Jonathan da Costa is head of the Boys & Maughan Family Department, 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 named amongst the recommended lawyers in Chambers and Partners legal directory every year for the past nine years, including the 2025 edition, which was published in October 2024.

Chambers 2022 guide praised Jonathan for being "incredibly empathetic as well as dealing with the technicalities flawlessly". Known for the depth and quality of its research, in its 2023 edition, Chambers noted that "Jonathan is very pragmatic and a fantastic collaborative lawyer; he really wants to do what is right for the client," and continues, "Jonathan is very impressive and competent but also empathetic towards his clients.". In the 2025 edition a client is quoted saying, "At a challenging time in my life, Jonathan looked after my best interest but also understood the need to accommodate emotional considerations and how to minimise fallout from a difficult process."

Jonathan was first recognised for being a leader in his field in the UK South section of Chambers and Partners in 2016. The directory wrote: “Jonathan da Costa is particularly admired for his talent in collaborative law methods. He handles a broad range of matrimonial finance matters including those involving businesses, tax and pensions.” It added that sources say: "You know the client is in a safe pair of hands; he's an exceptional practitioner."

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.

In 2017 independent legal industry directory The Legal 500, said of Jonathan in its recommendation that he is “compassionate, intelligent and forward thinking”. The 2019 edition said, "Jonathan da Costa is a collaborative lawyer and exceptional advocate and in 2021 Jonathan was described as an "excellent lawyer". The 2023 edition enthuses that Jonathan is "highly intelligent and skilled but with the human touch." In its 2025 edition, the editors noted how Jonathan exemplifies his team's strong focus on alternative forms of dispute resolution, including his work with the Resolution Together one lawyer two clients model.

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 
• Is also 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.