We are delighted to share the news that Jones Myers Trainee Solicitor, Harriet Holmes, has been promoted to a Family Law Solicitor after qualifying with flying colours.

Celebrating our team’s success is important to our niche family law firm – and Harriet’s milestone was marked with afternoon tea and cake at our spacious York premises at The Quadrant, Bootham Row.

Harriet, who will focus on key areas in relationship breakdown including financial settlements and advising parents on disputes around child arrangements post separation, said: “It’s brilliant that my hard work has paid off. My colleagues have been incredibly supportive, both personally and professionally since I started as a Trainee in February this year.

“I feel I have been part of our team forever and am looking forward to the new challenges that my role will bring at our multi-award-winning firm.”  

The York office is headed by Partner Nicki Mitchell – York’s first qualified collaborative family lawyer who is also a family law mediator and a child inclusive mediator.  

Nicki said: Harriet is a valued and respected team member, and her qualification is great news and well deserved.

“We are highly regarded for understanding clients’ wider needs during the process of separation and our reputation as a sector leader in York continues to go from strength to strength.”

With headquarters in Leeds and additional offices in Harrogate, Jones Myers’ specialist lawyers work with clients to understand what they need – and advise on the best way for them of getting there.

They provide much valued support, both in the sensitive way they deal with clients – and by referrals to their network of trusted professionals.

Harriet’s achievement follows a series of exciting developments which include the firm being named a finalist in the Family Law category of the highly contested 2023 Yorkshire Legal Awards.

Widely recognised as leaders in their field, Jones Myers lawyers are also included in 2023 edition of Best Lawyers in the United Kingdom  following peer recommendations.  

Achieving top rankings in legal guide rankings for over two decades, our practice is described by the latest Legal 500 Guide as “The Leading matrimonial finance firm in Yorkshire, with outstanding individuals and strength in depth”.

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 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 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 is also testament to 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 accolade coincides with Jones Myers being named a finalist in the coveted 2023 Yorkshire Legal Awards which has broken all records for the number of firms entering and the volume of submissions received.

We have been shortlisted in the Family Law category where  judges are looking for evidence including dedication to clients, cases which reflect the team’s expertise, third-party recognition – and giving back to the community.

Yorkshire Legal is hosting an awards ceremony to celebrate the successes and achievements of the Yorkshire law community on October 5^th at New Dock Hall, Leeds. ^.

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 2023.

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Niche family law firm, Jones Myers, is further fuelling its team growth with the appointment of solicitor Becky Vine.

Becky, whose specialisms extend to financial disputes, settling financial arrangements and cohabitation, joins the Financial Remedies Team of the award-winning practice.

 The expansion follows the promotion of Anthony Parrish – who has over two decades experience in family law – to partner in what has been a milestone year for the practice.   

Jones Myers Managing Partner, Richard Peaker, who heads the Financial Remedies Team, said: “Clients commend Becky for her conscientious and friendly approach along with her commitment to providing a practical, efficient and tailored approach to resolving issues.  

 “We warmly welcome Becky to our talented team and we wish her continued success in her career.”

Becky, who is a Member of family justice group Resolution and the West & North Yorkshire Young Resolution Committee, said: “Jones Myers has earned a powerful reputation as a leader in its field and I’m enjoying the opportunity to work closely with the firm’s partners and continue to expand my skills and knowledge.”

Jones Myers, which has consistently retained its top tier regional rankings in Chambers and Legal 500 for over two decades, marks its 30^th anniversary in November 2022.  

Continuing to attract the best family lawyers in its field, 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. 

In November 2021, the firm retained its esteemed Family Law Firm of the Year title in the Family Law awards for consistently delivering excellence in family law. At the same time, Jones Myers founder, Peter Jones, also received a prestigious honour for his outstanding contribution to family law.

The practice, which has offices in Leeds, York and Harrogate, continues to receive growing recognition for its extensive expertise in alternative dispute resolution processes. They span Mediation, Collaborative Law and Arbitration   which avoid a lengthy court process and can lead much more quickly and cost effectively to a successful 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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Our niche family law firm has again punched above our weight in the latest Legal 500 rankings which applauds Jones Myers as “the county’s premier niche practice law firm”.

We are the only family law practice with a York office in the 2022 top tier Yorkshire firms in the esteemed 2022 guide which covers Leeds, West Yorkshire, and North Yorkshire.    

Praising our strong teamwork across all aspects of family law, Legal 500 highlights how Jones Myers offers realistic and achievable goals and competitive fees.

It also outlines how we adapted to the challenges presented during the pandemic, “offering face to face activity within the social distancing rules but also adapting technology to ensure a superb quality of service”.

Described as the leading specialist firm in Leeds in financial remedy, our Department is headed by Director and Partner, Richard Peaker, who is named as a Leading Individual along with Partner Kate Banerjee who leads our internationally acclaimed Children’s Department.

