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

The easter holidays are in full swing, bringing the usual raft of challenges for co-parents which are further exacerbated by forecasts of travel chaos by land, air, road and sea.

As always, putting children’s best interests and happiness first should always be the top priority – as difficult as this may be when external elements threaten to disrupt the best laid plans.

Below are some practical tips for co-parents to ensure their children return to school bursting with upbeat stories to tell their friends about the great times they enjoyed with both their parents.

Have A Back Up Plan And Be Flexible – If the predicted travel chaos curtails your combined plans for dividing the holiday period with your children, adapt your arrangements to prevent undue stress – both on yourselves and on them.

It has been proven time and again that children are particularly susceptible to tensions which, in some cases, can impact on their emotional and behavioural development in later life.

Having a back-up plan for any ‘ What If’ scenarios – which can include one of you falling ill or a family crisis – will serve you both well. This can apply to easter outings with one parent being rescheduled until after the official bank holiday – most children don’t return to school until April 20.    

Co-operate And Communicate – Be mindful of your children’s welfare and happiness at all times – it is not a competition over who can spend the most time with them.

In scenarios where things go awry such as being late for picks up or drop offs, avoid manifesting your frustration and being irritated with each other. Above all, in the presence of your children and the absence of the other parent, avoid criticising each other.    

Be Respectful And Realistic  – Accept and respect that you cannot influence the decisions and choices of your former spouse. Be mindful and tolerant of each other’s cultures, routines and family routines which may include a co-parent wanting to involve their children in extended family birthdays or religious festivals.

Build Up A Support Network  – Juggling many balls is no mean feat for any parent, particularly for separated parents who are single handedly trying to manage school schedules, along with work and household demands.

Your network can include close friends and relatives you can rely on and trust – and who won’t let you down if plans start to unravel. Seek out local community groups where you can meet and relate with like-minded parents.  

At Jones Myers, our holistic approach sees us act as a signpost for councillors and relevant  channels of support that co-parents can benefit from – you do not have to undertake this journey alone.     

This spirit of goodwill through considerate co-parenting can positively impact on your children’s happiness and wellbeing in the short, medium and long term.

For queries on children law, divorce, or any aspect of family law, call 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 5^th among the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2026.

Image by Stux at Pixabay      

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Jones Myers has helped to boost the festive spirit for disabled Artmakers at Henshaws which enhances the quality of life for over 8,000 service users with sight loss and wide-ranging disabilities.

The firm’s deep-rooted ethos of giving back to its local communities has entailed its family lawyers purchase and wrap an assortment of children’s presents for the charity’s forthcoming Christmas Fair.

Monies raised from the vibrant event at Henshaws’ Arts & Crafts centre will go towards valuable materials to help the centre’s talented Artmakers achieve their potential.  

Kate Banerjee, Jones Myers Partner and Head of the Children’s Department, said: “Our Harrogate team loved wrapping the presents designed for children aged three to nine – it Is always a pleasure to support Henshaws’ wide-ranging initiatives and to know that we are helping to make a difference.

“The charity’s commitment and support for its service users, including those with profound and multiple learning and physical difficulties, is truly inspirational. “

The Christmas Fair, a fun-packed, family event, features stalls showcasing Artmakers handmade gifts. Activities and highlights include Christmas cookie decorating, wreath-making workshop, festive food and drink – and a special visit from Santa and Mrs Claus who will distribute the presents.

Flora Simpson, Henshaws Senior Philanthropy Manager, said: “We are extremely appreciative of the valuable support from Jones Myers and our fellow business partners. As a charity, Henshaws relies heavily on fundraising donations and gifts-in kind to help us achieve our ambitious goals. We welcome everyone to join us this Saturday and immerse themselves in the seasonal spirit! ”

In recent years Jones Myers initiatives to help Henshaws service users achieve a fulfilling life have included a Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge, supporting Christmas Fairs, and fundraising for  Henshaws Beer Festival.

For more information about Henshaws Christmas Fair which takes place on Saturday, November 29, between midday and 5pm, visit this link Twitter @Henshaws Facebook/Henshaws.

