Yorkshire And The Humber

Jones Myers has paid tribute to Neil Dring, a senior family law specialist who has recently passed away following an illness. A very experienced and talented family lawyer who worked in the field for most of his career, Neil joined Jones Myers in 2022  heading the Divorce and Financial Remedies team in the firm’s town centre Harrogate office. Highly respected across Harrogate and the Yorkshire region, Neil’s reputation and expertise was well known and recognized  in the divorce and separation cases that he dealt with, especially those involving complex high net worth financial disputes, advocacy, property transfer and pension cases. Richard Peaker, Jones Myers Managing Partner, said: “We are deeply saddened by the news of Neil’s death and send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Neil was an extraordinary family lawyer whose unwavering dedication and compassion touched countless lives. Neil’s passing is a great loss to the legal community and to all who had the privilege of knowing him. “We were delighted when Neil, a hugely committed and highly skilled family lawyer, joined our firm. His valuable contribution to, and passion for, family law and most importantly securing the best outcomes for his clients, was outstanding and he will be sorely missed by all of us.” After studying at Nottingham University, Neil qualified in 1984 and embarked on roles specialising in family law in South and North Yorkshire. Those who inspired him included his late father-in-law and his own father. He was also amused and entertained by fictitious ‘Rumpole of The Bailey’ barrister, Horace Rumpole created by author John Mortimer. A champion of resolving relationship breakdown by non-confrontational means, Neil’s dedication to  family law and his local community involved him in events which included representing Jones Myers at the Harrogate Chamber of Commerce. Martin Mann, Chief Executive of Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce, said: “All of us within the Chamber and the wider business community in Harrogate will remember a kind, charming and generous man with a real passion for his work and zest for life. Neil lit up a room with his warmth and inimitable wit, and he will be sorely missed by those who knew him,” An ardent supporter of the firm’s longstanding charity partner, Henshaws which supports 4,000 service users with sight loss and wide-ranging disabilities, Neil undertook volunteering work in the gardens at Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre, giving up his time and offering his support. He was also a regular contributor of podcasts giving listeners insights and information on divorce and financial related issues on Your Harrogate radio station. Kate Banerjee, Jones Myers Partner, added: “Neil will be remembered not only for his expertise in family law coupled with his deep sense of empathy, but also for the fact that he helped countless individuals navigate some of life’s most challenging moments.”

Jones Myers niche family law firm has moved to contemporary new headquarters in the heart of Leeds. The city centre offices at Carlton Tower, 34 St Paul’s Street, reflect the award-winning practice’s client-focused approach and commitment to consistently deliver excellence in family law. Richard Peaker, Jones Myers managing partner, said: “As one of the first family law practices of our kind to be founded in Leeds over thirty years ago, we are proud to retain our headquarters in this vibrant city. “Our reputation sees us receiving referrals from valued clients on a regional, national and international level due to the extensive expertise of our specialist family lawyers who include our own in-house barrister. “There is a great buzz in our new base, and we are delighted to receive positive feedback from our valued team, clients, and partners.” The development coincides with Jones Myers retaining its Number 1 ranking in both Chambers and Legal 500 guides for almost three decades. Chambers 2024 edition highlights the firm’s expertise in financial remedy proceedings and cases involving shareholder issues, property portfolios and complex pension schemes. It also includes client testimonials who applaud the practice’s knowledge and support as ‘exceptional’. The latest Legal 500 guide describes how the practice ‘goes from strength to strength’, and how its expansion to offices in Harrogate and York: ‘ensures that their dedicated brand of family legal advice is available to more of the general public.’ Jones Myers commitment to recognising tomorrow’s talent includes supporting the achievements of law graduates at Leeds Beckett University. Since 2020 the firm has awarded the Jones Myers Prize for the Best Overall Performance on Master of Laws of England and Wales to a Leeds Law School student. Wide-ranging pro-bono initiatives include an ongoing partnership with Henshaws charity which boosts the quality of life for over 7,000 service users with sight loss and wide-ranging disabilities.  

