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Claire Withers
Partner
Family Law
Accolades
Expertise
Claire has more than twenty years’ experience as a Family Lawyer, with a strong reputation in the Yorkshire area. Combining strength and compassion to resolve cases swiftly and amicably, she is known for being sensible and pragmatic with a robust approach to court proceedings if needed.
Claire has built up a network of professional trusted advisers over the years which means she is always able to put together the right team to achieve the best possible outcome.
Claire has particular expertise advising clients on the financial issues arising on relationship breakdown including: financial settlements; maintenance; pre-acquired and post-separation assets; pre and post-nuptial agreements; cohabitation and separation agreements; and financial claims for children.
Claire is listed as a Leading Lawyer by Wiselaw.
Claire Advises
Claire regularly advises on: —
- Divorce and separation
- Complex and high value cases acting for business owners and senior professionals: advising on financial settlements including farming assets, land, pensions, and business structures
- Wealth protection including Pre and Post Nuptial Agreements: separation and cohabitation agreements
- Cohabitee and Property disputes and associated civil proceedings
- Private children disputes including relocation, international cases and allegations of abuse
- Injunctions: personal and financial
Experience Highlights
- Advising a wife who was pursuing a claim against a property portfolio and complex structure of business assets that were held in the husband’s sole name, including an application for a legal services order and complicated by issues relating to the husband’s capacity.
- Advising the owner of a family accountancy practice and successfully negotiating a financial settlement to protect pre-marital and family assets.
- Advising clients in relation to complex pre-nuptial agreements to protect their inherited wealth, pre-marital assets, and property portfolio.
- Advising a senior professional in respect of divorce and financial proceedings against a husband based in Turkey, involving foreign service and protection of pre-marital wealth.
- Advising a father opposing the mother’s application for leave to move their child to Singapore, involving High Court proceedings to determine the child’s habitual residence and liaising with the passport, Home Office and cross-border authorities to obtain a Passport Order.
- Representing a father to issue an emergency application against mother for wrongful retention of their child in America and successfully obtaining High Court Order for child’s return, and successfully opposing application by mother that the child’s habitual residence had changed. Case involved psychological assessments and allegations of parental alienation.
- Advising a mother in respect of Schedule 1 Agreement relating to financial provision for the parties’ children against father with substantial assets of approx. 15M, and which included a non-disclosure agreement.
- Acting on behalf of Defendant whose former partner issued a claim for a beneficial interest in her property and café business. Successfully defended the claim which was dismissed following a trial in the Chancery Court and involved assets and witness evidence from the Ukraine.
- Advice relating to a Post-Nuptial Agreement for an Entrepreneur with wealth in excess of 200M.
Career History
Previous Law firms
- Andrew Jacksons, Hull (1996–2017)
- Stowe Family Law, Beverley (2017–20)
- Langleys, York, (acquired by Knights) (2020–22)
- Knights, York (2022–23)
Memberships
- Fellow of Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (FCilex)
- Member of Resolution
- Treasurer for Hull and East Yorkshire Resolution (2011–17)
- Member of Leeds and West Yorkshire Resolution Committee
- Member of Women in Business Hull
Nominated for Chartered Legal Executive of the Year by Lexis Nexis Family awards in 2021.
Expertise
Back to top
Claire has more than twenty years’ experience as a Family Lawyer, with a strong reputation in the Yorkshire area. Combining strength and compassion to resolve cases swiftly and amicably, she is known for being sensible and pragmatic with a robust approach to court proceedings if needed.
Claire has built up a network of professional trusted advisers over the years which means she is always able to put together the right team to achieve the best possible outcome.
Claire has particular expertise advising clients on the financial issues arising on relationship breakdown including: financial settlements; maintenance; pre-acquired and post-separation assets; pre and post-nuptial agreements; cohabitation and separation agreements; and financial claims for children.
Claire is listed as a Leading Lawyer by Wiselaw.
Claire Advises
Back to top
Claire regularly advises on: —
- Divorce and separation
- Complex and high value cases acting for business owners and senior professionals: advising on financial settlements including farming assets, land, pensions, and business structures
- Wealth protection including Pre and Post Nuptial Agreements: separation and cohabitation agreements
- Cohabitee and Property disputes and associated civil proceedings
- Private children disputes including relocation, international cases and allegations of abuse
- Injunctions: personal and financial
Experience Highlights
Back to top
- Advising a wife who was pursuing a claim against a property portfolio and complex structure of business assets that were held in the husband’s sole name, including an application for a legal services order and complicated by issues relating to the husband’s capacity.
- Advising the owner of a family accountancy practice and successfully negotiating a financial settlement to protect pre-marital and family assets.
- Advising clients in relation to complex pre-nuptial agreements to protect their inherited wealth, pre-marital assets, and property portfolio.
- Advising a senior professional in respect of divorce and financial proceedings against a husband based in Turkey, involving foreign service and protection of pre-marital wealth.
- Advising a father opposing the mother’s application for leave to move their child to Singapore, involving High Court proceedings to determine the child’s habitual residence and liaising with the passport, Home Office and cross-border authorities to obtain a Passport Order.
- Representing a father to issue an emergency application against mother for wrongful retention of their child in America and successfully obtaining High Court Order for child’s return, and successfully opposing application by mother that the child’s habitual residence had changed. Case involved psychological assessments and allegations of parental alienation.
- Advising a mother in respect of Schedule 1 Agreement relating to financial provision for the parties’ children against father with substantial assets of approx. 15M, and which included a non-disclosure agreement.
- Acting on behalf of Defendant whose former partner issued a claim for a beneficial interest in her property and café business. Successfully defended the claim which was dismissed following a trial in the Chancery Court and involved assets and witness evidence from the Ukraine.
