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By Jones Myers Partner, Anthony Parrish

Organising school holidays can test even the most robust relationships as parents juggle work commitments with a myriad of children’s activities.

Busy schedules also have to be rejigged at short notice when the unexpected happens, such as children falling ill.

For divorced and separated parents, many of whom do not have a support network, the above can be even more challenging.

The looming Summer break, the longest in the school calendar, can bring even greater disruption to daily patterns.

The Importance of Communication, Cooperation and Compromise

In our extensive experience, effective organisation, communication and collaboration between estranged parents are vital both during and outside school terms to ensure children’s best interests always come first.

The formula below helps to ensure stability in a shared commitment to children’s wellbeing while avoiding the court route – for which there is limited public funding – to determine arrangements.

Involve Children in Plans

During all school holidays, children will want to spend as much time as possible with both parents and their wider family including grandparents, and friends.

It is the responsibility of both parents to try to achieve this and may result in one parent spending less time with their child(ren) during the break.

Children and young people need certainty and security so let them know as far in advance as possible how, and with who, their holiday will be spent. This gives them time to adjust to any new arrangements.

Keep Talking and Communicating

Set aside your differences to always put your children’s interests first. Aim to plan school holidays as much in advance as possible so you can organise logistics such as travel, playgroups and sporting activities.

Be Flexible

In cases where a court is involved, parents will be referred to a Planning Together for Children course which helps them to understand how to put their children first while undergoing separation.

The four-hour course helps parents learn the fundamental principles of how to manage conflict and difficulties. For more information, visit https://www.cafcass.gov.uk/parent-carer-or-family-member/my-family-involved-private-law-proceedings/help-planning-together-children

The Importance of Parenting Plans

Our dedicated, multi-award winning Children’s Department balances 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.

We also highly recommend that separating parents have a Parenting Plan in place. This is a written plan which helps them 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.

The actions and decisions of separating and divorced parents can play a formative role in ensuring their children’s emotional happiness and well-being though their journey to adulthood.

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 5th among the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow.

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It is also a time for making resolutions which can include changes in relationships – particularly among families and couples who have experienced a stressful and challenging festive season.  

Wide-ranging studies consistently highlight how divorce rates peak at key periods such as Christmas and summer holidays – times which can put strain on the most robust relationships.

As niche family lawyers we urge you to stop and think before rushing headlong into separation and divorce. Whilst not every relationship will last forever, it is important to take the time to think things through once the stresses of the festive period have subsided. 

Can your relationship be saved?

Why do you want a divorce? Has your relationship irretrievably broken down – and is your decision based on emotion or logic? Most importantly, do you still love your partner/spouse? If the answer is yes and you feel your marriage is worth salvaging, consider counselling.

Your Children 

It is well known that divorce can damage children’s long-term well-being. How will terminating your relationship affect your children, whose interests should always come first?

Your Finances

How would your financial situation change – and would you have sufficient income? Where would you live – and how would that work for your children’s home, school, and holiday arrangements? Gathering the necessary documentation to understand your finances can help both of you to think about how it would pan out before appointing a family lawyer.

Your Work 

Would your employer be supportive if you divorced and needed extra time off if the children were sick? If you are the spouse who is not working, would you be able to gain employment to help you financially?   

Your Support Network

If you ended your relationship, would you have a dedicated support network you could rely on to help with children’s school runs, sports activities, and holidays?

Should you decide that divorce is inevitable, we urge you to consult an experienced family lawyer who is a member of family justice group Resolution which is committed to dealing with relationship breakdown issues in a constructive and non-confrontational manner. 

Early advice will help you to understand what rights you have and provide the support you need to make the right decisions for your future and that of your children. 

Jones Myers, a long-standing member of Resolution, advises and guides our clients through the stages of divorce including alternatives to a stressful, lengthy, and expensive court divorce. Our post- divorce support includes helping them to stay on the right financial track.

For advice 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 @helpwithdivorce

Jones Myers blog is ranked 10th in the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2023.

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By Nicki Mitchell, Jones Myers Family Law Mediator and Child-Inclusive Mediator  

The backlog crisis in family courts – resulting in long waits for divorcing couples trying to sort out their finances and children’s arrangements – is being put in the spotlight this month.   

