As we continue to expand, our niche family law firm is seeking more top-class family lawyers who are committed to making a difference.    

Our award-winning practice is recruiting a family lawyer with 1-2 years PQE for family law case work – with a particular emphasis on financial remedies.

Our Financial Remedies Department is headed by Jones Myers director Richard Peaker who is described as ‘phenomenal’ by Chambers legal guide.  

Specialising in high-net-worth cases, our team is regularly instructed in multi- jurisdictional proceedings and cases involving complex corporate and often off-shore trust structures.

Partner Kate Banerjee, consistently praised as a ‘leading child law expert’ heads our regionally, nationally and internationally renowned Children Team.

At the forefront of advising clients on international child abduction, the Department deals with issues including adoption, child arrangements, care proceedings, internal and external relocation and Court of Protection work.

Achieving joint top rankings in legal guides for over two decades, Jones Myers was recently crowned Family Law Firm of the year North in the Family Law awards.

Judges applauded our firm as a ‘Northern powerhouse’. They also singled out our skills in Mediation,  Collaborative Law and Arbitration  which avoid going to court.  

Our York office is headed by partner Nicki Mitchell, a mediator and collaborative family lawyer who specialises in the financial aspects of relationship breakdown.  

More of our lawyers are named as leading individuals in leading law guides year-on-year compared to any other family law specialist in Leeds and Yorkshire.

They include our in-house counsel, Andrew Fox, who is acknowledged for his unparalleled advocacy skills.

Said Andrew: “We are immensely proud of our reputation as an esteemed family law specialist whose dedicated lawyers share our ethos and commitment to excellence.   

“With more exciting growth plans in the pipeline, this latest role, based at our Leeds office, comes at a key period in the firm’s development.” 

For more information, email andrew.fox@jonesmyers.co.uk and elizabeth.bell@jonesmyers.co.uk in the first instance with 500 words outlining what you would bring to the role.

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

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The last 12 months have undoubtedly proved a turbulent and testing time for everyone.

This includes the thousands of couples who moved in together during lockdown for practical and financial reasons – and to reduce the risk of passing on the virus.

The emotional rollercoaster sparked by the pandemic has taken its toll on even the most robust relationships – not to mention its devastating economical impact.       

Spring is symbolically a time of renewal and, as we readjust to our former lives and freedoms over the coming weeks, we recommend couples who are continuing to live together to protect themselves should they break up.  

Cohabiting couples are the fast growing family type in Britain – but, unlike married couples, they do not have any legal protection or rights if their relationship goes sour.

These rights right span savings, income, pensions and business interests and property. In 2020 the Mortgage Advice Bureau saw a 60% year-on-year rise in applications from cohabiting couples, indicating the lockdown had accelerated the moving in process for many.     

We urge unmarried partners to consider 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 clarifies who owns what and in what proportion. It also includes how property will be divided and what will happen with personal belongings, savings, debts, pensions and other assets.

Documenting how children will be supported, it outlines how to deal with bank accounts, debts and joint purchases such as a house or car and can also address pet ‘custody’ issues. 

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

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

The arrangement, which is enforceable, can be set up through virtual ‘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 each party seeks independent legal advice and discloses all financial information in the lead up to signing the agreement, which should be reviewed regularly.

Jones Myers has 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

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By Jones Myers Solicitor, Lilly Grant

A recent divorce case in Beijing has reaffirmed the value of unpaid domestic work during a marriage – and how it should be measured in a divorce settlement.

When the couple wed in 2015, the wife was solely responsible for all non-financial contributions during the marriage such as housework and caring for their son.

In addition to a monthly settlement, the judge ordered her ex-husband to give her a one-off payment of 50,000 yuan (£5,460). This compensation for five years of unpaid domestic work is believed by some to have underestimated her responsibilities as a stay-at-home wife.   

In England and Wales, courts assess all the circumstances of a case when considering financial provision on divorce. The first consideration is always the welfare of any children involved.

Factors they take into account include the contributions each party has made – or are likely to make to the future welfare of the family. They also comprise contributions involved in looking after the home or caring for children.  

Previous rulings in England and Wales highlight how courts recognise that domestic contributions are important – and should be considered equally with the contributions of the spouse who provides the main source of income.