Jones Myers, which has headquarters in Leeds and offices in York city centre and Harrogate town centre, has retained its top tier ranking in esteemed legal guides for over three decades.   

For information on any aspect of family law, call Leeds 0113 246 0055, Harrogate 01423 276104, or York 01904 202550. Visit www.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet us @helpwithdivorce

Jones Myers blog is ranked fourth among the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2025.

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Enormous congratulations to Jones Myers’ committed Paralegal, Lauren Warford, who has qualified as a family law solicitor.  

Lauren is a valued member of the practice’s internationally renowned Children’s Team whose extensive expertise across private and public children law jointly combines over 16 decades.

The department’s specialisms cover matters relating to jurisdiction, private residence and contact disputes along with care proceedings. Family lawyers are also highly skilled in child abduction, adoption, special guardianship, protection, relocation, educational matters, and domestic abuse.

Lauren, who took her master’s degree at the University of Law in Leeds, has worked with Jones Myers since 2018 and was attracted to the firm’s ethos and values.

Said Lauren: “I was impressed by the practice’s commitment to always deliver the best possible  solutions for clients, and by how Jones Myers always puts children’s best interests first.   

“The team have been outstanding in supporting, mentoring, and encouraging me and it has been incredible learning from, and working with, family law specialists who are leaders in their field. I can’t thank them enough.” 

Lauren achieved her Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) which assesses legal knowledge, professional conduct, ethics, and practical skills and is now looking forward to the next stage of her career and managing her own cases.

Jones Myers Partner, Kate Banerjee, who leads the Children’s Department, said: “Lauren is a valued member of our team and we wish her continued success. Her dedication and hard work, which included studying alongside her busy paralegal work,  makes her promotion extremely well deserved.”

Jones Myers, which has headquarters in Leeds and offices in Harrogate and York, was launched in 1992 as one of the first family law firms of its kind in the North of England.

Highly commended for its outstanding client care in the 2025 Modern Law Private Client Awards, the firm has retained its top tier ranking in legal guides for over three decades. 

The practice is also a finalist in the Family Law Firm of the Year Regional category – which covers the North of England – in this year’s Lexis Nexis Family Law Awards.

Judges shortlisted the firm on factors including the firm’s outstanding level of client care, teamwork and the training and career progression of employees. The winners will be announced next month.

For queries on children law or other family law issues, call Leeds 0113 246 0055, Harrogate 01423 276104, York on 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.

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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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Another new appointment for Jones Myers Harrogate office

The Harrogate town centre office of niche family law firm, Jones Myers, is marking further expansion with the appointment of Paralegal, Ross Arthur.   

Ross is a member of Jones Myers’ award-winning Children’s Department which is renowned regionally, nationally, and internationally – and covers every area of public and private children’s law.

Attracted to Jones Myers’ powerful reputation for both legal excellence and compassionate client care, Ross appreciates how the firm balances professionalism with a personal approach.

Says Ross: “The opportunity to learn from experienced practitioners, work on wide-ranging cases, and be part of a supportive team environment really stood out to me.  

“Working with, and learning from, family law specialists on wide-ranging cases, I am enjoying liaising with clients and being part of a supportive team who helps them to achieve the best bespoke solutions for their individual situations.”

Jones Myers Partner Kate Banerjee, who heads the Children’s Department, says: “We warmly welcome Ross to the team and wish him a long and successful career in family law. He is a very committed team member whose values are aligned with our firm’s ethos to consistently deliver excellence in family law.” 

Jones Myers’ extensive expertise in family law has been further enhanced with the appointment of  Sarah Barr-Young who heads 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.

Doubling the size of its York city centre team with a series of new appointments, in July this year Jones Myers received a Highly Commended accolade for Outstanding Client Care at The Modern Law Private Client Awards 2025.  

In the Outstanding Client Care category for family law firms with over 26 employees, judges acknowledged how the firm innovates to improve and maintain client care, embraces digital technologies – and meets customer expectations.