We’re wholeheartedly supporting ‘Good Divorce Week’, organised by family justice group Resolution, which runs across November 28- December 2.  The campaign highlights the different ways families can resolve their disputes away from Court – where it is safe and appropriate to do so.

As a niche family law firm, Jones Myers leads the way in seeking non-confrontational solutions, wherever possible – putting children’s best interests at the heart of a relationship breakdown.

Here are alternatives to a drawn out and stressful Court divorce:

Mediation – where separating couples discuss the most important issues with a qualified mediator like me, working constructively towards agreed arrangements for the family’s long-term interests.

With the right mediator, financially complex issues can also be resolved using the process which takes the time it needs to resolve the issues, keeping communication channels open.  Any agreement is confidential to both parties.

Child Inclusive Mediation enables children to have their voices heard. As a Child Inclusive Mediator, I meet separately with children (with consent from them and their parents), encouraging them to discuss their take on the changing family situation.

They can also ask me to feedback specific messages to their parents, often giving them valuable insights when deciding matters affecting their children.

This process enables parents to agree practical, legal, and financial solutions with their children’s best interests at heart. It also gives children a much-needed platform to express their innermost hopes and concerns for the future.

Collaborative Family Law – where a “no court” agreement is signed at the outset in a shared commitment to find an agreed resolution.

The ex-spouses appoint their own collaboratively trained lawyer and work with them to find, address, and resolve key issues. Accountants, IFAs, and other relevant experts can also attend the sessions if required.  

Arbitration – in cases where it is not possible to find an agreement, arbitration provides an alternative to a protracted and expensive court process.  Arbitration is a private court hearing where couples hire an Arbitrator (‘Private Judge’) to speed up the outcome of their financial settlement.

Like a judge, the Arbitrator hears the evidence from the couple, collects relevant facts, and bases their decision on the evidence, considering the views of both parties.

Couples have the same Arbitrator through the process – something which will rarely happen at Court where different Judges are often involved at various stages of the proceedings.

The Arbitrator makes an Award over who should have what which is final and binding. The award is not publicised by the Arbitrator and is only distributed to the parties and their legal team.

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 2022.

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Peter Jones, the founder of niche family law firm Jones Myers, is set to retire after an outstanding career spanning 42 years.

Launching the firm in Leeds as a sole practitioner specialising in marital difficulties in 1992, Peter was among the country’s first family lawyers to set up a bespoke practice in that area of law. He soon attracted fellow family lawyers who shared his ethos in resolving relationship breakdowns in a non-confrontational and constructive way. 

A founder member and former national chair of Resolution, the national association of Family Lawyers which now has over 6,500 members, Peter also chaired its Accreditation Committee which remains at the forefront of developing high academic standards and promoting excellence in family law.  

Peter is consistently named as a leading practitioner in law guides who regard him as ‘A highly regarded stalwart of the sector,’ ‘One of the most long-standing experts here,’ and a ‘veteran in the family law sphere’. 

Appointed a Deputy District Judge, Peter served in that judicial capacity for 15 years, during which time he also lectured nationally in family law. He qualified in 2012 as one of the country’s first Family Law Arbitrators.

Peter is widely acknowledged and respected and outstanding family lawyer with an unwavering commitment to improving the Family Law profession and the standards of client care.

He said: “It has been a privilege to play a part in the evolution of family law since qualifying in 1980 and to have made a real difference to the lives of the valued clients.

“I am immensely proud of the development and expansion of Jones Myers and the consistently high quality of its constructive guidance and client support. The firm has a reputation for attracting the best family lawyers in its field and I am confident of the practice’s continued success as it goes from strength to strength.”   

Peter’s commitment to Resolution’s Code of Conduct and his high standards of support and advice for clients have been key to Jones Myers’ national reputation for delivering excellence.  

The practice has retained its Family Law Firm of the Year (North) title across 2020-2022 in the Family Law Awards. In 2021 Peter received two prestigious accolades for his outstanding lifetime contribution to the field of family justice which included Resolution’s coveted John Cornwell award.  

Jones Myers, which has offices in Leeds, York, and Harrogate, 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

Jones Myers blog is ranked ninth in the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2022.

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As a long-standing campaigner of reforms to protect cohabiting couples, we welcome the news that a scheme proposed by the Law Commission 15 years ago could finally be introduced.

A cross-party group of MPs is calling for the proposals – which would financially support cohabiting couples who have lived together for a specific number of years or have had a child together – to be given the green light.