- Advice relating to a Post-Nuptial Agreement for an Entrepreneur with wealth in excess of 200M.
Career History
Back to top
Previous Law firms
- Andrew Jacksons, Hull (1996–2017)
- Stowe Family Law, Beverley (2017–20)
- Langleys, York, (acquired by Knights) (2020–22)
- Knights, York (2022–23)
Memberships
- Fellow of Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (FCilex)
- Member of Resolution
- Treasurer for Hull and East Yorkshire Resolution (2011–17)
- Member of Leeds and West Yorkshire Resolution Committee
- Member of Women in Business Hull
Nominated for Chartered Legal Executive of the Year by Lexis Nexis Family awards in 2021.
Testimonials
“Professional, approachable, personable, helpful and reassuring”
Legal 500 2022
"Claire has been brilliant for the first day in her office when I was in a haze, through to negotiations and court proceedings. She never let me get dragged into arguments, she focused on what was important which saved me time, money and my own sanity. Claire will also speak up if she thinks you need to focus or reassess. I can’t recommend her highly enough."
Ms C
"Claire ensures that that the initial advice assists in establishing reasonable expectations. She seeks to avoid a scenario where the client is surprised in court when results occur that they were not warned might happen. She is honest with clients about the strengths and weaknesses of their case – she does so with empathy but does now allow this to cloud her objectivity. The effect of this is that clients feel comfortable with her, can question, safe in the knowledge they will receive honest and objective answers. She is not a lawyer who just tells clients what they want to hear – rather appreciating that this is not helpful and can be disastrous.
She also understands that an early, balanced, and realistic assessment of the case will help identify the issues early on and permit of efficient time management – thereby preventing an unnecessary escalation of cost. My experience of working with Claire suggests that she ever mindful of costs and never loses sight of the fact that her client is paying for the process – their money should be spent wisely.
I have spoken to others who have been instructed by Claire. We are all of the same mind – her instructions are some of the best we receive - clear, thorough but succinct. "
Client Feedback
"I highly recommend Claire as an exceptional family lawyer. Having collaborated with her for many years, it’s clear she has profound compassion and dedication to individuals navigating major life changes. Working for a firm of Independent Financial Advisers, I trust Claire implicitly and have no hesitation in referring clients to her. Beyond her professional acumen, Claire's down-to-earth and amiable nature makes her a joy to work with. "
Client Feedback
“Claire took over a particularly sensitive claim and made a significant impact on the matter and things soon started to progress. Guiding us through some difficult negotiations I found her to be understanding, supportive and professional at all times explaining technicalities in a way that was easy to understand.”
Client Feedback
“I was recommended to Claire by a partner in a professional practice and she exceeded her recommendation. Claire always made me take a moment to consider my decisions to make sure I made the right choice that was best for me. It was like having someone holding your hand throughout a time when you need reassurance the most.”
Client Feedback
“I was incredibly happy and satisfied with the way my case was handled and would highly recommend Claire’s services. Without her my case would have no doubt been radically different and she helped me to secure a financial future for my family which otherwise would have been impossible.”
Client Feedback
“I found Claire to be very professional, efficient and the advice provided was excellent. I felt very comfortable discussing personal matters and Claire was excellent, her communication with the other party was assertive and very professional and despite the challenges of the coronavirus the service and communication was faultless.”
Client Feedback
“Claire provided an excellent, first-class service at all times and I would have absolutely no hesitation recommending to anybody who wants a friendly, accurate and efficient service.”
Client Feedback
“Claire provided a comprehensive and professional service and was both accessible and approachable, ensuring any issues were speedily resolved. She also ensured I had a complete and holistic understanding of each step and this instilled reassurance in me from the very outset. A credit to the profession.”
Client Feedback
“Claire came highly recommended and lived up to her reputation, providing me with the support and professionalism I needed during a very difficult period. I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone going through a divorce. Her calm, efficient approach was invaluable during a process where emotions can be overwhelming.”
Client Feedback
“Claire was recommended to me by my employer. There were complicated finances and she was empathetic yet also very efficient in communications and actions. Claire used the best people when needed from mediators, accountants and valuers. When the case went to Court I came away with a settlement I had not thought possible.”
Client Feedback
"Claire was a wonderful family solicitor and I’m not sure how I would have got through my divorce without her. From the very start, she focused on what really mattered to me. She was able to both keep a close eye on the finer detail and also held a bigger-picture view on what would be best for me overall in the divorce process. She was always careful to advise me where I could save money on solicitor’s fees and I had the sense that she genuinely cared that I didn’t waste money where it wasn’t necessary. As well as being kind and thoughtful, she was very on-the-ball and her legal expertise was excellent . She was quick to respond too any queries or legal issues that came up, and I was always impressed with the speed and quality of her letter writing. I would highly recommend Claire to anyone needing legal help with family issues."
Client Feedback
"Claire gave me a much better understanding of the financial arrangement, how to start the on-line divorce application and mediation, when I was feeling at my most stressed and emotional. There were aspects that I had not thought about that she brought to my attention with empathy and professionalism. I would highly recommend Claire and gunnercooke to anyone seeking advice on divorce - where to start and looking at this from an outside perspective. I am truly grateful for her knowledge and the way she made me feel at ease."
Client Feedback
"Claire came to me highly recommended locally for an initial consultation regarding divorce and financial settlement. The advice and knowledge she gave me was incredibly helpful. She listened, understood and helped put my mind at ease. These were difficult conversations and things that I maybe 'didn't want to hear' but I took everything she said on board. She is highly knowledgeable, friendly and professional. I would recommend Claire to anyone going through/seeking advice on a divorce. Thank you."
Client Feedback