Jonathan da Costa

Jonathan da Costa is head of the Boys & Maughan Family Department, and a member of the Law Society Family Law accreditation scheme and a Resolution Accredited Specialist. You can call Jonathan on 01843 269341. 

There has been a positive trend in increased interest in separating couples using the collaborative process in recent years. If you would like to read about collaborative see our divorce, dissolution and separation guide. 

Jonathan has been recognised by Chambers and Partners as one of the leading family lawyers in the South of England for 10 consecutive years. Chambers UK Legal Guide 2026 describes him as “a collaborative lawyer who has experience in a range of family law matters” and notes that he “is often instructed on complex financial remedy and TOLATA proceedings.” Referees were emphatic in their praise, saying, “The advice Jonathan provides is always absolutely on the nose, even when cases are complex. He is a pleasure to work with.” Another commented, “Jonathan da Costa is an exceptional lawyer,” while a third said, “His collaborative approach comes across in every way he works. He’s very good at taking the heat and emotions out of wider issues and is an incredibly empathetic and compassionate lawyer.”

Jonathan was nominated for the John Cornwell Award in the spring of 2015. This highly prestigious national award recognises ‘unsung heroes’ who have gone the extra mile in their work and delivered lasting results for separating families through a non-confrontational approach.

Jonathan da Costa has also been consistently recognised in The Legal 500 as a Recommended Lawyer in family law. Over the years, the editors and referees have praised his qualities in striking terms, describing him as “compassionate, intelligent and forward thinking”, “a collaborative lawyer and exceptional advocate”, and “highly intelligent and skilled but with the human touch.” The 2026 edition notes his leadership and excellent judgment, highlighting his extensive experience in collaborative law and his pioneering work with the innovative Resolution Together one lawyer two clients model. His team, based across Margate and Canterbury, is commended as “highly experienced, capable and very well led”, advising on complex financial disputes, asset divisions and Children Act proceedings.

Jonathan is also listed as a Leading Lawyer by Wiselaw. Jonathan:

• Advises on all aspects of marriage and relationship breakdown
• Promotes a non-confrontational approach to family problems
• Is a trained collaborative practitioner 
• Can provide a Resolution Together single solicitor divorce service
• Also offers a private Financial Dispute Resolution (Private FDR) non-court-based service designed to help resolve family finance disputes efficiently
• Is additionally a litigator so can, if you wish, represent you in formal court proceedings
• Will take time to understand your circumstances and explain how he can help you build for the future.

Jonathan has a particular specialism in financial issues and regularly advises higher net worth clients on their business interests, tax issues, investments, property and pensions in the context of divorce and separation which often involves working with a valuer, accountant or actuary.

The Law Society selected Jonathan for a national advertising campaign, highlighting our best practice approach to divorce and separation. Click on the link below to see the three minute film that was made about Jonathan and one of his clients using the collaborative process.

Resolution Together is a relatively new approach to divorce and separation. It involves the couple appointing one lawyer between them. In the video below Jonathan discusses how Resolution Together is benefiting an increasing number of couples. 

Often legal advice is just one area where our clients need support so Jonathan is also a member of Around The Table, a united group of solicitors, mediators, independent financial advisers, accountants and counsellors dedicated to helping people resolve their family problems. You can also find a listing for Around The Table on the Resolution website.

Jonathan joined Boys & Maughan in 1990 and was admitted as a solicitor in 1998. He became a partner in 1999 and an equity partner in 2012. Outside of the office and courtroom Jonathan enjoys spending time with his family and children.