JMW Solicitors

After losing my son to mental health struggles and, one year later, losing my wife through the heartbreak of losing our son, I found myself in a position I never expected to be in. I started looking for advice and support about gaining access to my granddaughter. After speaking to a few solicitors, I came across Jenny, a Partner at JMW. From our first conversation over the phone, I found her extremely professional, understanding and comforting. We arranged a one-to-one meeting in Manchester, as I personally find face-to-face meetings much more reassuring than meetings over the internet, and Jenny completely understood that. What I expected to be a one-hour meeting turned into around two and a half hours. Amélie, Jenny's assistant, took notes throughout, and Jenny explained that my circumstances were quite unique and not something they had dealt with before. From that first meeting, I immediately clicked with both Jenny and Amélie. Amélie became my go-to person throughout the process. She was always there to answer my questions and, particularly during court hearings, helped me understand what was happening and what I needed to do. Jenny had originally warned me that cases like this could take one to two years, so although the approximately eight months from start to finish still felt like a very long time when all you want is to see your loved one, it was considerably quicker than I had feared. Jenny also instructed an amazing barrister, Kate. Once again, I immediately felt that I was in safe hands. Kate was incredibly supportive, professional and understanding throughout. At that point, I felt I had a team of highly professional women representing me, and I honestly believe that was exactly what my late wife and son would have wanted. After two court hearings, I finally gained access to my beautiful granddaughters. I appreciate that money is always a consideration when looking for professional support. Personally, I have always believed that you get what you pay for, and to me, my granddaughters are priceless. What stood out most throughout the whole experience was the personal care. Jenny, Amélie and Kate answered all of my questions, helped calm me when things became overwhelming, and encouraged me to think rationally during what was an incredibly difficult and emotional period, particularly in light of the allegations that were being made. One small thing that meant a great deal to me was when they asked me to provide photographs for when I first met my granddaughters. It may seem like a small detail, but to me it showed that they understood the personal and emotional importance of what I was going through. It wasn't simply a case to them. I would have no hesitation in recommending Jenny, Amélie and the team at JMW to anyone facing a situation like mine. They gave me professional guidance when I needed it most, but just as importantly, they treated me as a person rather than simply another case. I will always be grateful to them for helping me get back into my granddaughters' lives.

Ellena and Katie at JMW expertly guided me through a very difficult process in a very complicated situation to achieve a positive result. I would have no hesitation in recommending them and the whole JMW team

I instructed JMW to represent me in my divorce after they came highly recommended, and I am incredibly grateful that I did. Amy Smethurst handled the day-to-day management of my case, and she was outstanding throughout. Divorce is an emotionally and financially challenging experience, but Amy helped reduce much of that strain by guiding me through every stage of the process with compassion, professionalism and practical advice. She kept me fully informed about what to expect, explained matters clearly, and ensured I understood the financial implications of each step so that I could plan and manage my finances effectively. One of the things I appreciated most was Amy's communication. She was exceptionally responsive, providing timely updates, regular follow-ups, and quick answers to any questions or concerns I had. I never felt left wondering what was happening with my case, and her proactive approach gave me confidence and reassurance throughout what was often a stressful and uncertain process. Amy was approachable, supportive and empathetic, while also being honest and direct when difficult decisions needed to be made. She helped me navigate potentially challenging situations, manage my emotions, and remain focused on achieving the best possible outcome. Jenny Arnold provided strategic guidance throughout the case and worked seamlessly with Amy. Together they formed an exceptional team. Both demonstrated the highest levels of integrity, professionalism and care, and I always felt confident that they had my best interests at heart. Their approach was not only legally astute but also practical and cost-conscious, ensuring that every decision was focused on achieving the best result for me. The outcome achieved exceeded my expectations, and I genuinely believe that was down to their expertise, judgement and unwavering commitment. Thanks to Amy and Jenny, I now have the freedom and security to build a future for myself, and I am loving this next chapter of my life. I would wholeheartedly recommend Amy Smethurst, Jenny Arnold and the wider JMW Family Law Team to anyone requiring family law advice. Their expertise, communication, responsiveness and genuine client care are truly exceptional. Thank you both for helping me through one of the most difficult periods of my life.

My divorce concluded after 2 year and Keira Hand at JMW moved this forward in a very positive way. Her and the company communicated with me very well during the whole process and made sure I was prepared every step of the way. They also hired a very good Barrister to represent me at the FDR who made the other side look like amateurs. This experience really highlighted, “you get what you pay for”. I would highly recommend JMW to anyone getting divorced as they really know your stuff and keep you very well informed. They also didn't come across as money grabbing solicitors which I felt the other side was. Keira always advised me to try and conclude the process as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Avoid Mark Sutton at JMW Solicitors Manchester if you want a complex or time-sensitive clinical negligence enquiry handled properly. After I sent detailed corrections to JMW’s original assessment in January 2025, Mark Sutton told me they would “be in touch again soon”. When nothing substantive followed, I had to chase again in March, only to be told to “bear with us”. In reality, the matter then drifted for months without meaningful progress, until I had to raise limitation concerns myself in October. Mark Sutton gave no clear guidance on what evidence or expert route might realistically strengthen the case. Instead, the reasons for refusal seemed to expand over time. The reasoning was also inconsistent. JMW said it would be inappropriate to approach my treating doctors because any opinion would need to come from an independent expert, yet later correspondence still relied on a treating doctor’s note when it supported a point against my case. Even after I obtained additional documentary evidence that I believed materially strengthened the case, Mark Sutton still declined the matter. I later made a formal complaint. JMW admitted there had been a delay, but still gave no proper explanation for why the matter had been left to drift from March to October 2025 without meaningful progress. They also tried to minimise the complaint by saying their complaints process is usually reserved for clients, despite the fact that I had been referred to them through insurer-funded legal assistance. Overall, I was left with the clear view that Mark Sutton and JMW Solicitors Manchester did not handle this matter with the diligence, clarity or consistency I would expect.

Very very professional service from Alisha, Brad & the Team at JMW & PRODD, I’ll be back for more….

I work in the property industry and deal with hundreds of different Solicitors each & every year on behalf of my Clients and I will only ever use JMW going forward. Joseph Goodier & Charlie Bellamy helped me complete within a tight deadline and were always responsive and helpful, this service is head and shoulders above all other solicitors I have worked with in the past. Thank you both

Outstanding service from James Duggan. After struggling with free legals for 6 months for a remortgage, switched solicitors to JMW and James completed within a week. Highly recommend

Was working with Alex from the JMW team to remortgage my home. They were brilliant. Addressed all issues in a timely manner. And took the headache away from me. Can’t thank them enough. Will definitely use them again. Thx Marcus

Great experience with JMW, completed us quickly after our delays had been sorted, Gregory & Isobel were very helpful. Thank you very much!