Jones Myers partner and in-house barrister, Andrew Fox, was invited to take part in Family Law’s ‘A Day in the Life of’, feature which we’ve recreated in full below.

A collaboratively trained lawyer, Andrew has an impressive record dealing with complex children cases and in dealing with matrimonial finance matters where there are extensive assets.

Skilled in dealing with business valuations, Andrew’s knowledge of trust related matters and off shore structures is extensive having practised in Jersey for some years. Here’s a flavour of his background and role.

1 What is your position and what do you do on a day-to-day basis?

As in house Barrister at niche Family Law firm Jones Myers, I deal with all aspects of family law. This ranges from matrimonial finance cases involving complex trust structures to child relocation cases.

2 How long have you been in this role and what brought you here?

I’ve been a Barrister for almost three decades. I initially set out to be a Doctor and studied science ‘A’ levels but mathematics was not my forte. I immediately swapped to arts ‘A’ level subjects and had to consider another career. Law seemed an obvious choice and my mother said it would suit me because I was both dramatic and argumentative! After studying at the University of Buckingham and the Inns of Court School of Law, the rest, as they say, is history!

3 Any memorable stories from your career so far?

Yes, which include arguing about ownership of a family dog, to who should have the cooker. Needless to say the court gave the parties short shrift in both cases!

4 What is the best and worst part of the day for you?

Walking to work on the beach when I was based in Jersey was an uplifting start to the day. My worst bugbear is the daily commute on packed and stuffy trains.

5 What keeps you motivated?

Developing a strategy with a client and implementing it to achieve a good outcome for them along with the cut and thrust of advocacy in the courtroom.

6 Tea or coffee?

Double espresso – I kick start the day with caffeine, and am still consuming it late into the night.

7 What would you say to anyone thinking of a career in your field?

Don’t feel under pressure to take a law degree first as there are so many fascinating subjects that will also equip you with the skills to become a lawyer.

Law is truly a vocation which requires pouring your heart and soul into it along with being empathetic and an attentive listener. Being there for your clients is also a prerequisite. I once stopped halfway down a ski slope in Canada to take a client’s call because I knew how important it was to them.

8 What song do you listen to the most?

Turning Japanese by the Vapors, it’s upbeat and energetic – and now I’ve given my age away!

9 Who inspires you within the world of family law?

This is a difficult question to answer as there are quite a few. My initial decision to become a Barrister was inspired by the late Richard du Cann QC. At University a lecturer recommended that I read his book: ‘The Art of the Advocate.’ Having read it my mind was made up. My subsequent decision to go into family law was down to the kind and sage advice of a Barrister in the nascent stages of my career who now sits as a Designated Family Judge.

10 How do you enjoy your time outside of work?

I enjoy watching my daughter play netball on Saturdays in a local club and in her school team. I also find going out for meals with family or friends, without a mobile phone, to be one of the most enjoyable ways to switch off.

11 What book would you recommend to others?

Evelyn Waugh’s ‘Brideshead Revisited’ – it’s a tremendous story and well written. I must have read it a few dozen times and a copy always accompanies me on holiday.

12 What would be your alternate career?

Despite being one of the most dangerous professions in the world, I’d be a tree surgeon. There’s something magical about trees and forests and working in the great outdoors.

13 If you could change one thing about the family justice system what would it be and why?

I’d overturn the decision to scrap Legal Aid for a wide range of family matters. Its damaging effect was to abandon thousands of parents and children, often the most vulnerable, in a legal wilderness. Deprived of the means to pay for specialist legal advice, it has resulted in a substantial and sustained increase in litigants in person which are straining our already overstretched family court system.

Contact us on family law matters – call 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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By Peter Jones, founder

The debate over whether pre-nups in England & Wales hold their weight in court has resurfaced following the case of the bankrupt hotel porter who was awarded a £1.3 million divorce payout from his wealthy wife.

A judge ruled that a pre-nup agreement signed by Anil Ipekci two weeks before marrying Morgan McConnell, the great-granddaughter of Avon cosmetics founder David McConnell, was unfair and would leave him penniless.

As a result Mr Ipekci – a bankrupt when he met his ex wife – has received the £1.3 million windfall to buy a house and pay off his credit card, bank debts and unpaid legal fees.It is important to stress that this scenario is highly unusual. Although still not legally binding in England and Wales, in the majority of cases pre-nups are widely accepted as the sensible way for couples to avoid the potential distress, acrimony and expense associated with resolving financial matters, should their relationship end.

Their increasing popularity reflects how couples view their open and transparent nature as a positive factor when planning their wedding.

Far from castigating the agreements as clinical and unromantic, more couples are demonstrating that while seeking to protect inherited or family money, they also want to do ‘the right thing’ by each other – and by any children.