Kate is praised as a “Rolls-Royce among practitioners” and “a first-class operator” who is “technically superb with an instant knowledge of the law. You feel she is always fighting the client’s corner, but she also delivers pragmatic, accurate advice in managing expectations.”

Partner Nicki Mitchell  a mediator and collaborative family lawyer who heads our York office, is named as a key member who is known throughout York for her specialism in matrimonial finance and for offering top rate advice, support and value.

The guide describes Nicki as “a collaborative lawyer who has a genuine interest in helping clients and is excellent in her communication skills and has a natural empathy towards clients who are experiencing an often difficult and contentious period in their lives.”

Another named key member is Senior Solicitor Anthony Parrish from our Children’s Department who is “well organised and totally on top of the facts in a case and who deals with his key clients and other professionals in a case with absolute courtesy.”

Highlighting how our clients include senior members of the medical profession, partners in legal practices and small and medium sized enterprises, the publication also stresses our strong track record in the farming sector and in dealing with onshore and offshore trusts.

Says Nicki Mitchell: “We are extremely proud with this recognition as a premier niche family law practice which rose to the pandemic challenges to continue delivering an outstanding service to our clients. The ranking also reflects our team’s extensive expertise across all areas of family law.”

Retaining our joint Tier 1 position in the guide for over two decades, Jones Myers was founded by leading divorce lawyer Peter Jones and celebrates its 30^th anniversary in 2022. 

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 has scooped a high-profile Family Law Firm of the Year North award and been applauded as a ‘Northern powerhouse’.

Celebrating excellence in family law, organisers of the Lexis Nexis awards stress that competition was fierce and it was a major achievement for family law firms to be shortlisted – let alone win.

The awards took the form of a virtual event attended by representatives from family practices, barristers’ chambers and sponsors across the country.

Peter Jones, who founded Jones Myers as the first family law firm of its kind in Leeds in 1992, said: “We are tremendously proud to be selected for this esteemed accolade which reflects our relentless commitment to achieving the best solutions for our clients.

“Jones Myers has a strong reputation for attracting the best lawyers in its field and this award is testimony to the dedication and extensive expertise of our family law specialists.”  

The only law practice in Yorkshire to be shortlisted in the North category, Jones Myers has consistently retained its top tier regional rankings in Chambers and Legal 500 for over two decades.

The firm’s specialists include an in-house counsel, mediators, collaborative law experts, an  arbitrator, the current national chair of Resolution’s Specialist Accreditation Committee, a former national chair of Resolution – and an ex Deputy District Judge. 

Added Jones Myers Director and Partner, Richard Peaker: “We are honoured to receive the award and would also like to thank our ever growing client base and referrers for their support and role in this achievement. Well done to all the finalists and winners.”    

Jones Myers attracted particular praise from the judges for its extensive expertise in alternative dispute resolution processes – Mediation, Collaborative Law and Arbitration –  which avoid a lengthy court process and can lead much more quickly and cost effectively to a successful resolution.  

During the lockdown and increased restrictions, the firm’s offices in Leeds, Harrogate and York will remain open throughout the challenging days, weeks and months ahead.      

Family law specialists will continue to offer urgent advice and support to those who most need it. This includes face-to-face meetings (in line with government guidance) – in circumstances that cannot be dealt with remotely, while ensuring effective social distancing protocols.

With courts only open for urgent cases, the practice will carry on conducting court hearings and confidential consultations remotely so clients’ cases can be heard and processed effectively and in a timely manner.

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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The stress and trauma of divorce and relationship break ups have been further exacerbated during the prolonged Pandemic where a myriad of job losses are also heightening financial concerns. 

The surge in divorce looks set to continue during the second lockdown where stringent measures in some areas could remain in place for six months.   

Finding the right family lawyer who can advise and support you has understandably taken on an unprecedented importance.

Below are some key criteria to help you choose:

Credentials 

As a niche family law firm, we always recommend working with a lawyer who is a member of Resolution – a body of family lawyers and fellow professionals who follow a code of practice and are committed to dealing with relationship breakdown issues in a constructive and non-confrontational manner.  

Jones Myers founder Peter Jones, a former National chairman of Resolution and Deputy District Judge, chairs Resolution’s specialist accreditation committee.

Peer and Client Recommendations    

The only family law practice in Leeds with our own specialist in-house counsel, we have retained our joint top tier ranging in the Legal 500 and Chambers guides for over two decades. 

Jones Myers is also a finalist in the prestigious Family Law Awards for the outstanding quality of service we deliver to our clients.    

Accessibility and Technological Capability  

Our robust contingency planning and secure technological capability during the pandemic has seen more of our clients referring their family, friends and contacts from much further afield than our immediate geographical area.