In Wachtel v Wachtel 1973 it was found that “…the wife who looks after the home and family contributes as much to the family assets as the wife who goes out to work. The one contributes in kind.. The other in money or money’s worth.”

Further support for domestic contribution was reaffirmed in the judgement of White v White in 2000:“There should be no bias in favour of the money-earner and against the home-maker and the child-carer.”

A landmark ruling in 2020 – described as a “critical win for gender equality in divorce” – saw the Court of Appeal overturn an original High Court judgment to award a wife and sole carer for the couple’s severely disabled child only 29 per cent of the couple’s combined wealth. 

The presiding Judge, Lord Justice Moylan said: “In this case, the wife’s enormous contribution to the welfare and happiness of the family, as the homemaker and principal carer of AB, both during and after the marriage, has been and will be incalculable.

“She has devoted herself to the day-to-day care of a child with special needs and by doing so has freed the husband to a very considerable extent to enable him to pursue the business activities which have generated the enormous wealth now available.”

The focus in this article is on cases decided by the courts as these shape the law.  However, divorce settlements do not have to be decided by the court.  Using processes like mediation and collaborative law couples can agree their own terms and obtain the approval of the court to ensure they are binding. 

Where agreement is not possible, it is worth considering arbitration which avoids going to Court. Here couples appoint an arbitrator who makes decisions for them to resolve disputes in a more flexible and less informal setting. Throughout the confidential process they also have the same arbitrator through the process which will not happen at Court with judges.

Jones Myers partner, Nicki Mitchell, is an experienced mediator and collaborative lawyer and founder, Peter Jones, was among the first UK arbitrators to qualify.  Both are able to deal with cases including complex financial and property disputes on divorce as well as the break-up of civil partnerships or disputes between cohabitating couples whose relationships have ended.

For information on divorce settlements, arbitration or any aspect of divorce or family law, call Jones Myers at Leeds on 0113 246 0055, Harrogate on 01423 276104, or York on 01904 202550 or visit jm2023.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet us @helpwithdivorce

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Jones Myers collaborative family law expert Norman Taylor has been giving students motivational and inspirational tips on pursuing their career dreams and goals.         

A qualified lawyer for over 45 years, Norman shared his wisdom with around 30 students at a virtual event. The talk was part of Leeds City College’s Virtual Work Experience week for Business students whose studies include law.  

The initiative is designed to encourage students to think about their future aspirations and inform them of options available. Feedback from the benefits of Norman’s talk was upbeat and extremely positive. 

Practising family law exclusively for over 25 years Norman, a pioneer of collaborative family law, shared career insights including his studies at Newcastle University.

He explained how dramatically the legal landscape has changed and how law students in those days trained and qualified as general practitioners as opposed to specialising in a particular area.

Said Norman: “I highlighted how Family Law has evolved along with major technological changes – good and bad – which will further evolve as students embark on their careers.”

Encouraging his audience ‘be the best that they can be’, Norman also shared a series of life tips. They included breaking down long term goals into mini-goals and building and developing their skills to become indispensible.  

Added Norman, who is also a lecturer in collaborative law and mentors students at Leeds Beckett University: “Jones Myers is a champion of helping to develop the next generation and it was a pleasure to pass on what I’ve learnt personally and professionally. 

“I encouraged students not to be deterred from their goals by others who may appear more knowledgeable – but to learn from them while maintaining their own unique style. Another key message was to keep smiling and enjoy their journey.”

Akeisha Brown, Business Engagement Officer at Leeds City College which is rated as outstanding by Ofsted, said: “We’re delighted with the fantastic response from students who say Norman has given them invaluable insights and tips.

“Our students are at a formative stage as they navigate a career path and Norman’s experience and openness has given them a lot to think about.”   

Emily Topham, Work Experience Coordinator who hosted the session, added: “Norman was a wonderful speaker to work with. His engagement with the students was really good, at first they didn’t have too many questions, but he threw some back at them to get them thinking about their career paths and the types of law they may go into.

“Overall the session with Norman was extremely insightful and really enjoyable for staff and students.” 