Our niche family law specialists at Jones Myers have also experienced more clients seeking to include arrangements for their beloved pets in a pre-nup.

Situations where such contracts run into problems include when judges think they have been signed in haste and under pressure. They will want to know that the partner with the most to lose understood the agreement, was not under duress when they signed it, and took independent legal advice. Courts may ignore or vary pre-nups drawn up in haste.

We always advise that the agreement is signed at least 21 days before the wedding, making full financial disclosure and securing good legal advice.

If respected family lawyers help draw up the agreement, judges can be confident that both parties understood it fully and were not rushed into it.

For information about pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements or any aspect of family law, call us 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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News of the arrival of Meghan and Harry’s beautiful baby boy Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor – has brought happiness and joy to well wishers the world over.

Oblivious to his prestigious birthright as seventh in line to the throne, the most important factors in his first days, weeks, months and years will be waking up every day to a caring and nurturing environment with loving parents who dote on him.

Sadly not every relationship culminates in a fairy tale as many couples reach the painful decision that they are unable to live in harmony together with divorce or separation being the only option.Doing what’s best for their children is vital in such situations – irrespective of how young or old they are.

It is reported that babies as young as three months can be affected by negative vibes and parents who argue in front of their infant can cause them lasting damage. .

As a firm which encourages clients to always put their children’s best interests first we recommend that parents who split up have a Parenting Plan in place.

Separation and divorce disrupt daily patterns and a Parenting Plan can help ensure a degree of stability and continuity in a shared commitment to children’s wellbeing – without having to go to court.

The written plan helps estranged couples to work out practical decisions in areas including communication, living arrangements, money, religion, education and emotional well-being. Providing a valuable reference point, it helps everyone involved to know what is expected of them.

In cases where parents need to go to court because they are unable to agree on certain issues, a judge will expect them to have started a Parenting Plan.

Resolution, which promotes a non-confrontational approach to family problems, provides a downloadable progress summary plan for parents.

Helping them to record their plan and inform the family court judge what they have agreed and not agreed, it also enables parents to let the judge know areas where they need more help.

When children’s futures are at stake, we recommend choosing a family lawyer like  – a member of Resolution – when seeking legal advice,

Our dedicated and highly experienced Children Department balance children’s and parents needs in wide-ranging issues. Working closely with our clients, we devise the most suitable arrangements for children both now and in the formative years ahead.

For queries on children and divorce related issues, call 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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By Peter Jones, founder

I was delighted but not surprised to read that grandparents believe their well-being and mental health is boosted after spending time with their grandchildren.

A study commissioned by Parkdean Resorts in conjunction with biogerontologist Dr James Brown highlights how grandparents who interact and play with their grandchildren experience improved moods, memory, physical well-being and less loneliness – all of which can be conducive to a happier and healthier life.These unique and very special relationships also bring a wealth of benefits for grandchildren – particularly in situations where their parents separate or divorce.

As a niche family law firm we acknowledge and applaud the formative role that nanas and granddads play in their grandchildren’s lives as carers and role models.

The pressures of parents juggling work and family life see grandparents taking on increased responsibilities in childcare, babysitting and coming to the rescue if children are ill.

Their relationships with their grandchildren are usually more relaxed. They are nurtured and developed in an environment where youngsters can have ‘down time’ away from the stress of their parents relationship problems.

If situations escalate – leading to mums and dads separating or divorcing – grandparents’ homes represent an oasis and bedrock of stability where they can open up about their feelings.
Providing a vital sense of normality, grandparents go a long way to keep grandchildren’s daily routines, particularly in the early days of divorce, as well as supporting their own children practically and emotionally.

It is important that they remain in close contact with their son/daughter and with their ex-daughter-in-law/son-in-law to ensure the children’s interests always come first.

While grandparents will understandably want to give their grandchildren time and space to share their emotions about their parent’s break up, they are advised to avoid criticising the parents.
In spite of the complexities and practicalities over visiting and planning which arise from divorce and separation, we always recommend that grandparents remain focused on their special relationship with their grandchildren.

This includes reassuring them how their parents break up is not their fault – and how much they are loved by their parents and their grandparents.

Getting this right will go a long way to help children’s stability and development in their formative years ahead.

For more information about grandchildren, divorce or family law issues, 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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This week sees the second reading of a bill which, if passed, would enable opposite sex couples to enter a civil partnership.

Since 2004 only same-sex couples in the United Kingdom could be in a civil partnership which gives them the same rights, responsibilities and entitlements as married couples in key areas.

The milestone move to extend civil partnerships to heterosexual couples has been championed after the Supreme Court ruled that current laws are discriminatory to restrict civil partnerships to gay couples and incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights.