In a milestone development, accredited journalists can report in family law courts on cases which decide the future and wellbeing of children whose parents are divorcing. They can also report on cases which determine if children should be taken into care.   Whereas the media have previously been allowed to observe such hearings since 2009 - but only report on what a judge allowed - they can now write in detail on cases, have access to some legal documents and interview families about their cases - providing their identify is protected. The move follows a two-year pilot scheme covering private and public law children law cases. It aims to remove long-standing concerns about the ‘secrecy’ surrounding family courts, create greater transparency and build public confidence. As a whole, our Children’s Department - which covers every area of public and private children law - sees the change as a favourable move. There are some reservations however about how those who represent themselves in Court Proceedings - because they either can’t afford a family lawyer or simply choose to do so - may try to use the media to their own advantage. This could apply in situations where they portray the other party in an unfavourable light or put their privacy at risk. Such scenarios raise concerns about safety and especially around the potential for social media platforms to be abused. On the positive side, as long as journalists adhere to responsible reporting, the development will provide a constructive insight in helping the public to understand the realities of the Family Court System - and for an unbiased approach to be taken. The new reporting freedoms could also see divorcing couples - particularly those with a profile in their community who are concerned about protecting their own and their children’s privacy - resolve matters out of the courtroom glare. This can be achieved through alternative routes such as mediation or the collaborative process which help separating couples to find an agreed way forward in a constructive, positive manner. Less costly, acrimonious, and drawn-out, these alternatives protect children being exposed to the fall out of their parents’ relationship. They prioritise children’s well-being and help the long-term interests of all those involved in the break-up. Our family law specialists are at the forefront of options which take a non-confrontational approach to relationship breakdown and put children’s best interests first. The specialisms of our award-winning Children’s Team span residence, contact, relocation, international child abduction, adoption, and child protection. Dedicated to consistently delivering excellence, we act for parents and grandparents, we represent children, through their court appointed Children’s Guardians allocated by Cafcass. We also act separately for children of a significant age and maturity. Our extensive expertise includes a Family Law Mediator, a Child Inclusive Mediator, Collaborative Family Lawyer and In House Counsel. For queries on children law, mediation, or other family law issues, call Leeds 0113 246 0055, Harrogate 01423 276104, York on 01904 202550. Visit www.jonesmyers.co.uk, email [email protected] or tweet us @helpwithdivorce Jones Myers blog is ranked 5th in the UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2025. Authored by Partner, Anthony Parrish from Jones Myers Children’s Department

As I receive an increase in the volume of divorce enquiries after the challenges of the festive season, I cannot emphasise enough the critical role that pensions play in financial settlements.   Their importance has been further re-inforced by financial analysts’ calculations that spouses could lose up to £66k by overlooking pensions and I failing to take them into account in divorce settlements. Pensions are frequently one of the most valuable assets of a marriage, often making up the second highest - or sometimes the highest - value asset in a divorce settlement after the family home. It is key that information about pensions is made available in the financial disclosure process, which must take place before any binding financial settlement can be made. Disclosure must include details of all pensions, including state pensions - and the value of each one. This ensures that couples are able to make informed decisions as to what a fair settlement looks like for them The most common way in which a disparity in pensions is addressed in a divorce settlement is pension sharing which provides a clean break between parties, as the pension assets are split immediately. Alternatively, in some cases ex-spouses prefer to take a greater share of the equity in the family home or other capital, as a trade-off for a share of the other’s pension. Some divorces may involve several pension arrangements so it is important to consider which arrangements should be shared, and to what extent. The pension share may be internal (when the recipient becomes a member of the scheme) or external when the share must be invested in an existing or new arrangement of the receiving party. Care should be taken to obtain details of the cost of any transfer. In deciding what is best for them, the couple need to consider how their respective financial needs will be met  and what other assets are available for distribution. Alternative and non-confrontational ways for divorcing couples to reach a financial settlement without a lengthy and expensive court process include Mediation and Collaborative Family Law. Both options - in which I have extensive expertise - are conducted in a spirit of mutual co-operation and put children’s best interest first. At Jones Myers we always recommend that divorcing couples seek expert advice from highly experienced lawyers regarding their finances. Independent Financial Advisers can assist with pension valuations and projected future incomes. Taking guidance early on will avoid the risk of losing out on what could be a substantial pension sharing provision that spouses are entitled to – and which can prevent long-term financial issues. For queries on pensions in divorce or any aspect of family law, call 0113 246 0055 (Leeds) 01423 276104 (Harrogate), 01904 202550 (York). Visit www.jonesmyers.co.uk, email [email protected] or tweet @helpwithdivorce Jones Myers blog is ranked 5th in the Feedspot UK’s Best 25 family law blogs and websites to follow in 2025. Authored by Jones Myers Partner, Nicki Mitchell - Mediator, Child Inclusive Mediator and Collaborative Family Lawyer