His case preparation is superb, as is his technical expertise.’

The Legal 500 2024, Family: Divorce and Financial Remedy

Jody is regularly instructed by both husbands and wives to advise and represent them in financial proceedings resulting from divorce. Jody regularly advises in complex cases involving trust funds, international issues, farms and family businesses.

Jody is well known for his experience in disputes over the ownership of property between unmarried cohabitants. In ‘the park bench case’ Ely v Robson [2016] EWCA Civ 774, [2017] 1 FLR 1704, Jody represented the successful party before the Court of Appeal in a long running dispute about the ownership of property. Jody is equally happy litigating under either the Family Procedure Rules (FPR) or the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) and will settle proceedings for family solicitors unfamiliar with the CPR.

Jody is renowned for his knowledge of the law concerning child maintenance and the Child Maintenance Service (CSA/CMS/CMEC), and is the author of one of the main practitioner texts on the topic. Jody has appeared on many occasions both before the First Tier and Upper Tribunal: Social Entitlement Chamber (formerly the Child Support Appeal Tribunal and the Commissioners). Jody often undertakes CSA cases on a public access basis.

Jody is a qualified mediator – see mediation CV for further details.

Directory Quotes

Jody is a very brainy and a bright character. He is hugely intelligent and good at difficult problems. He is calm and authoritative. He holds the court’s attention with his sensible approach and is equally good with clients.”

Chambers UK 2024, Family: Matrimonial Finance

Jody is a hugely intelligent junior whose advocacy is compelling.”

The Legal 500 2023, Family: Divorce and Financial Remedy

Jody practises across the whole spectrum of private family matters, often advising on ancillary relief disputes involving family trusts and overseas companies, as well as bankruptcy and insolvency issues. ‘Jody is incredibly adept at identifying the key issues in complex matrimonial matters.’ ‘He demonstrates very good knowledge on CMS issues.’ Jody is able to cut through the peripheral issues to get to the heart of the matter and put this to the client in a way in which they understand.’ “

Chambers UK 2023, Family: Matrimonial Finance

Jody is stellar in advising clients on the complexities of child maintenance matters.”

Legal 500 2022, Divorce and Financial Remedy

He is very good and to the point.”

CHAMBERS UK 2022, FAMILY/MATRIMONIAL

He delivers results and is liked by clients for his mix of great intelligence and humour.”

CHAMBERS UK 2021, FAMILY: MATRIMONIAL FINANCE

Wonderful – supportive and calm and capable and very bright. Always goes the extra mile with the client but will tell them when to stop.”

Legal 500 2021, Family & Children Law

Jody focuses his practice on matrimonial finance issues, and is skilled at taking on inheritance and probate cases. He’s very good on his feet and in cross-examination and gives to-the-point advice. He’s very knowledgeable on all aspects of family law.”

Chambers UK 2020, Family/Matrimonial
  • Qualifications & awards:

    • 2011 STEP Diploma in Trusts and Estates
    • 2005 BVC & CPE, Inns of Court School of Law
    • 2002 MA in Modern History, Distinction, University of York
    • 2001 BA (Hons.) in History, First Class, Bristol University.
      2004 Inner Temple Major Scholar (BVC)
    • 2003 Inner Temple Major Scholar (CPE)
    • 2001 George Hare Leonard Prize from Bristol University for best degree in year
  • Professional memberships:

    • Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP, Full Member)
    • Chancery Bar Association
    • Family Law Bar Association
    • Western Circuit
  • Jody Atkinson is regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) and holds a current practising certificate. If you are not satisfied with the service provided, please read here.