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Franco-British Family Relationships: Top Tips à savoir
Claire Wood
FRENCH VERSION / VERSION FRANÇAISE
Claire is a senior family lawyer with over 18 years’ experience of advising clients on divorce or separation, financial settlements, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements and the arrangements for children.
Claire speaks French and is well known for her significant expertise in Anglo-French family law cases (those involving French nationals or French assets). Over many years, she has acted for clients with French links on all aspects of their relationships, including the financial implications of cross-border divorce, marriage contracts, Anglo- French pre and postnuptial agreements, the French Pacte Civil de Solidarité and the relocation of children to French speaking countries. Claire’s language skills and technical expertise mean she is sought after by francophone clients and French advisors. Claire regularly writes legal updates on Anglo-French family law issues.
Alongside her Anglo-French practice, Claire’s areas of expertise include the following:
- financial claims on divorce often with assets held abroad or in corporate structures;
- jurisdiction disputes, working cross border with trusted foreign lawyers and other relevant experts;
- financial claims following a foreign divorce (including pension sharing after a foreign divorce);
- wealth protection including advising on prenuptial and postnuptial agreements to protect businesses, trust interests, international assets and family wealth;
- child arrangements disputes and international relocation applications; and
- surrogacy arrangements and subsequent applications for parental orders.
Clients have confidence in Claire’s sensible and commercial approach to cases and describe her as efficient, supportive and clear in her advice.
Claire joined Kingsley Napley as a solicitor in 2008 and became a partner in the firm in 2015. Claire left for a few years to work for a niche family law firm, before returning to the firm in 2022.
professional societies and memberships and awards
- Listed as a Citywealth Leader in Family and Matrimonial
publications, press and speaking appointments
- The consequences of civil partnership laws on the French PACS and other overseas relationships - Lexis Nexis Family Law Journal, July 2024 (subscription required)
- How to select the right Family Lawyer for your divorce or separation - The Divorce and Separation Coach podcast, December 2023