For queries on any aspect of family law, call us at Leeds on 0113 246 0055, at Harrogate on 01423 276104, or at York office on 01904 202550. Visit jm2023.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet us @helpwithdivorce

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We’re launching a new feature to give readers an insight into the professional and personal life of our experienced and empathetic family lawyers.  

The spotlight for our first profile is on Senior Family Law Executive, Anna Sutcliffe, who is based at Jones Myers office in York.    

What prompted you to become a family lawyer?

I used to watch a programme in the late nineties called “This Life” which was based on the life of young Barristers. It got me interested in the legal world. I started with crime and mental health tribunals and transferred to family law in 1996 when a vacancy arose for a junior secretary within that department with a view to progressing. I have since worked my way up by studying CILEX (Chartered Institute of Legal Executives).

What particular areas of family law do you specialise in?

I focus on divorce and financial issues arising from divorce. In addition I deal with cohabitation, domestic violence and private law children’s proceedings.

How would your clients describe you?

They say I instil confidence into my clients from my knowledge and experience of the financial consequences of the breakdown of marriage.  They’d say I was friendly, approachable – and a good listener.

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

I acted for a wife who separated from her former spouse after 29 years of marriage. The court had ordered her ex-husband to make her monthly payments until she died, remarried – or the court made a further order.  However, when the order was written up, it contained an error which created uncertainty as to when the payments should end.

On remarrying, the ex-husband said the court order enabled him to stop paying his former wife. However the family court agreed with the wife that the order should have been corrected and dismissed his application to appeal to keep the incorrect one.

Jones Myers successfully resolved the case by drawing on the principle of the ‘slip rule’ which allows courts to correct accidental slips in judgments and orders. This ensured that the ex-husband’s obligation to pay his former spouse should continue. 

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

I would also liked to have worked for the National Crime Agency.

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

Its 9pm because I can sit and chill for an hour or two before bed!

What’s your top lockdown tip?

Dog walking has kept me sane.

What’s your favourite pastime?

I am a keen swimmer and cyclist and also watch a lot of football.

Where will you go when travel is allowed again?

Devon. My dad has bought a motor home for the family so I’ll be packing up in that and going away in the summer hopefully.

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 founder, Peter Jones

Pensions are often one of the most valuable assets of a marriage and play a vital role in deciding financial claims on divorce.

Financial disclosure – a full statement of your current earnings and assets – aims to protect you both. It also looks to ensure that you each receive a fair settlement which may well include a division of the pension benefit fund. 

Pension sharing – which provides a clean break between parties, as the pension assets are split – has been given more prominence in recent years. It recently hit the headlines when a BBC producer lost her court case to reduce her unemployed ex-husband’s 33% share of her £2 million fortune.  

In this particular case, The Court of Appeal reaffirmed that pension sharing is appropriate when deciding on the allocation of capital. 

Judges took into account the length of the marriage and discounted the former wife’s allegation that her ex-husband had made a ‘significantly negative’ contribution to the family fortune during the marriage.

They also upheld an earlier ruling and said the original £733,650 and pension share he was awarded would meet his ‘needs’. 

The criteria in considering a pension share requires the pension fund to be valued and included in the list of the family’s assets.  

The receiving party needs to decide if it’s better for them to receive a percentage share or, in some circumstances, seek a greater share of the liquid capital as a “set off” when not pursuing a share of the pension.

Some divorces may entail several pension arrangements so it is important you think about which arrangements should be shared. Expert advice from an Independent Financial Adviser is necessary to ensure the correct pension(s) are shared and to what extent. Advisors will also assist with the valuation and projected future incomes.

The pension share may be internal (when the recipient becomes a member of the scheme) or eternal when the share must be invested in an existing or new arrangement of the receiving party. Utmost care should be taken to obtain details of the cost of any transfer.

The court will look at the needs of the parties and take into account what other assets are available for distribution.

Agreed financial settlements avoiding Court can also be decided through alternative processes including Mediation where an impartial third party “the mediator” helps you discuss issues confidentially and find workable agreements.

There is also Collaborative Family 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

Another option is Arbitration where a Family Law Arbitrator in the role of a ‘judge’ decides the outcome of divorce financial settlements. As one of the first UK Family Law Arbitrators qualified to decide the outcome of financial and property disputes, I am arbitrating on an increasing number of cases which often include pension arrangements.  

