22.3.2023
Cohabitation Agreements
Unmarried couples who live together do not have the same legal protection as married couples and civil partners when they...
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“Jonathan is thorough, intelligent, hard-working and committed. He knows the law very well and is committed to the rights of children.”
Jonathan Jonas
Jonathan qualified as a Family solicitor in 2007 and holds the Law Society accreditation as a Children Panel member as a children’s representative. Jonathan is a solicitor advocate giving him additional cognizance into how the Courts and child protection professionals respond to applications concerning children.
He has extensive expertise in complex public law children matters involving complex medical evidence, criminality, mental health concerns, sexual/ physical abuse and multi jurisdictional aspects. He is regularly instructed by parents, guardians as well as children directly.
He has a wealth of experience in resolving child arrangements acting for parents, 16.4 guardians or other family members. His cases include the relocation of children, substance misuse, emotional and physical abuse, international proceedings involving children, alienation, and wardship.
He speaks conversational Spanish.
Recent Reported Cases
Acting for mother in private law proceedings
FTF v MWM (Rev1) [2023] EWFC 191 (03 November 2023)
Lasting over 4 years. Issues involved domestic abuse, conduct, s91(14) barring orders and costs.
Acting for father in case proceedings
London Borough of Ealing v Mother & Ors [2023] EWFC 201 (15 November 2023)
At the outset of the final hearing the father supported by the LA sought the making of a child arrangements order in favour of the father on the basis that the child would be placed into a boarding school environment living with the father either in the UK and in a non Hague Convention Country. The child had a strong opposition to moving into a boarded environment and the guardian considered the child’s welfare required appropriate allowance for his clear views given his age and level of understanding and the father and LA acceded to this position though the course of the hearing It was agreed contact would be generous and liberal when compared to many cases in which a care order is made.
Acting for child in DOLS
London Borough of Lambeth v AB & Ors [2024] EWHC 571 (Fam) (31 January 2024)
Jonathan represented a child TC directly in an application for a Deprivation of Liberty order (DOLS) in relation to his client. He successfully argued that the restrictions on TC should not continue and LB Lambeth were named and criticised for their failings in their application of an earlier DOLS order
"Jon guided and supported us through an incredibly difficult time in our lives. He is dedicated, kind and excellent at his job. In a time of confusion and stress, Jon was calm, dedicated and supportive. I would highly recommend him."
"My matters were dealt with by Mr Jonathan Jonas with sincerity and extreme sensitivity throughout my entire procedure. I felt that the attention Mr Jonas gave to my case was exceptional and am so relieved that he was available for me and my daughter."
"We sought legal support in relation to an initial child protection situation and while other solicitors we had reached out to either provided a run down of legal material otherwise available online or commented that solicitor involvement would only be necessary if matters were escalated by the local authority, Jon went well beyond that and provided what we really needed and with reasonable costs, listening carefully to the situation and providing guidance on how best to approach the matter based on his significant experience. This was immensely helpful in a situation that was very stressful for us."
"I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Jon and team for the work they did in my relocation/child arrangements case. Jon’s approach is professional and diligent, but with a very human essence. He genuinely wants the best outcome for his client and the child(ren) involved. I’m truly grateful for the support he has given me throughout my litigation journey and the outcomes achieved for our case."
"Jonathan was great. He lead me through a very difficult process and I felt I was in safe and sympathetic yet pragmatic hands throughout. I felt he took all my concerns on board, listened without judgment gave clear advice and direction, was hugely reassuring and delivered a meticulously responsive service whilst minimising costs to a sensible level which is sadly all too often not the case in emotive Children Act matters. I would recommend him (and have done) without hesitation."
Jonathan's client testimonials
"Jon guided and supported us through...
"Jon guided and supported us through an incredibly difficult time in our lives. He is dedicated, kind and excellent at his job. In a time of confusion and stress, Jon was calm, dedicated and supportive. I would highly recommend him."
"My matters were dealt with by...
"My matters were dealt with by Mr Jonathan Jonas with sincerity and extreme sensitivity throughout my entire procedure. I felt that the attention Mr Jonas gave to my case was exceptional and am so relieved that he was available for me and my daughter."
"We sought legal support in relation...
"We sought legal support in relation to an initial child protection situation and while other solicitors we had reached out to either provided a run down of legal material otherwise available online or commented that solicitor involvement would only be necessary if matters were escalated by the local authority, Jon went well beyond that and provided what we really needed and with reasonable costs, listening carefully to the situation and providing guidance on how best to approach the matter based on his significant experience. This was immensely helpful in a situation that was very stressful for us."
"I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend...
"I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Jon and team for the work they did in my relocation/child arrangements case. Jon’s approach is professional and diligent, but with a very human essence. He genuinely wants the best outcome for his client and the child(ren) involved. I’m truly grateful for the support he has given me throughout my litigation journey and the outcomes achieved for our case."
"Jonathan was great. He lead me...
"Jonathan was great. He lead me through a very difficult process and I felt I was in safe and sympathetic yet pragmatic hands throughout. I felt he took all my concerns on board, listened without judgment gave clear advice and direction, was hugely reassuring and delivered a meticulously responsive service whilst minimising costs to a sensible level which is sadly all too often not the case in emotive Children Act matters. I would recommend him (and have done) without hesitation."
Family Law Accreditations
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