The case centred on 37-year-old Rebecca Steinfeld and 41-year-old Charles Keidan who met in 2010, became engaged in 2013 and have two children. Saying the “legacy of marriage”, which they believed treated women as property for centuries, was not for them, the duo became embroiled in a long legal battle for a civil partnership which they felt would best suit their relationship and life circumstances.

Civil partnerships are widely believed to give unmarried couples and their children greater security. Couples in these partnerships and married couples have the same rights regarding their children and applying for child arrangement orders and relating to financial remedies which include maintenance and property rights.

The similarities extend to protection from domestic abuse, inheritance claims and the process which must be followed to dissolve the relationship – with a decree absolute required to terminate a marriage and what is called a final dissolution order or nullity order needed to terminate a civil partnership.

However, whereas in a marriage adultery is one of the five reasons for divorce, civil partnerships cannot be dissolved due to adultery. The second main difference between civil partnerships and marriages is that civil partners cannot regard, or allude to themselves as being ‘married’.

If it passes its second reading this week, the bill paving the way forward for heterosexual couples to enter into civil partnerships has to progress through more stages before receiving Royal Assent to becomes law.

With over 3.3 million cohabitating couples in Britain, many of whom have children, the outcome for those seeking an alternative way to cement their relationship and commitment will no doubt be eagerly awaited. However, no matter what drawbacks there may be, a civil partnership offers a good deal of security and is better than the “no man’s or no woman’s land of cohabitation when there may be no rights at all.

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

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We’re delighted to share the news that Jones Myers has been ranked among the UK’s leading top family law firms in a prestigious guide which recognises and promotes best practice in the sector.

The eprivate client Top Family Law Firms guide is acknowledged as the definitive publication featuring leading providers of advice in key areas such as divorce, pre and post nups and child protection.   

The prominent listing, which follows a comprehensive survey of our firm’s expertise, reinforces our standing as an outstanding practice.

It also complements our recent double milestone as we retain our joint number 1 rankings in Chambers and The Legal 500 UK guides for over two decades.

Our family law practice which has offices in Leeds, Harrogate and North London is made up of three departments. The first is our Financial Remedies department which is regularly instructed in multi- jurisdictional proceedings and cases involving complex corporate and trust structures.

Our internationally renowned Children Team deals with wide-ranging issues including adoption, child abduction, child arrangements, care proceedings, internal and external relocation, change of name and education and Court of Protection work.

Our respected Contentious Trusts and Estates Department specialises in high value and complex claims.

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

Peter said: “The practice was set up on the ethos of delivering an exceptional service and support to clients in a complex and emotionally charged area of law.

“It’s tremendous that we’ve been recognised among the UK’s best family law firms. Our reputation attracts lawyers who are leaders in their field and who share our values.”

For more information about finances, children, divorce or any family law issues, 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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Cakes, candles and celebrations are hopefully on the cards for many families looking forward to making Grandparents Day very special this Sunday.

The annual day is designed to acknowledge and thank nanas and granddads for the formative role they play in their grandchildren’s lives as carers and role models.Modern day demands with parents juggling work and home life see grandparents relied on more than ever to take on responsibilities including childcare, babysitting and caring for grandchildren when they are ill. They also frequently accompany families on holidays.

The dynamics of family’s relationships change when children are born and it’s important that grandparents are not taken for granted.

In our experience their role takes on an even greater importance during divorce when their homes can become a stable haven away from the stresses and strains of their parents’ separation.

Providing a sense of normality, grandparents sustain grandchildren’s daily routines, particularly in the early days of divorce, and support their own children practically and emotionally. .

Sadly many lose contact with their grandchildren following their children’s divorce. As they do not have legal rights to custody or visitation or custody, many are forced to apply for “leave” or permission from the Family Court to see their grandchildren.

Jones Myers is supporting a campaign that would change the current law and give children a right to a close relationship with extended family members such as grandparents, aunts and uncles.

If successful, grandparents would no longer have to make a “leave”/permission application which can be protracted, stressful and financially prohibitive.

In the meantime, we hope that grandparents everywhere enjoy a happy and loving Grandparents Day which provides long-lasting memories for all the family.

For more information about grandchildren, divorce or family law issues, 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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By Norman Taylor, collaborative family lawyer

The prospect of divorce can be overwhelming, exhausting and frightening.

In our experience, most couples who’ve decided there is no going back, want to avoid a costly and stressful courtroom battle over the division of their assets and ensure the best interests of their children.

Even though their relationship as husband and wife has ended, their futures will be inextricably linked with planning and sharing their children’s development and well-being.Their ideal outcome is a dignified divorce. There is a process to achieve this, but many people are unaware of it.

If you are in this situation and answer yes to the questions below, this could be the best way forward for you.

