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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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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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 Partner, Anthony Parrish from Jones Myers Children’s Department  

Disturbingly, every year there are around 1,000 cases of British children under the age of sixteen being taken abroad by one parent without the other parent’s permission.

Extensive studies highlight that cases of child abduction – whose psychological, long-term impact on children can be devastating – increase during the summer months and school holidays.

In the video below, which is accompanied with a transcript, I outline the process that needs to be followed in cases of international child abduction.

This includes the process for parents whose children have been taken and the procedure for parents/parties who are accused of abducting the children.

Jones Myers Children’s Department is recognised nationally and internationally for its extensive expertise in international family law and its track record in managing cases of  child abduction.

This includes situations where children are wrongfully removed from England & Wales and unlawfully retained in a different jurisdiction, or where they are wrongfully removed from another jurisdiction to England & Wales and or unlawfully retained.

Swift action is needed in child abduction cases, and seeking skilled international family law guidance is crucial.

Our consistently high success rate spans countries both inside and outside of the 1980 Hague Convention, which is an international agreement containing a number of signatory countries following the same procedure in responding to Child Abduction.  

We are highly experienced in liaising with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Home Office along with officials, police forces and politicians at the highest level at home and overseas.

Jones Myers extensive expertise spans representing parents whose child has been taken to either a country outside of the jurisdiction of England and Wales or brought or retained in the jurisdiction of England and Wales without the other parent’s consent or knowledge, referred to as the applicant, and parentswho are accused of abducting the children, referred to at the respondent.

Helpful websites include International parental child abduction – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) and Reunite | International Child Abduction Centre | Child Abduction Charity

For queries on International Child Abduction or any aspect of children law or 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.

Image courtesy of ArminEP, Pixabay  

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By Kate Banerjee , Head of Jones Myers Children’s Department

Extensive studies and statistics highlight that cases of child abduction increase during the summer.

The psychological impact on children can be devastating and long-lasting – and it is vital to obtain the permission of everyone with parental responsibility for a child before taking them abroad.

Every year there are around 1,000 cases of British children under the age of sixteen being taken abroad by one parent without the other parent’s permission. This is a criminal offence if the offending parent has not obtained a Court’s permission.   

Many cases see children whisked away to countries that are not a signatory of the Hague Convention on International child abduction, an international agreement made in 1980.

Non-signatories of the Hague Convention extend to over sixty countries where there are no international systems to help parents find their children. They include Afghanistan, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Saudia Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Zimbabwe.

Tell-tale signs

• Behavioural changes/deteriorating relationship between parents
• Leaving a job
• Selling a house
• Seeking a copy of a child’s birth certificate
• Trying to obtain a child’s passport
• Increased contact with family or friends overseas
• Wanting to take a child away without the other parent

Preventative steps

• Apply to the Court for a Prohibited Steps Order (PSO) preventing either parent from taking their children to events/trips without the express permission of the other parent
• Apply for a Child Arrangements Order which clearly sets out the ‘custody rights’ each parent should be exercising. In cases where an abduction occurs, it demonstrates an infringement of custody rights  
• Ensure that parental contact is supervised or, in extreme cases, stopped altogether
• Keep passports safe – an option is for a solicitor to hold them
• Ask the Passport Agency  to block the other parent from applying for a new passport
• In term time, ensure the school know exactly who is allowed to collect your child from school

If you receive a threat of child abduction or if your child has been abducted:

• Contact the police immediately. They can issue alerts to airports/ferry terminals and liaise with Interpol who may be able to work with police forces abroad to help find your child
• Give the police recent photos of your child and the other parent, together with details of the airport or destination you think they may be heading
• Contact Reunite, a UK charity specialising in parental child abduction which operates a 24 hour emergency helpline
• Seek legal advice immediately

Guiding you through this complex process

Jones Myers is recognised nationally and internationally for managing cases of parental child abduction.

This includes children being wrongfully removed from England & Wales and unlawfully retained in a different jurisdiction – or being abducted from another jurisdiction to England & Wales and illegally retained.

Our consistently high success rate spans countries both inside and outside of the Hague Convention. We are highly experienced in liaising with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Home Office along with officials, police forces and politicians at the highest level at home and overseas.

Helpful websites include International parental child abduction – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) and Reunite | International Child Abduction Centre | Child Abduction Charity

For queries on international child abduction 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 among the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2024.

Image by David Reed at Pixabay

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Jones Myers Partner, Kate Banerjee, has been named ‘Lawyer of the Year’ in the coveted Private Client category of the Legal 500 Northern Powerhouse Awards.   

Judges selected Kate, who heads the firm’s internationally renowned Children’s Department, from an 11-strong shortlist of top lawyers across the North of England in the inaugural awards.

With almost three decades of experience in children law, Kate has extensive expertise in international child abduction. Her specialisms include contact, residence, and adoption.

Kate, who is applauded by the latest Legal 500 rankings as a ‘standout children’s solicitor’ and Leading Individual, said: “I am proud and honoured to receive this prestigious recognition which is attributable to the commitment of our highly experienced and respected team.

“An enormous and heartfelt ‘thank you’ to my colleagues who consistently provide the best bespoke solutions for our valued clients.”      

Succeeding with the most complex cases, the 12-strong Children’s team provides all aspects of private and public children law and is at the forefront of new areas of law including deprivation of a child’s liberty.

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

Richard Peaker, Jones Myers Managing Partner, said: “Kate is widely respected as a leader in her field at home and overseas and this high-profile award is extremely well deserved.

