Clare Wiseman

Practice Areas

With more than 30 years at the forefront of family law, I’m a Partner and Head of Family Law at Irwin Mitchell, leading one of the UK's largest and most respected family law teams. I am considered to be one of the UK’s leading divorce and international family lawyers outside London.

I’m responsible for the firm's national and international family offering, being one of a very few English Fellows of the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL) based outside of London. I am trusted globally in complex cross border disputes, which include multi-jurisdictional finances, international relocation, child abduction, and intricate global wealth structures.

I’m recognised as a leader in my field by independent legal guides, including Chambers and Partners, which lists me as a Leading Individual in the South, describing me as "empathetic… extremely good at understanding what clients need" and "great and very sensible".

After nearly three decades practicing in the Midlands, I am now based in Irwin Mitchell's South Coast offices, covering Chichester, Southampton, Brighton and Gatwick but frequently travel to and work in London.

As a longstanding member of Reunite, the UK's leading child abduction charity, I’m often instructed in matters involving the most sensitive aspects of international children law.  I have dealt with cases in every continent of the globe.

When needed, I offer fierce representation, but my approach is always based on precision, judgement and a deep understanding of the commercial issues that need to be considered in family law cases.

I’m also recognised for my commitment to constructive, non-court solutions. As a qualified collaborative lawyer, I am known for combining strategic clarity with empathy and support for clients, a rare blend that has earned me the confidence of many high net-worth entrepreneurs and clients in the public eye. My ability to deliver calm, decisive guidance in high pressure situations is repeatedly cited as a hallmark of my practice.  I often conduct my own round-table meetings, negotiating fair and substantial settlements.

Aside from my client work, I’m an active voice in shaping the future of family law through the Centre for Child and Family Law Reform Committee. I also speak at various events on the subject of family law.