“Clare Wiseman is a leading authority in international family law, combining decades of experience with a strategic and measured approach to complex cross-border disputes. Her ability to navigate high-value financial matters and sensitive children cases makes her a trusted adviser to clients worldwide.”

Fantastic Lawyers® Editorial 2026

Clare Wiseman is a Partner and Head of Family Law at Irwin Mitchell, with over 30 years’ experience advising clients on complex family law matters. She specialises in international family law, acting for clients across the UK and globally on high-value financial disputes and sensitive children cases.

What Clare Wiseman does

Clare advises individuals and families on a wide range of family law matters, with particular expertise in:

• International divorce and cross-border financial disputes
• Child abduction and international relocation cases
• High net worth and complex financial settlements
• Pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements
• Inter-generational wealth protection
• Private children law and custody arrangements

She leads the firm’s international family law team, regularly handling cases involving multiple jurisdictions, complex tax considerations and global asset structures.

Why she stands out

Clare is known for combining deep technical expertise with a calm, pragmatic and strategic approach. She is able to simplify highly complex legal issues, giving clients clear, confident guidance at every stage.

Equally comfortable in collaborative negotiations or robust litigation, she tailors her approach to each case, always focused on achieving the best possible outcome for her clients.

Trust markers

• Head of International Family Law team at Irwin Mitchell
• Over 30 years’ experience in family law
• Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers
• Member of Resolution and Reunite (child abduction charity)
• Peer-nominated for Private Client Global Elite Directory 2025
• Ranked in Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 as a Leading Individual

Notable experience

Clare has acted in significant and complex family law cases, including:

• Brack v Brack [2018] EWCA Civ 2862 – a leading case involving international pre-nuptial agreements and financial matters
• DB v PB [2016] EWHC 3431 (Fam)

She is also frequently instructed as an expert in international family law matters by foreign courts.

Client feedback

“Clare has huge experience and credibility with high net worth clients.” – Legal 500

“She is absolutely superb.” – Chambers & Partners

“Calm, compassionate, professional and incredibly strategic.” – Client testimonial

“Clients know they are in the safest and strongest of hands.” – Legal 500

Client approach

Clare is dedicated to providing a supportive and strategic service, combining legal expertise with genuine care for her clients. She understands the emotional and financial pressures involved in family disputes and works to guide clients through these challenges with clarity and confidence.

Her approach is always tailored, ensuring each client receives practical, straightforward advice aligned with their personal and financial goals.

Background

Clare joined Irwin Mitchell as a Partner in 2015 and has built a formidable reputation as a leader in family law, particularly in international and high-value matters.