With headquarters in Leeds, Jones Myers, 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.

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.

Pictured left to right: Ross Arthur, Sarah Barr-Young, Anthony Parrish, Elizabeth Bell, Emma Weatherill and Kate Banerjee.  

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Helping our valued teams to achieve their potential and be the best that they can be is a deep rooted commitment of our niche family law firm.

For the last four years we have been delighted to support fellow businesses who value and develop their employees through our involvement in The Stray Ferret Business Awards.

Jones Myers sponsored the Best Employer category which acknowledges outstanding employers who embrace a culture of high performance, hold company values in high regard – and have systems place to inspire their workforce to do their best.

Enormous congratulations to the finalists CLOUD NINE, NEON Wellbeing, SMR Architects, VIDA Healthcare – who were highly recommended – and Visiting Angels.

This year’s Best Employer winner is global hair and beauty brand CLOUD NINE which promotes sustainability and whose Harrogate office is located at Hornbeam Park. The company has previously been ranked among the Sunday Times ‘Best Places to Work.’

Kate Banerjee, Jones Myers Partner who heads our esteemed Children’s Department, said: “As an established employer in the Harrogate District, we compliment the impressive finalists and the winner, CLOUD NINE.

“The ethos of these companies chimes with how our firm constantly strives to develop our valued teams and support the next generation through wide-ranging initiatives. The winners’ accolades are well deserved across all the awards business categories.”

Jones Myers’ long-standing reputation for excellence sees us attract the best lawyers in our field who share our commitment to consistently deliver outstanding client care.

Recently awarded a top ranking among UK law practices delivering family law services, our exceptional client delivery is reflected in us winning the ‘Outstanding Client Care’ category of the latest nationwide Modern Law Private Client Awards.

With headquarters in Leeds and offices in Harrogate and York, Jones Myers has achieved top tier ratings in key legal guides for three decades.

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 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 2025.

Pictured are Jones Myers Partner, Kate Banerjee, (far right) with CLOUD NINE employees.

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Our outstanding reputation has been further consolidated in our top tier ranking in the Legal 500 2025 guide for our ‘perfect blend of vast experience and strength in depth’.

Based on client interviews and recommendations, the guide applauds our ‘First class reputation for private client money and children work.

‘It is one of the ‘go to firms’ in the North East because of its excellent teams of lawyers who offer a high level of expertise in family law. Its client care is first rate and court preparation stands out.’

We are complimented on the ‘intellectually rigorous approach’ of our divorce and financial remedies team, and forthe firm’s ‘strength in depth and for the commitment to its clients of the team as a whole.’  Lawyers singled out are:

Richard Peaker – Legal 500 Leading Partner

…undoubtedly one of the leading matrimonial finance lawyers in the North – a consummate lawyer with a wealth of experience, an intellectually rigorous approach and a highly professional manner, which in combination inspire tremendous confidence in his clients.

Kate Banerjee – Legal 500 Leading Partner

Providing advice of ‘the highest calibre’ as head of Jones Myers 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. She is caring and sensitive but firm in her advice when needed.

Partner Anthony Parrish –  Legal 500 Next Generation Partner

Legal 500 says Anthony ‘excels in child abduction matters’.

Partner Nicki Mitchell – Head of Jones Myers York office

Nicki Mitchell has established a strong niche family law presence in York with an enviable reputation for specialist and tailored family law services. The firm is strong on dispute resolution offering mediation and collaborative services. It is always a pleasure to work with Jones Myers as they can be trusted to take a constructive and conciliatory approach.

Partner Elizabeth Bell

Elizabth Bell is a highly experienced matrimonial finance lawyer who works extremely hard to get the best results for her clients. She is easy to work with, prepares a case immaculately …her client handling skills are admirable.

Partner and In House Counsel Andrew Fox

Andrew has ‘vast experience’ and is ‘an expert in Trusts and complex financial structures’.

Senior Legal Advisor Anna Bell (née Sutcliffe)

Anna Sutcliffe is a very experienced family law specialist. She works very hard for her clients but at the same time takes a fair and constructive approach.   

