.

“It is tremendous that Sarah is joining the BID board and we wish Harrogate BID continued success as it continues to go from strength to strength.”   

To find out more about Harrogate BID, a not-for-profit organisation launched on January 1^st 2019, visit https://harrogatebid.co.uk/

For queries on divorce and family law, call 0113 246 0055 (Leeds) 01423 276104 (Harrogate), 202550 (York). Visit www.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet @helpwithdivorce

Jones Myers blog is ranked 5th among the UK’s Best 20 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2026

Sarah Barr-Young is pictured third from left back row with Jason Maxwell, CEO of Harrogate BID, fourth left from back row, and fellow board members     

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Legal 500 has further consolidated the reputation of niche family law firm Jones Myers by naming the practice among the country’s best-performing practices for delivering Client Satisfaction.  

The accolade is based on the firm’s Net Promoter Score – a key metric which measures client loyalty and satisfaction – and determines if clients would recommend the practice on a scale of zero to ten. The honour is also based on Jones Myers’ sector knowledge and its billing and efficiency processes.

Jones Myers Partner Nicki Mitchell, said: “Delivering excellence and client satisfaction in family law is the bedrock upon which our practice was founded over thirty years ago and it is wonderful that Legal 500 has named us among the country’s best-performing practices.

“Legal 500 also recognises our sector knowledge which is second to none and attributable to how we attract the best lawyers in our field. We sincerely thank our talented teams who work tirelessly to secure the best bespoke solutions for our valued clients.”  

Consistently ranked in Band 1 by Legal 500’s annual guides based on client testimonials, the 2026 edition describes the team as “Fantastic ….very personable. They give practical and realistic advice, always managing clients’ expectations. They work collaboratively with counsel to find the best solution for the clients”   

Legal 500’s acknowledgement also reinforces the firm’s strong standing on Review Solicitors, an independent legal review site which ranks Jones Myers in the top five per cent of UK law practices delivering family law services. 

Awarded a consistent 5 star ‘Excellent’ rating by clients, the firm consistently outperforms its peers nationwide.  

Delivering every aspect of family law, Jones Myers specialists’ include an in-house barrister, a  mediator, and a specialist in collaborative family practice.  

As well as being an acclaimed leader in financial remedy proceedings, shareholder issues, property portfolios, complex pension schemes and offshore trusts, the firm’s Children’s Department is at the forefront of complex multi-cultural matters and international child abduction.

Described as a ‘Northern Powerhouse’ by judges, Jones Myers clinched first place in the Lexis Nexis Family Law Awards for two consecutive years. In 2024 the firm won the nationwide  Outstanding Client Care category in The Modern Law Private Client Awards and was Highly Commended in the same category in the 2025 awards.

Founded in 1992 as among the first specialist firms of its kind, the practice has headquarters in Leeds and offices in York and Harrogate.

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 2026.

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Highlighting the practice’s extensive expertise, the esteemed guide praises the ‘fantastic team’ which… ‘give practical and realistic advice, always managing clients’ expectations.’

Reinforcing Jones Myers reputation regionally, nationally and internationally, the firm’s child abduction team is described as ‘a leader for all of Yorkshire.’

Powerful endorsements from clients include the following: “Both highly professional and genuinely empathetic, they provide clear advice along with patience and understanding. Throughout my case the team worked together creatively and with dedication to resolve the situation.”

The following family lawyers are singled out:   

Richard Peaker – Legal 500 Leading Partner

Managing Partner, Richard Peaker, head of the Financial Remedies Department is widely acknowledged as a leading light in Financial Remedies work. An expert in complex financial disputes, Richard is regularly instructed in multi-jurisdictional proceedings and cases involving complex corporate and (often offshore) trust structures.

Kate Banerjee – Legal 500 Leading Partner

Head of the Children’s Department, the guide says Kate’s dedication to her clients, depth of knowledge and sensitivity in highly emotive cases is of the highest calibre. “Kate Banerjee brings extraordinary compassion and faith to her work and this, alongside her expertise and tenacity, has given me strength and courage when I’ve needed it the most.”

Partner Anthony Parrish –  Legal 500 Next Generation Partner

Legal 500 says: “Anthony is an excellent child abduction lawyer who regularly represents clients in 1980 Hague proceedings. His knowledge of the law in this area is second to none.”

Partner Elizabeth Bell and In House Barrister Andrew Fox  are Legal 500 Key Lawyers.