“The accolade reflects the wider team’s dedication and 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.”

Jones Myers reputation for dealing with complex cases and securing successful outcomes in reported cases involving Courts at all levels, is widely acknowledged.  

The latest Legal 500 Guide consolidates Jones Myers outstanding reputation as ‘the leading matrimonial finance firm in Yorkshire, with outstanding individuals and unparalleled strength in depth’. 

Founded in 1992 in Leeds as among the North of England’s first specialist family law practices, the firm has its headquarters in Leeds and offices in Harrogate and York.

For queries on divorce and family law, call us on 0113 246 0055 (Leeds), 01423 276104 (Harrogate) or 01904 202550 (York). Visit jm2023.jonesmyers.co.uk, info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet @helpwithdivorce

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

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The display of unity by members of the Royal family following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II has been humbling and inspiring.     

Troubled relationships among siblings have been cast aide for the greater good as the world paid tribute to her Majesty, who has been widely acknowledged as the greatest monarch in English history.

The respect given to the late Queen – whose own family has witnessed its fair share of relationship breakdowns – is a poignant reminder of the importance of always striving to put the family unit, and children’s best interests, first.    

Ensuring the voice of the child is heard in cases of divorce and separation goes to the heart of Jones Myers ethos to ensure their happiness and wellbeing is a priority.

We have seen at firsthand how children who are caught up in the crossfire can often retreat into an artificial world to escape the stress of their parent’s fraught exchanges.

Sadly, the knock-on effects of this can lead to long term repercussions on their health and education, which can result in lasting damage and affect their future prospects.

The expertise of our Children’s Department – which delivers every aspect of private and public children law – includes a Child Inclusive Mediator and an in-house counsel.   

Our team’s specialisms include residence, contact, relocation, international child abduction, adoption, and child protection – the latter which requires balancing parents’ rights while ensuring children are protected from significant harm.

As well as acting for parents and grandparents, we also represent children, through their court appointed Children’s Guardians allocated by Cafcass. We also act separately for children of a significant age and maturity.  

Our dedication to excellence includes membership of the Law Society Children Panel, the Advanced Family Law Panel, and the Child Abduction Panel. Additional qualifications include Higher Rights of Audience and Child Inclusive Mediation Accreditation.

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

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Niche family law firm, Jones Myers, is the only family law practice in Yorkshire to be shortlisted for a prestigious national accolade in the Family Law Awards.

The Children’s Department – which is nationally and internationally acclaimed in areas including international child abduction and overseas adoption – is a finalist in the Children Law Team of the Year category.   

The extensive expertise of the 12-strong team, which delivers every aspect of private and public children law, includes an in-house counsel with over three decades’ experience.

Jones Myers Partner, Kate Banerjee, said: “Well done to our team which always punches above its weight and whose commitment to always putting children’s best interests first is relentless.

“Being a finalist amongst predominantly London firms re-enforces our depth and breadth of expertise and ability to manage the most complex cases, an increasing number of which are referred to the High Court.”       

The team’s dedication to excellence includes membership of the Law Society Children Panel, the Advanced Family Law Panel, and the Child Abduction Panel. Additional qualifications include Higher Rights of Audience and Child Inclusive Mediation Accreditation.

Jones Myers has also retained its ‘Family Law Firm of the Year North’ title in the Family Law Awards across 2020-2022, with judges describing the practice as a ‘Northern Powerhouse’.

Jones Myers Managing Partner, Richard Peaker, said: “We are immensely proud to be the only Yorkshire family law firm shortlisted for the Children Law Team of the Year category.

“Our record of success with the most complex cases is due to our team’s tireless dedication to secure the best solutions for our clients. We also thank our referrers and partners for their support and wish good luck to all the finalists.”    

The award winners will be announced at a ceremony on November 28 at The Park Plaza, Westminster.

Jones Myers has consistently retained its top tier rankings in legal guides for over two decades.

Operating out of offices in Leeds, Harrogate, and York, the firm marks its 30^th anniversary this year.

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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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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Jones Myers has promoted family lawyer Anthony Parrish – who has over two decades experience in family law – to partner.

Anthony, who joined our award-winning niche family law firm as a solicitor in 2007, is a member of our internationally acclaimed Children’s Department.

His extensive expertise in family law includes representing children, teenagers, parents, and local authorities.  Anthony is also experienced in international child abduction cases and adoption work.

Jones Myers partner, Kate Banerjee, who heads our Children’s Department, said: “Anthony’s promotion, which is aligned with our firm’s ongoing expansion, is extremely well deserved.

“A valuable and committed member of our team for the past 14 years, Anthony is commended for giving realistic advice in a sensitive and appropriate way, which is tailored to suit the individual needs of our clients. We wish him continued success.”

The latest Legal 500 guide applauds the new partner for being: “Well organised and totally on top of the facts in a case. He deals with his lay clients and other professionals in a case with absolute courtesy.”

Said Anthony: “I am absolutely delighted with the opportunity of becoming a partner at Jones Myers. It is an exceptional firm that I am very proud to be part of. I look forward to continuing to play a key role within a highly experienced team which consistently provides outstanding client service and legal advice.”

Jones Myers, which has offices in Leeds, Harrogate and York, has retained our Top Tier ranking in the esteemed Chambers and Legal 500 guides for over two decades. The latest Legal 500 edition describes us as a ‘premier niche family law firm’

Marking our 30^th anniversary in 2022, our practice, which currently holds the ‘Family Law Firm of the year North’ title, is a finalist in the same category for this year’s Family Law awards which take place in London on November 24.  

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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