As the Government considers its response, the number of cohabiting couples continues to rocket from 1.5 million in 1996 to 3.6 million in 2021.

While they are still the fastest growing family type in Britain, unlike married couples, they do not have any legal protection or rights if their relationship breaks down.  

These rights right span savings, income, pensions and business interests and property with mortgage applications rocketing since the Covid pandemic lockdown when more couples moved in together for practical and financial reasons.

Jones Myers has lobbied MPs at Parliament to support the campaign for reform for cohabiting couples spearheaded by Family law group Resolution.  

As a niche family law firm, we urge unmarried partners to protect themselves with a cohabitation or ‘living together’ agreement which sets out what they want to happen – both while they live together and if their relationship ends.

The agreement can clarify who owns what and in what proportion as well as how property will be divided and what will happen with personal belongings, savings, debts, pensions, and other assets on separation.

Agreements can also document how children will be supported, how to deal with bank accounts, debts, and joint purchases (such as a house or car) and pet ‘custody’ issues. 

The agreement can be drafted before or during a couple’s time together. It can also be altered – if both parties agree that the original agreement should be changed, and how.

Agreeing in writing the ‘what if’ scenarios should one partner leave, win the lottery or die can potentially save emotional and financial trauma at a later stage.

The arrangement, which is enforceable, can be set up through ‘round-table’ meetings within the collaborative process and can avoid the likelihood of cohabitees, particularly those with children, being left destitute.

It is important that the couple seek independent legal advice and disclose all financial information in the lead up to signing the agreement, which should be reviewed regularly.

We have extensive experience in drafting living together agreements and, sadly, in dealing with disputes arising from separations where there has been no such agreement.

For queries or concerns on living together agreements 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

Jones Myers blog is ranked ninth in the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2022.

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By Jones Myers Partner, Nicki Mitchell  

On April 6, a three-decade long campaign to modernise divorce laws will finally come to fruition.

No-Fault Divorce – spearheaded by family justice group Resolution – and backed by members including our award-winning family law firm Jones Myers – finally ends the bitter ‘blame game.’

The process eliminates the need for separating couples to prove some form of fault or to live apart for at least two years before being granted a divorce.

For the first time ever, couples can submit a joint application on mutual terms. These are the steps to take if you are in this situation.

Step 1

As joint Applicants you can both apply for a Divorce Order if your marriage has broken down irretrievably. You must also confirm that you have discussed the possibility of a reconciliation.

Firstly, you will need to agree between yourselves who will be the first Applicant as they will start the process by completing the application. The other spouse will then have the opportunity to complete, review and provide any additional details. Both of you will need to sign a statement of truth confirming the facts in the document are true before filing the application.

Step 2

You lodge a statement with the completed application for a Divorce Order, which confirms that the marriage has broken down irretrievably. You can agree between yourselves how to pay the court fee of £593 for your joint application.

Step 3

The court starts the process, and you go through a 20 week ‘reflection period’ to carefully consider if you are making the right decision before you can apply for a Conditional Order (currently known as a Decree Nisi). This is a court order stating the date when a marriage will terminate unless there is a good reason to refuse to grant a divorce.

Step 4

If, after 20 weeks, you still want to continue the divorce application, you inform the court and apply for a Conditional Order.

Step 5

Six weeks after applying for the Conditional Order, the court can issue a Final Order (currently known as a Decree Absolute) – the legal document that terminates the marriage.

If, during the process you are unable to work together to progress the joint application, either of you can apply for a Divorce Order as an individual Applicant.

A cautionary recommendation is to ensure the financial issues are agreed before a Final Order is granted so that pensions and insurance benefits can be protected.

No-Fault Divorce aims to make it easier for couples to manage their separation and work together to avoid lengthy, costly, and stressful court disputes. An experienced family law firm such as Jones Myers can help you both with compiling the necessary documents or you can apply jointly online.

For queries on No-Fault Divorce, the current divorce process, or any aspect of family law, visit this link, 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 impact of divorce on children can be deep-rooted and long-lasting – which is why more separating parents are looking for ways of communicating about their separation in a way which puts their children’s wellbeing first.

An increasing number of separating couples also want to avoid the emotional trauma, stress and expense of litigation and a drawn out court battle.

In a courtroom, binding decisions of huge importance – such as how your financial assets are divided and how much time you can spend with your children – can be taken out of your hands by a Judge.