Elizabeth’s track record includes complicated, high value cases involving company structures and trusts.  She also represents clients whose assets may be overseas and where there may be jurisdiction issues. With over three decades experience, Andrew deals with all aspects of family life in courts ranging from the magistrates to the appellate courts in England and the Channel Islands.

Also featured  is Partner and Practice Head Nicki Mitchell a highly experienced Mediator and collaborative Family Lawyer. Legal 500 says: “Despite being very collaborative and resolution focused, Nicki Mitchell is an experienced litigator and will run a case with a high level of expertise, good sense, pragmatism and attention to detail. Her advice is always sound, and clients always feel well cared for.”

Said Managing Partner, Richard Peaker: “Jones Myers is immensely proud to have achieved a top Legal 500 position for over three decades, reflecting how we consistently deliver excellence in family law.

Our latest ranking demonstrates the depth and breadth of expertise of our outstanding family lawyers across Leeds, Harrogate and York. Enormous thanks to our committed and talented teams who work tirelessly for our valued clients.”  

For queries on divorce or family law, call us 0113 246 0055 (Leeds) 01423 276104 (Harrogate), 01904 202550 (York). Visit www.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet @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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By Senior Solicitor, Neil Dring  

At the start of a new year many couples take the plunge to embark on the next stage of their lives and set up home together.  

Amid the flurry of excitement and celebrations, it’s also important to consider the practical and legal implications of these momentous decisions.  

Statistics from family law group Resolution reveal that almost 50 per cent of unmarried couples are unaware that they do not have the same legal rights as a married couple should they separate – or if  one of them dies.

This lack of protection extends to savings, income, pensions, business interests and property. Unlike married couples who split up, there is no clear and simple process for them to divide their assets or claim help for childcare costs from an ex-partner so they can work.

The findings heighten concerns that cohabiting couples may feel forced to put up with an unhappy and (possibly) unhealthy relationship because they fear financial hardship if they break up.  

As a niche family law firm, we strongly recommend that unmarried partners consider a cohabitation or ‘living together’ agreement to help them decide what happens while they are together and if they split up.

The agreement sets out who owns what and in what proportion. It also confirms how property will be divided along with what will happen with personal belongings, savings, debts, pensions and other assets on separation.

Documenting how children will be supported, the contract outlines how to deal with bank accounts, debts and joint purchases such as a house or car, along with pet ‘custody’ issues.

A cohabitation agreement can be drafted before or during a couple’s time together. It can also be amended as long as both parties agree that the original agreement should be changed, and how.

The arrangement is enforceable and can be set up through virtual “roundtable” meetings within the collaborative process and can reduce the likelihood of cohabitees being left destitute.

It is important that each party seeks independent legal advice and discloses all financial information in the lead up to signing the agreement, which should be reviewed regularly.

Jones Myers is a long-standing supporter of Resolution’s campaign where proposed reforms include cohabitees meeting eligibility criteria which gives them an automatic right to apply for certain financial remedies if they later separate.

Our family lawyers have extensive experience in drafting cohabitation agreements and, sadly, in dealing with disputes arising from separations where there has been no such agreement.

Setting this safeguard in place can potentially save emotional and financial heartache at a later stage should one partner leave, win the lottery – or die.

For queries on cohabitation agreements or any aspect of family law, call us at Leeds on 0113 246 0055, Harrogate on 01423 276104, or York on 01904 202550, www.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet @helpwithdivorce You can email me on neil.dring@jonesmyers.co.uk       

Jones Myers’ blog is ranked among the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2024      

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Jones Myers has been awarded another Band 1 ranking in Chambers UK 2024 legal guide – just two weeks after retaining our top status in the Legal 500 guide.

Chambers latest edition features glowing testimonials from our clients: “The knowledge and support from Jones Myers was exceptional. I never felt I had to chase anyone because I was always updated by them.”

It describes us as “a dedicated family team in Leeds that is noted for its ability to handle complicated children cases, including matters concerning abuse, abduction and exploitation”.

Highlighting our expertise in dealing with financial remedy proceedings, the guide applauds how we are “well versed in cases involving shareholder issues, property portfolios and complex pension schemes”.

Managing Partner Richard Peaker who heads our Financial Remedies Department is a Leading Individual with “…bags of experience, which means that he knows how to negotiate and manage client expectations.”

The following accolades are attributable to fellow Leading Individual Kate Banerjee who heads our Children’s Department:

“Kate is exceptional. She is always thoroughly well prepared, client-focused, and looks at everything from all angles.”

“Kate Banerjee is the best children law solicitor there is in the North of England. She is enormously experienced and has a fantastic manner and way of dealing with things.”

