We are delighted by this recognition. It reflects the deliberate decision we made when launching the firm in 2014 to base Paradigm in York.
York is a strong legal centre with excellent court access and professional networks. It allows us to deliver high-level family law advice without being tied to a London-only model.
Recognition as One of the Top Divorce Solicitors in York
In 2026, Paradigm Family Law LLP was named one of the Top 3 Family Law Solicitors in York by ThreeBestRated®.
Above all, ThreeBestRated is an independent ranking body. It assesses law firms against detailed criteria, including legal expertise, client reviews, reputation, responsiveness, and trust. Firms cannot apply for inclusion, cannot pay for placement, and are reviewed on an ongoing basis.
This recognition matters to us because it reflects how our work is experienced by clients in practice. Our clear advice, consistent standards, and careful handling of complex and sensitive matters are key.
Experience Built Over Time
Frank Arndt, founding partner, has over 25 years’ experience in family law and lives in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. Previously, Frank built and led the international family law practice at Stowe Family Law, handling complex cross-border and high-value cases.
As Frank explains:
“When we launched Paradigm in 2014, the aim was to build a firm that combined depth of expertise with clarity. Clients don’t need a law firm with a London postcode to receive exceptional family law advice. What they need is experience, judgment, and a clear understanding of likely outcomes.”
Full-Service Family Law
From our York head office, with offices in Manchester, Birmingham and London, our practice covers the breadth of modern family law.
Clients come to us at moments of uncertainty, facing decisions that shapen their finances, family life, and future security. We act in divorce and separation cases, guide clients through financial remedy proceedings at every stage. Accordingly, we advise on complex asset division for high-net-worth families.
Our work regularly involves children matters, including relocation and safeguarding. We deal with farming and rural disputes where homes, businesses, and livelihoods are closely intertwined.
In particular, Frank Arndt is recognised for his work with international cases, including child abduction and cross-border jurisdictional issues.
Our team provide clear, strategic guidance on pre and post-nuptial agreements, cohabitation disputes, and protective injunctions. We also advise on LGBTQ+ family law, private FDRs, and other forms of alternative dispute resolution.
We work closely with leading barristers from top-ranked chambers to ensure clients receive rigorous, strategic advice at every stage.
Farming and Rural Family Matters
Farming and rural family cases require a particular understanding of how land, businesses, and family life intersect. Decisions often have consequences that extend well beyond the immediate separation.
Evelyn Peacock, Partner and Legal Director, brings particular insight to this work. Coming from a farming background, Evelyn has a deep, practical understanding of the devastating effect divorce can have on farming families. These cases demand careful planning, technical skill, and sensitivity to long-term outcomes.
Evelyn reflects:
“Farming families don’t see land or livestock as assets on a spreadsheet — they are part of a way of life that often spans generations. Spending time with my horses outside York keeps me grounded in that reality. When families face separation, my focus is always on protecting what matters long-term, not just what looks right on paper.”
Fixed-Fee Divorce Lawyers
Paradigm was among the early adopters of fixed-fee family law, including for complex financial remedy cases and contested children proceedings.
Our fixed-fee approach removes uncertainty around costs. Consequently, this reduces conflict escalation, and allows clients to make informed decisions from the outset. It reflects our focus on proportionality, transparency, and outcomes.
Modern Approaches to Resolving Family Disputes
We are active contributors to the development of non-adversarial family law.
In 2025, we co-founded whatwouldajudgesay.com, in response to the reality that, in almost every divorce, the biggest source of conflict is finance.
People are not usually asking legal questions first — they are asking practical ones:
Can I afford to get divorced? What will happen to the family home? What does my life actually look like afterwards?
This award-winning new service allows clients to step outside the traditional divorce process by obtaining a fresh, independent view of their financial position. Within six weeks, and for a fixed fee, a named family law judge provides a written assessment of how finances should be divided.
Many clients have found this clarity invaluable by using it as a practical roadmap to negotiate, make decisions, and reach agreement with confidence. This means without the delay, cost, and strain of contested proceedings.
Divorce Solicitors You Can Trust
Paradigm Family Law LLP advises clients who want clear, experienced guidance through divorce and separation, without unnecessary escalation or uncertainty.
For those looking for recognised, experienced divorce lawyers in York, our focus is simple: careful advice, realistic outcomes, and a professional service that puts clients in control.
Related reading
If you are thinking about your position and want to explore some of the issues raised in this article in more depth, the following may be helpful.
Fair Shares – What is the Financial Reality of an Everyday Divorce?
A practical look at how finances are typically divided on divorce and what a realistic outcome often looks like for ordinary families.
Balancing Needs in a Difficult Financial Settlement on Divorce
Explores how the court weighs housing, income and needs when money is tight, and why outcomes are often driven by practicality rather than fairness in theory.
New Year, New Beginnings: The January Divorce Myth
Challenges the idea of “Divorce Day” and explains why January is more about clarity and reflection than sudden decision-making.
Guide to starting the Divorce Process
Sets out the stages of the process so you understand what happens when, without unnecessary legal jargon.
Guide to Parenting & Divorce
This guide focuses on helping children feel secure during divorce by prioritising routine, reducing conflict and keeping communication calm and clear. It also shares practical tools for co-parenting and ways to support children emotionally.
