Claire Schneck

Claire has been the head of the family law team since 2008. She graduated from the University of Westminster with a 2:1 LLB Honours degree and a distinction on the legal practice course. She qualified as a solicitor in 2000 working in the family law department, becoming a partner in 2005.

Claire is named in the Chambers Directory 2018 ( a leading guide to the UK legal profession) as a leading individual in Kent for Family law. She is a past president of the Bromley & District Law Society and is registered on the Law Society Press List as an expert in family law. Claire has been referred to as a 'Noteworthy Individual' in the prestigious Legal 500 and has written an article for the Family Law Journal. Claire also appeared live on Channel 4 News, BBC News 24, Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio Kent and Legal TV to discuss the issues surrounding cohabitants rights and other family law issues. She regularly writes articles for local publications and has previously contributed to a monthly Family Law page for Woman magazine.

In her spare time, Claire enjoys travel, live music and spending time with her family.

Expertise

Divorce
Financial claims
Matters relating to children
Cohabitee disputes
Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act (TOLATA)

Highlights

In the landmark case of Oxley v Hiscock in 2004, Claire acted for Elayne Oxley, the cohabitee who was awarded 40% of the house she had shared with her partner despite having paid only 22% of its original purchase price and never having contributed to the mortgage repayments. The case clarified the legal position that once a beneficial interest has been established, the Court may award whatever it considers to be a fair share of the property to each party, taking into account the whole course of dealings between the parties. This led to Claire appearing on a live debate for Channel 4 News and being quoted in several national publications..

Claim to fame

"Appeared on Channel 4 News for a live debate with a Barrister to discuss the rights of cohabitees."

Testimonials

Department head Claire Schneck maintains an impressive practice in divorce and financial settlement matters. One client appreciates her "keen ability to ensure the outcome is as financially fair as possible" and was confident that she "listened carefully and with compassion to what I had to say initially, and gave me excellent and clear advice." Chambers & Partners 2017

"My divorce proved to be the most emotional, unsettling and testing time I have ever experienced. CWJ provided the professional advice and support to steer me through this difficult time." Client in 2016

Department head Claire Schneck excels in financial remedy issues concerning cross-border jurisdictions and in children matters. A satisfied client asserts: "Claire was impressive from the word go. She never lost her cool, she always remained composed, and she shot back with very calm and to-the-point responses. Claire always supported me to stand firm and her advice was spot on." Chambers & Partners 2016

Clients say that Claire Schneck "is very knowledgeable, but also has a caring attitude and isn't just about the facts. She has my best interests at heart and can give me detailed and inclusive advice." She is commended for her experience across diverse areas such as cohabitation disputes, children-related work and divorce. Chambers & Partners 2015

Head of family law Claire Schneck demonstrates strengths across the board, with considerable expertise in complex financial remedy disputes, TOLATA cases and children law matters. Sources note that "she's very incisive and forward-thinking." Chambers & Partners 2014

"Claire was a pleasure to deal with and her knowledgeable advice on the subject was invaluable. She is very professional, kind and direct and clearly knows how to achieve results. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her services."

"Thank you so much for the way you have dealt with us through this excruciating painful experience. Your compassionate assistance has been reassuring to say the least even when there have been times that you have told us things we didn’t want to hear. We have always known your advice to be truthful and in our best interests."

"I would like to take this opportunity, Claire, to thank you for your fantastic work and approach in dealing with me and you have made the whole experience a lot easier to bare and I will definitely be recommending your services."

"Many thanks for all of the work and advice given to my daughter over the last few months. It made a world of difference to her and paved the way for her to understand what she was setting out to do. Many thanks for your work and expertise."

"Thanks for your help and advice over the past year. You and your team have been very friendly and efficient, it has certainly helped make a difficult time a bit easier. I will let you know should I need any assistance in the future. Kind regards."