With Mediation, Collaborative Family Law and Arbitration, once there is agreement (or an Award) details are submitted to the court for an order which enables a pension share to be implemented.  

Sadly, going to Court is necessary in some cases. The extensive expertise of Jones Myers lawyers can advise you both on the option which may suit you best.

For queries on divorce, pension sharing, finances 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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The ambitions of a talented 17-year-old footballer have been furthered thanks to support from our niche family law firm Jones Myers.

Our award-winning practice is delighted to sponsor the football kit for Oliver Brown, a centre back who is hoping to play for Guiseley AFC’s first team this season.

A keen footballer who showed an aptitude for the game at just 7 years old, Oliver – who is captain of Guiseley’s Academy – has previously been invited for trails at Leeds United, Huddersfield Town and Sheffield United.

His mother Lisa Brown – a legal executive at Jones Myers with over two decades of experience in family law – says backing from the firm comes at a vital period.

Explains Lisa: “It’s understandably been a tough time for local sports and football clubs such as Guiseley whose income plummeted overnight after having to close their grounds to spectators during matches due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Oliver has signed his forms for the first team and is over the moon with this invaluable support from Jones Myers who will sponsor his home kit for the season.”

Oliver, who is part of Guiseley’s academy, has also been studying remotely for a BTEC Sport qualification which he completes in June this year.    

Jones Myers partner, Nicki Mitchell, said: “As a firm we are committed to helping and developing the next generation. It is a pleasure to sponsor Oliver whose dedication, passion and talent for football is a shining example to young people who are striving to achieve their ambitions.

“We wish Oliver continued success as he continues to go from strength to strength.”    

A champion of giving back to its local communities, Jones Myers initiatives include forging a partnership with Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS).

The largest specialist charity in Yorkshire, its services include refuge accommodation, community-based support, peer mentoring, group work and access to a free, confidential out-of-hours helpline.

Our firm has also fundraised for charities including Alzheimer’s Society and Shine which supports those suffering from Spina Bifada.

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

Image courtesy of Alex Daniel.

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Our award-winning niche family law firm is continuing its recruitment drive through the pandemic with the appointment of Solicitor Meggie Chan.

With 12 years’ experience in family law; Meggie is a member of our internationally acclaimed Children’s Department.  

A specialist in care proceedings, Meggie represents children, parents and extended family members. She also has extensive expertise in child arrangement issues including residence and contact.

Commending her empathy, enthusiasm and honest advice, clients also applaud Meggie’s passion for helping them to reach the best solutions for their individual situations.   

Jones Myers partner, Kate Banerjee, who heads the Children’s team, said: “Meggie’s strong track record and experience highly complements the expertise of our committed team and we are delighted to have her on board.”   

Meggie, an accredited Law Society Children Panel member since 2015, commented: “I was attracted to working with Jones Myers because of its long-standing reputation and how the firm is highly regarded by our industry as a leader in family law.”

Our firm has marked a formative 12 months. Developments include a raft of new appointments and launching a York office led by partner Nicki Mitchell – a skilled mediator and collaborative family lawyer.          

Consistently achieving joint top rankings in legal guides for over two decades, in November 2020 we were crowned Family Law Firm of the year North in the Family Law awards.

Judges applauded our firm as a ‘Northern powerhouse’ and singled out our skills in Mediation,  Collaborative Law and Arbitration – processes which avoid going to court and can help achieve a resolution more swiftly and cost effectively.

As the third national lockdown takes hold, Jones Myers continues to provide clients with advice and support, which includes a free-of-charge 30-minute consultation via telephone or video for new clients.   

We can also still offer face-to-face meetings – in line with government guidance and ensuring effective social distancing protocols – in circumstances that cannot be dealt with remotely.

We can assist our clients within and outside the UK to access our specialist services and our offices in Leeds, Harrogate and York will remain open.    

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

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Many people mistakenly think that obtaining a divorce settlement – the final legal agreement between a husband and wife outlining the terms of the financial arrangements post-divorce – means going to court.

