Jonathan da Costa

Practice Areas

Family law leadership and practice across divorce and separation, complex financial settlements, children matters, resolution together and collaborative law. Jonathan also provides private Financial Dispute Resolution services as a non-court route to settlement and, where required, conducts litigation in formal court proceedings.

Career

Jonathan joined Boys & Maughan in 1990, qualified as a solicitor in 1998, became a partner in 1999, and an equity partner in 2012. He is Head of the Family Department and leads a well-regarded team spanning Margate and Canterbury. Over more than three decades with the firm, he has helped shape its non-confrontational, client-centred approach to family law.

-John Cornwell Award nominee (2015), recognising lasting results for separating families through a non-confrontational approach

- Chambers and Partners: recommended every year since 2016

- The Legal 500: consistently recognised as a Recommended Lawyer

- Listed as a Leading Lawyer by Wiselaw

Professional Memberships

- The Law Society Family Law Accreditation Scheme

- Resolution Accredited Specialist

- Member of Around The Table, a multidisciplinary network of solicitors, mediators, independent financial advisers, accountants, and counsellors

Publications

- Featured in a national Law Society film highlighting best practice in divorce and separation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IuqpY7lvPo

- Video discussion on the Resolution Together one lawyer two clients model https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRv3MYAdQvw&t=4s

- Contributor to Boys & Maughan’s divorce, dissolution, and separation guidance for the public

Personal

Jonathan is known for calm authority and a practical, empathetic manner. Outside work he enjoys time with his family and children. You can contact Jonathan on 01843 269341.

Industry Sector Expertise

Advising individuals and families where finances are interlinked with businesses, property portfolios, pensions, investments, and tax considerations. Regular collaboration with valuers, accountants, and actuaries to achieve accurate disclosure and durable outcomes.

Clients

Individuals and couples seeking clear, steady guidance through separation and divorce, including higher net worth clients with business interests, multiple properties, pensions, and investments. Clients value Jonathan da Costa's combination of technical strength, empathy, and focus on future-proof agreements.

Work Highlights

- Guiding separating couples through the collaborative process to reach whole-agreement settlements without court

- Acting as a private Financial Dispute Resolution judge to help parties narrow issues and settle efficiently

- Representing clients in complex financial cases requiring business valuations, pension on divorce expertise, and tax-aware structuring

- Running the Resolution Together model for suitable couples who wish to instruct a single lawyer

- Conducting litigation proportionately where court determination is necessary

Expert in these Jurisdictions

England and Wales

Languages Spoken

English

Experience

Jonathan:

- Advises on every aspect of marriage and relationship breakdown from first conversation to final agreement

- Promotes a non-confrontational, problem-solving approach designed to preserve family relationships where possible

- Is a trained collaborative practitioner

- Offers a Resolution Together single solicitor service for suitable cases

- Provides private Financial Dispute Resolution as a non-court route to settlement

- Acts in formal court proceedings when required

- Takes time to understand personal goals and risks, then explains clear options for building a secure future

Qualified as a solicitor in 1998 following legal training with Boys & Maughan.