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’s divorce and financial remedy practice focuses on the most high-value and intractable cases. He is often instructed by solicitors when divorces involve complicating factors such as:

  • Family businesses
  • Family trusts
  • Overseas elements
  • Disputes concerning third party ownership of property (such as by parents or siblings)

Jody is also a popular choice for disputes between unmarried parties, which are generally resolved by a combination of the law of trusts, and Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989.

Jody is a national level expert on the Child Support Act 1991. He acts for both mothers and fathers and can make sense of and effectively challenge the decisions of the CMS. Unlike most family lawyers, he regularly appears in the First Tier Tribunal, and has had several successful appeals in the Upper Tribunal. He accepts public access instructions in suitable child support cases.

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

Directory Quotes

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

The Legal 500 2024, 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 a hugely intelligent junior whose advocacy is compelling.”

Legal 500 2023, Divorce & Financial Remedy

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

Legal 500 2022, Divorce & Financial Remedy

He is very good and to the point.”

CHAMBERS UK 2022, FAMILY/MATRIMONIAL

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

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

Chambers UK 2021, Family: Matrimonial Finance

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

A technical wizard when it comes to child maintenance legislation.”

Legal 500 2020, FAMILY AND CHILDREN LAW

Jody is skilled at taking on inheritance and probate cases. ‘He knows the regulations inside out.’ ‘Very efficient and very knowledgeable about trusts.’ “

Chambers UK 2019, Family/matrimonial

Very sagacious and resolute.”

Legal 500 2019, Family and children law
  • 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.