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

The Legal 500 2024, Family: Divorce and Financial Remedy

Jody is nationally known for his expertise in child support and the Child Support Act 1991. Jody has been dealing with the Child Maintenance Service, and its previous incarnations the CSA and CMEC for many years and is able to bring a level of understanding of their practices and procedures that is almost unique. As a matrimonial practitioner, Jody also can advise on the complicated interaction of the powers of the Family Court and the powers of the CMS.

Jody regularly appears before the First Tier Tribunal and the Upper Tribunal in child support cases. Jody represents both paying parties (non resident parents) and receiving parents (persons with care). He is the author of the section on child support in a leading text book.

He is often instructed by solicitors faced with difficult child support situations, and in appropriate cases can also be instructed directly by clients through the public access scheme.

Jody is a member of the Divorce & Financial Remedy and the Wills, Trusts teams at St John’s Chambers.

He is described in the leading directory, Chambers UK, as ‘a very bright guy of singular ability with a massive intellect’.

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

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

The Legal 500 2024, Family: Divorce and Financial Remedy

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

The Legal 500 2023, Divorce & 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 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

Focuses his practice on matrimonial finance issues. He often appears in divorce proceedings involving family trusts. He is also active in matters related to child support. ‘He knows the regulations inside out.’ “

Chambers UK 2019, Family/Matrimonial

Jody focuses his practice on matrimonial finance issues, and is skilled at taking on inheritance and probate cases. ‘Very switched-on – an excellent barrister who is very good in court and excellent with the client.’ ‘Gives clients honest and direct advice. Steers clients firmly away from bad decision-making at a time when their judgment is often clouded. A great advocate.’ “

Chambers UK 2018, Family/Matrimonial

Jody focuses his practice on matrimonial finance issues, and is skilled at taking on inheritance and probate cases. Also active in matters related to child support. ‘Brilliant, bright, very good on child support agency work.’ ‘Very knowledgeable’.”

Chambers UK 2017, 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.