Mediation is an alternative way forward which puts you in the driving seat. In mediation you and your ex work constructively towards agreed arrangements aligned with your family’s long-term interests.

During mediation you and your ex discuss, confidentially with a qualified mediator, those issues which are most important to you.   With the right mediator, there is no reason why financially complex issues cannot be agreed using the process.

Advantages of using mediation include financial and time savings as the process takes the time it needs to resolve your particular issues.  This can be anything from one meeting in less complex cases to several meetings over a few months, where the background issues are more complicated.

This measured approach, which keeps communication channels open, can also lessen the emotional impact of the split on your children.

You will still need legal advice in support of the mediation process and the mediator will guide you as to when this is required.  The amount of solicitor involvement is much more limited than in a conventional case however, which makes the legal costs much lower.

 Where necessary, agreements reached in mediation can easily be incorporated into draft orders by your solicitors and approved by a Judge to be made legally binding. 

Jones Myers continues to receive growing recognition for our extensive expertise in Mediation, Collaborative Law and Arbitration – all of which avoid going to court and enable you, your ex and your children to get on with your lives.

Our partner, Nicki Mitchell, the first qualified collaborative family lawyer in York, has also been a qualified family law mediator since 2015.

 Nicki has recently further enhanced her extensive expertise by becoming a qualified child-inclusive mediator. The accreditation enables her to who meets with children of separated parents and hear what they want.

Jones Myers founder, Peter Jones, is a qualified mediator and among the country’s first arbitrators qualified to arbitrate on financial and property disputes along with the breakup of civil partnership or disputes between cohabiting couples whose relationships have ended.

 The benefits of mediation are being highlighted extensively during Family Mediation Week which runs from January 17 to January 21. Organised by the Family Mediation Council, the initiative is supported by the Family Mediators Association, The Law Society, National Family Mediation, Resolution and the College of Mediators.  

To help you decide if mediation is for you, Jones Myers offers a free-of-charge 30 minute consultation via telephone, face to face or video for our new clients.

Call our Leeds office 0113 246 0055, our Harrogate office 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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The outstanding reputation of Jones Myers family lawyers has been recognised in the latest edition of The Best Lawyers in the United Kingdom.

Retaining their listing for the 14^th consecutive year are Director and Partner Richard Peaker, Founder Peter Jones, and Collaborative Family Law expert Norman Taylor.

Partner Kate Banerjee who heads Jones Myers internationally renowned Children’s Department is featured for the first time for her extensive expertise.

Here’s a snapshot of our four family lawyers. All have been nominated by their peers – leading lawyers who recommend the professional abilities of colleagues in the same geographical and practice area.

Richard Peaker, who heads the Financial Remedies Department, is an expert in complex financial disputes and has vast experience in divorce and separation cases.

A specialist in high net worth cases, he acts for a wide range of clients who include businesses owners, shareholders, lawyers, accountants and other high end professionals. His experience also includes cases involving farming and rural communities.

Richard is regularly recommended by clients, barristers and independent financial advisors.

Peter Jones, the firm’s founder, is a leading divorce lawyer, has extensive experience at the highest level in all aspects of divorce and financial disputes.

A former Deputy District Judge and an ex national chairman of Resolution, Peter chairs Resolution’s Specialist Accreditation Committee.

He was one of country’s first Arbitrators to resolve differences on financial and property matters.

Norman Taylor is highly experienced in financial issues arising from family and relationship breakdown and has a wealth of expertise in medium to high value cases.

He is respected nationally and locally as an enthusiastic pioneer and advocate of non-confrontational, solution-based resolution of family issues.

A lecturer in collaborative law, Norman mentors students at Leeds Beckett University.

Kate Banerjee is anacknowledged leader in Children’s Law and appears at all levels of Court.

Kate has expanded her practice to Court of Protection work and the department now covers the entire range of children/vulnerable adult cases.

Highly regarded by clients and peers, Kate is a Law Society Children’s Panel member and is on the panel of the International Child Abduction and Contact Unit.  

Jones Myers holds the title of Family Law Firm of the year North where judges singled out our skills in Mediation, Collaborative Law and Arbitration which avoid going to court. 

Said Peter Jones: “It is an honour to be recommended again by our peers for the latest Best UK Lawyers and the acknowledgement reflects our commitment to consistently delivering excellence in family law.”  