Clients within and outside the UK can easily access our specialist services and are reassured by how well we communicate remotely with them – because they know their cases are being progressed effectively.       

Alternative Dispute Resolution  

With the Pandemic contributing to significant hold ups in court proceedingsand delays in arranging dates for hearings, our specialists are assisting even more clients through processes which avoid going to court and resolving the problems much quicker avoiding the delays.

Mediation – 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 also limits the emotional damage which follows an acrimonious battle. In the current climate, online mediation can be available.

Collaborative Law – where 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 couples to come to an agreement calmly and in their own time. It can be of particular benefit in higher value or complex children situations.

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 different Judges being involved in the proceedings.

We are also adept at assisting clients if a court hearing is inevitable.

Our capability, expertise and commitment ensure we will continue to provide ongoing urgent legal advice and support though the challenging weeks and months ahead to those who most need it.   

For all 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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A guide that ranks the UK’s top family law firms has acknowledged Jones Myers’ reputation for excellence for the second year running. Jones Myers is the only family law practice in Yorkshire to feature in Tier 2 of the eprivate Top Family Law Firms guide which recognises and promotes best practice in the sector.

Just 52 family law firms – the majority of which are based in London – feature in the publication which is renowned as the definitive guide featuring leading providers of advice in key areas such as divorce, pre and post nups and child protection. The prominent listing, which is determined after a comprehensive survey of the firm’s expertise, follows Jones Myers recent expansion to York with the opening of an office in St Martin’s Lane and a three strong team whose combined experience in family law exceeds six decades. Heading the team is partner Nicki Mitchell, who became the first collaborative family lawyer in York in 2005. Nicki specialises in the financial aspects of relationship breakdown and particularly complex cases involving family businesses, multiple properties – and complicated pension arrangements. Associate solicitor Samantha Gunnell, also a collaborative family lawyer, has a strong track record in matters including financial settlements, cohabitation and pre and post nuptial agreements. Lynne Richards, an experienced legal assistant, supports the team. Jones Myers has also expanded its Harrogate office this year with the appointment of senior family law solicitor Rachel Baul whose extensive expertise includes 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 is also adept in cases involving farming and agricultural assets in marriage and relationship breakdown. Consistently retaining top tier regional rankings in Chambers and Legal 500, Jones Myers has been acknowledged as an outstanding niche family law practice for over two decades. Founder Peter Jones said: “2019 is a formative year in the firm’s expansion and we’re delighted to be recognised among the UK’s best family law firms for the second successive year. Our reputation attracts lawyers who are leaders in their field and who share our values.” For queries on family law and children related issues, call our Leeds office on 0113 246 0055, our Harrogate office on 01423 276104 or our York office on 01904 202550. Visit jm2023.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet us @helpwithdivorce

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We are delighted to have retained our Tier 1 ranking in the Chambers 2018 Guide for Leeds, Bradford and surrounding areas – where we have more leading experts in family law listed than any other firm of our kind.

The UK Guide, Chambers 2018 describes our practice as, “A very strong firm – not just in finance but also in children cases.” It adds, “Expertise in dealing with financial remedy nuptial cases adds depth to their practice.”

Four of our solicitors retain their listings as Leading Individuals – director Richard Peaker, founder Peter Jones, head of the children department Kate Banerjee and collaborative law guru, Norman Taylor.

What the Guide says about our top team:

Kate Banerjee

Kate is described as “Experienced in complex children cases, including contact and residence issues and often acts for parents, guardians and local authorities.”

Richard Peaker

Richard is hailed as “One of the leading solicitors in his field” and “Is well versed in matrimonial finance work and especially skilled at handling issues with regards to company, shareholding and extensive family wealth.”

Peter Jones

Peter is celebrated as “A veteran in the family law sphere”, with “A great deal of experience in complicated family issues arising from divorce and separations.”

Norman Taylor

Norman is described as “Very prominent in collaborative work and meditation. He specialises in medium to high net worth family finance work.”

The powerful plaudits come hot on the heels of the 2017 Legal 500 guide endorsing Jones Myers’ standing as a leader in the field of family law by once again awarding our niche practice a joint Top Tier position for Leeds, West Yorkshire and North Yorkshire.

The highly respected industry guide described us as ‘A family practice that is one of the best in the area’ and attracts praise for our ‘sensible, expert, conciliatory advice that does what it says on the tin’.

Jones Myers founder, Peter Jones, said: “This latest ranking acknowledges the wealth of experience of our team which includes in house counsel, mediators, an arbitrator, a former Deputy District Judge, advocates with higher rights of audience, advanced financial provision specialists – along with Resolution Accreditation national committee members.”

Our firm, whose lawyers boast a combined 250 years’ of legal experience, has marked another formative year. This has seen us establishing a new office in Harrogate and a series of expansions to our children department.

For more information about any aspect of family law, 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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