1. Are you looking for a divorce process which is fair for you, your ex and your children?
2. Is it important that this option enables you and your ex to remain on good terms and communicate regularly?
3. Do you want your ideal way forward to factor in the ‘human element’ in face-to-face discussions that is often missed or misinterpreted in written communications?
4. Is it important that the process addresses issues with dignity and in a safe and secure environment?
5. Is it vital that this path helps you all as a family to accept the past and be positive about the future?
6. Is it important for you to remain in control of your individual destinies, making choices you both want as opposed to having decisions imposed by third parties who do not know you?

The process we are referring to is called Collaborative Family Practice. Putting you in control, it enables you and your soon to be ex to work together with your respective lawyers to reach the right agreements for the whole family.

You and your former partner/spouse each instruct a collaboratively trained lawyer and agree in writing, to work together to resolve the issues surrounding your separation without going to court.   Through a series of four way meetings with you and your lawyers, which move at the pace you jointly set, you discuss the needs and interests of everyone directly involved and reach agreements.

The collaborative way forward is generally faster, more cost effective and less acrimonious to reach a resolution than through court proceedings.    Although not appropriate for everyone, it could be right for you if you are committed to resolve things in a dignified and constructive way that are in your children’s best interests – and which pave the way for good relations with your partner in the future.

Jones Myers is supporting Collaborative Family Law Week (#CFLWeek) across 1-5 October

For information about collaborative family law or any aspect of family or children law, call 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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When the fun and flurry of preparations for students starting university or college has finished, life’s next chapter also begins for their parents.

For many ‘empty nesters’, this milestone marks the beginning of their lives without children in the house. It can also bring to the surface long suppressed irritations and tensions that have bubbled under the surface, but whose impact may have been lessened by the demands of children and busy lives.Two decades of hectic work and child care schedules can result in parents losing touch with each other and becoming different people to the couple who tied the knot.

In today’s climate of longer life expectancies and greater financial independence, the empty nest syndrome is a key factor to wives and husbands splitting up rather than spending the next three two or even decades together.

Before becoming another ‘grey divorce’ and empty nester statistic, consider the following steps:

Express your feelings

Communicating honestly and openly and sharing and expressing your feelings and concerns is vital. Long-standing relationships deserve time, careful consideration and discussion. Go for a long walk in the country or to the seaside: it is the ideal setting for an exploratory conversation or to clear the air, as it is very difficult to go any distance without talking.

Reconnect

Being free of parenting responsibilities can be a great opportunity for couples to take up new interests or return to fun hobbies they enjoyed in their pre-children days. Having more time to focus on each other will rekindle rapport and affection. Marriage is a partnership – go back to being on the same team.

 Create a life plan

People running or involved in business would not dream of operating without a plan. Preparing your future together also requires a well thought through plan which includes finances and key goals and aspirations such as moving house, hobbies and holidays. This focus is key to help you maximize your pre-retirement and retirement years and devising it before the children move away will help the transition.

Keep communicating

There is no substitute for ongoing dialogue and communication. If your marriage is in a rut – get out of it. Set up a weekly ‘date night’ and share and discuss your exciting plans for your golden years and adventures.

Until you are actually without somebody you have shared most of your life with, you cannot know how much you will miss them. If your marriage is worth saving you will find solutions to your problems.

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

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Jones Myers is hosting an informal presentation at our Harrogate office which will give insights into family relationships and key areas involving relationship breakdowns.

The lunch time event on July 24th from 12.30pm-1.10pm at Windsor House, Cornwall Road will highlight what legal entitlements, if any, exist for couples who live together. It will explain how cohabiting couple families, who remain the fastest growing relationship, can protect themselves with Cohabitation Agreements.

The session will also outline how couples can sort out their financial issues before tying the knot. The increasing popularity of pre-nup agreements reflects how their open and transparent nature are seen as a positive factor for couples who are planning their wedding.

The third area will focus on how those in a failed relationship can disentangle themselves form it and turn an imperfect situation into a (possible) perfect future. As a niche family law firm which adopts a holistic approach to assist the well-being of our clients, we understand how hard it is to move on despite being in a loveless, unfulfilling relationship.

Presenters are Jones Myers founder, Peter Jones, one of the country’s leading divorce lawyers and highly-experienced Jones Myers partner, Sarah Dickinson, who specialises in all aspects of divorce, separation and the financial issues of relationship breakdown.

Jones Myers’ Harrogate office is enabling us to help more clients who are undergoing relationship breakdowns and seeking assistance with issues relating to children, finances and future planning. Our services complement those we provide at our offices in Leeds and Essex.

Our clients, who hail from all walks of life, are involved in wide-ranging relationships issues and look to us to for the best possible solution for their individual situations.

For more information about the July 24^th informal presentation, contact Jaynie Batty at reception@jonesmyers.co.uk or call 0113 246 0055.

For more information about divorce, family or children 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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