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

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By Jones Myers Solicitor, Lilly Grant

News that divorcing couples can obtain a no-fault divorce from 6 April 2022 marks the most dramatic and far-reaching change in divorce laws in 50 years.

No-fault divorce finally ends the bitter ‘blame game’, making it easier for people to manage their separation and work together to avoid lengthy and stressful court disputes.

Under current legislation, to petition for divorce the petitioner must satisfy one of the following five facts to establish that the marriage has irretrievably broken down.

1. Unreasonable behaviour
2. Adultery
3. Two years separation with the consent of the other party;
4. Five years separation without consent; and
5. Desertion.

This means that unless couples have lived apart for two or five years, one partner has to take some form of blame, either adultery or unreasonable behaviour.

No fault divorce will provide a less acrimonious divorce process, enabling one or both parties to issue a petition for divorce simply with a statement confirming that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. 

A 20 week period for reflection follows – after which a conditional order is made.  Once a further 6 weeks expires a Final Order can be granted.

While Children and Financial Arrangements will still be resolved separately, it is anticipated that the removal of ‘allegations’ will promote a better atmosphere for discussion and agreement. 

Jones Myers always stresses the importance of putting children’s interests first. We have experienced at first-hand how prolonged divorce proceedings can cause conflict and lingering resentment and have long-term repercussions on their health and education.

Jones Myers, together with Resolution, which champions non-confrontational approaches in family law, has been at the forefront of lobbying MPs locally and at the Palace of Westminster for these major changes. We are understandably delighted with this rewarding outcome.   

Designed to reflect society’s attitudes, the legislation was originally set to come into force in autumn 2021. The delay to 6 April 2022 is to enable the court IT system to be up and running with the new process.

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

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Our next profile which shares an insight into the professional and personal life of our experienced and empathetic family lawyers puts the spotlight on Solicitor Debra Jackson who is based in our Leeds office.  

What prompted you to become a family lawyer?

I worked in the reception of a family law firm and saw at first hand the difference family lawyers made to the lives of their clients at a stressful time in their lives when they needed good advice and empathy.  This led to me to launch my career in family law.   

What areas do you specialise in?

My 11 years’ experience in all areas of family law includes divorce, financial settlements, pre-and post-nuptial agreements, and living together (cohabitation) agreements.

My particular expertise is cohabitation and I have achieved Specialist Accreditation from Resolution in this area. I also deal with a range of complex financial cases, including those which involve inheritances and trust interests.

How would your clients describe you? 

My clients appreciate my honest and straightforward approach along with my empathy and understanding.

I treat every client as an individual, taking the time to establish what they are seeking and providing realistic and practical advice as to how this could be achieved.

What have been the most significant cases you have worked on?

Those where it has been particularly challenging to ensure my clients receive the right financial settlements they need to move forward with their lives. It is extremely rewarding to succeed in doing my best for them.

 If you could change one thing about the legal profession, what would it be? 

More protection for cohabiting couples – an area in which Jones Myers has been a long-standing campaigner for reform.  

Many cohabitating couples wrongly believe they have the same legal rights as married couples in key areas such as savings, income, pensions or business interests. This is not the case and the current law offers them no protection if they split up.   

If you weren’t in your current role what would you do?

I’d be working with animals. I’ve always loved animals and although I’ve scaled down to a cat and fishes in the past I grew up with all sorts of pets, including dogs, cats, hamsters, birds and even some terrapins!

What’s your favourite time of day – and why?

Seven o clock in the morning, when a new day begins. A favourite weekday walk is to Hob Moor near York racecourse where cows still graze and I spot birds and rabbits. I’m particularly motivated by walking in the rain when everything is fresh and clean.

What’s your favourite pastime ?

Walking! At weekends my fiancée and I explore the North Yorkshire Moors and the ruins of former castles and monasteries. The pubs reopening has enhanced our outings.

What’s your top lockdown tip?

Get out into the fresh air and enjoy a walk to blow the cobwebs away and remember better times are ahead!       

Where will you go as travel is restarting?

The spectacular Scottish highlands – their beauty is captivating and the isolation (no phone signal) helps us to really switch off. We’d also love to explore the Orkneys and the furthermost point of the Shetlands which will be exhilarating.

For queries on divorce or any aspect of family law, call Jones Myers 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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