Our Partner Nicki Mitchell, a collaborative lawyer and accredited family mediator with extensive expertise in matrimonial finance disputes who heads our York office, is also commended. “Nicki is very pragmatic, sensible and able to come to a positive solution. She is very experienced and ADR focused.”

Said Nicki: “We are proud and delighted to retain our number 1 ranking in both Chambers and Legal 500 for almost three decades, re-enforcing our standing as leaders in our field.

“The acknowledgement is wholly attributable to the commitment of our teams across Leeds, York and Harrogate who lead the way in delivering excellence in family law. Enormous thanks to our valued employees and clients.”

With headquarters in Leeds and offices in Harrogate and York, Jones Myers was among the first family law firms of its kind to be founded in Leeds in 1992.  

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

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

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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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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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News that a man has been sentenced to jail after deliberately lowering the value of a house during his divorce is a salutary reminder of how both spouses must reveal all their financial information.   

During divorce there is no avoiding a full and frank disclosure of each other’s finances. Neither you nor your spouse should put you head in the sand or believe you can squirrel away and hide assets or income.

There are three areas to consider in the disclosure when working out who has what proportion of the joint finances – and for how long.

• Assets – including savings, investments, property, shares, and businesses
• Income – whether you are employed or self-employed, along with dividends and interest payments
• Pensions – the type of scheme and value

Both you and your spouse are required to produce a completed form which sets out in detail all your finances. Standard requirements include providing details of all bank accounts along with one year’s worth of statements for each account. In addition, pay slips and other documents are required to confirm the accuracy of the information.

The next priority is building a detailed picture of the needs and requirements of you and your spouse, both now and going forwards. This protects both of you, ensuring you each receive a fair settlement for your financial situation.

Despite the introduction No-Fault Divorce in April this year, financial settlements continue  on occasionsto remain more problematical and difficult during divorce proceedings.

We recommend you see an experienced family lawyer as soon as possible to obtain a good understanding of your financial rights and obligations.

Entering into negotiations without first understanding what you might be entitled to, or required to provide, can create an unrealistic expectation on you both and it may cause unexpected difficulties in the future. 

It is important to resolve (either by negotiation or through the courts) all the financial issues before the Final Order (the legal document ending your marriage for good) is made to ensure that both parties are financially secure.

Planning your future finances may be the last thing you want to do at such a difficult time. However, reaching a financial settlement that is mutually satisfactory and will stand up to legal scrutiny remainsa priority.

Giving clarity and certainty to you and your spouse, finalising the financial issues between you enables you both to look forward 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 ninth in the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2022.

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Jones Myers leading family lawyers feature in the ‘Best Lawyers in the United Kingdom’ 2023 rankings for the 15^th consecutive Year following recommendations from their peers.   

The accolade comes in a year when the firm retained its prestigious Family Law Firm of the Year North title in the Family Law Awards. Judges singled out the practice’s skills in Mediation, Collaborative Law and Arbitration which avoid going to court. 

Director and Partner Richard Peaker (pictured centre) – who heads the Financial Remedies Department and is an expert in complex financial disputes – retains his Best Lawyers listing since 2009.   A specialist in high-net-worth cases, Richard acts for clients including businesses owners, shareholders, lawyers, accountants, and other high-end professionals. He is regularly recommended by clients, barristers, and independent financial advisors.

Peter Jones (pictured right), who founded Jones Myers 30 years ago, also maintains his listing across the same period. A former Deputy District Judge, he was one of country’s first Arbitrators to resolve differences on financial and property matters.  

An ex national chairman of Resolution who chairs Resolution’s Specialist Accreditation Committee, Peter has been presented with two prestigious awards in the past 12 months for his outstanding contribution to family law.

Partner Kate Banerjee (pictured left), an acknowledged leader in Children’s Law who heads Jones Myers Children’s Department, features in the listing for the second year running.  

Lauded by the Legal 500 Guide as a “Rolls-Royce among practitioners,” Kate’s reputation is acknowledged nationally and globally.

Representing children, parents, guardians and local authorities, Kate has extensive expertise in international child abduction cases. Her specialisms also span contact, residence, education law, adoption, and surrogacy.

Said Peter Jones: “We are immensely proud of our reputation as an outstanding niche family law firm which has achieved top rankings in esteemed legal guides for over two decades.

“It is an honour to be recommended for the 15^th year running for the Best UK Lawyers by our peers, a recognition which reflects our commitment to consistently delivering excellence in family law.”  

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 9^th in the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2022.

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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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