Maintaining our ‘best in class’ standing for almost three decades, we remain the only Top Tier family law practice in Legal 500’s Yorkshire region rankings with a York office.

Said Managing Partner, Richard Peaker: “Our standing as leaders in our field whose extensive experience consistently delivers top class client care is reenforced in our ongoing top rankings. All credit and 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 among the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2024.

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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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Family law specialists at niche family law firm Jones Myers are featured in the latest edition of The Best Lawyers in the United Kingdom™.

Managing Partner, Richard Peaker, head of the firm’s esteemed Financial Remedies Department and Partner, Kate Banerjee, who leads the globally renowned Children’s Department, are once more included following peer nominations.       

With a global presence in seventy-five countries, Best Lawyers recognises the professional excellence and accomplishments of those in the legal profession based on unbiased legal referrals from their peers.

Said Richard Peaker: “Thank you to our peers for again nominating us for inclusion in the 13^th edition of The Best Lawyers in the United Kingdom™.

“Delivering excellence to our valued clients is the bedrock upon which our firm was founded over thirty years ago and we are proud and delighted to be named as the UK’s best family law experts. This high-profile acknowledgement is attributable to the talent and dedication of our specialist teams of family lawyers.”  

The accolade comes just weeks before The Modern Law Private Client Awards where Jones Myers is a finalist in the Outstanding Client Care category.

The awards – which champion and celebrate firms working in the private client industry – selected practices who put clients at the heart of their firms and who innovate to improve and maintain client care.  Winners will be announced on Thursday, 4^th July 2024 at The Rum Warehouse in Liverpool.

Attracting the best lawyers in its field, Jones Myers has achieved top tier rankings in respected legal guides for almost three decades.

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

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We’re celebrating being Best in Class!

We have done it again – retained our Top Tier ranking in the 2024 edition of Legal 500.  

Based on client interviews and testimonials, the guide acknowledges and re-enforces our extensive expertise and outstanding client care:

’The Jones Myers Partnership goes from strength to strength with its brand of smooth professionalism supporting a caring, empathetic attitude to all its client base.

‘The opening of recent branch offices around North Yorkshire ensures that their dedicated brand of family legal advice is available to more of the general public.’

Staying in the top spot for almost three decades, we are still the only family law practice with a York office.  

Managing Partner, Richard Peaker, who heads our Financial Remedies team is a Legal 500 Leading Individual who is ‘Very highly regarded locally. A calm and effective opponent.’

Partner Kate Banerjee, also a Leading Individual, has: ‘knowledge second to none, having been practising in this area for around 30 years. Her sensitive but firm approach is invaluable when dealing with the issues that she does, recognising the importance of family life.’

Jones Myers Children’s Team, headed by Kate, is singled out for its ‘breadth and depth of knowledge unrivalled in their area’. Partner Anthony Parrish, a Next Generation Partner, is mentioned for his particular strength regarding child abduction.

Partner Nicki Mitchell who heads the Financial Remedies team at our York office is described as ‘exceptional’ as well as ‘dedicated, fair, and a very safe pair of hands for complex disputes. Always has an impressive grasp of the detail.’

Here’s what our clients say:

‘Good knowledge of the law in our specific area of practice. Clear jargon free advice and explanations. Experienced and enthusiastic practitioners.’

‘Jones Myers are a friendly, approachable team who are professional while remaining personable. They have a number of very experienced practitioners in private and public family law, who always strive to get the best outcome for their clients.’

‘Laura Walsh is approachable and child focused, always remaining on top of each case to avoid drift. I am instructed by Laura Walsh on a number of matters, and she is supportive and always available to discuss the case, we work in a collaborative way to ensure the best outcome for the client.’

Said Richard Peaker: “Our track record for delivering excellence and attracting the best family lawyers in our field is reflected and acknowledged in our year-on-year Top Tier rankings. 

“We attribute our ongoing success to our talented and committed teams across the region. Enormous thanks to them for their invaluable contribution and to our valued clients for their powerful endorsement.”

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

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

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