In the countdown to Family Mediation Week (January 18-22) Jones Myers partner Nicki Mitchell, a skilled mediator, explains how mediation works along with its key benefits.

Why should those contemplating divorce consider mediation?

Mediation can help separating couples find a way forward in a constructive and positive manner which prioritises the well-being of children and helps the long-term interests of those involved in the break-up.  

Will a solicitor automatically suggest mediation? 

Many solicitors – including those who refer their clients to experienced mediators like myself – will explain the option of mediation. There are also lawyers who don’t mention mediation and advise their clients that the best route to obtain a divorce settlement is via the court.  

What’s the difference between litigation and mediation?

Going to court can be confrontational, costly, prolonged and – potentially – public.

If you are unable to agree, a judge who doesn’t know you or your spouse decides how your financial assets will be divided and how much time you will spend with your children. Their decision is legally binding.

Litigation can be emotionally stressful, taking many months and not infrequently over a year. The Covid-19 pandemic has made the process even longer. 

In mediation, a qualified Mediator like me can help you to discuss issues confidentially and find workable agreements more quickly and cost-effectively than the court process.

Both of you sign an ‘Agreement to Mediate’ to enable negotiation to continue on a ‘without prejudice’ basis.  As an impartial third party, mediators do not give legal advice but can give really useful legal information.

What are the benefits of mediation? 

Mediation gives you control over your divorce – you don’t have a judge making critical decisions about your finances and children.

Saving you time and money, it can be completed in several meetings over a few months. One of my recent mediations was successfully tied up in two weeks.    

As a more impartial, considered and confidential approach, mediation can also lessen the emotional impact of separation and divorce on children.

Which divorce scenarios are best suited to mediation?

The majority of situations – including the most financially complex.  

Are there cases where mediation is not appropriate?

Yes, sometimes where there has been domestic abuse the meetings cannot be managed safely.  Even when suitable safety measures are put in place, sometimes there is too great a power imbalance in the relationship for mediation to be successful.   

What is a successful outcome? 

When you reach agreed arrangements which can then be approved on paper by a Judge and made legally binding.  As well as being quicker and cheaper, avoiding a court battle helps to minimise the damaging fallout from a separation for you and your children and to allow you to get on with your lives.

Jones Myers expert mediators can assist you in this non-confrontational option which keeps communication channels open for many divorcing couples.

We offer a free-of-charge 30-minute consultation via telephone or video for 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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Our niche family law firm Jones Myers is further expanding its team with the appointment of highly experienced family lawyer Debra Jackson.

Debra’s extensive expertise across eleven years spans divorce, financial settlements, pre and post nuptial agreements as well as inheritances and trusts.

A specialist in cases involving unmarried couples, Debra has gained Specialist Accreditation from Resolution in cohabitation.  

Debra encourages her clients to consider Mediation and other forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution which avoid going to court.  

However, when a Court process is appropriate, she is equally experienced in providing clients with all options to enable them to make informed decisions that are right for them.

Treating each client as an individual, Debra’s clients commend her honesty and straightforward approach, and applaud her empathy and understanding.

Jones Myers partner and director Richard Peaker said: “Debra’s strong track record complements and enhances the expertise of our family lawyers and we wish her every success.

“Attracting and retaining top talent remains a top priority as we continue recruiting in line with a further increase in instructions from our local, national and international clients to meet growing demand.”

Jones Myers – which has offices in Leeds, Harrogate and York – is consistently ranked in a joint Top Tier position by the Legal 500 and Chambers guides alongside national practices. We are the only family law firm in Leeds with its own in-house barrister.

Said Debra: “Jones Myers has an outstanding reputation and it’s tremendous to join the firm at this formative period in its development. I thrive on the challenges of complicated cases and am looking forward to helping clients achieve creative solutions tailored to their individual circumstances and needs.”

Debra’s appointment has been well received in media publications including Yorkshire Legal and the Yorkshire Times.  

The expansion is the latest in a series of developments for the firm which has recently appointed a new partner and boosted its teams across all three offices.  

Jones Myers founder Peter Jones, partner and director Richard Peaker and collaborative law expert Norman Taylor have also recently featured in the UK’s ‘Best Lawyers’ listing for the 12^th consecutive year.

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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