Spear’s Review

Highly regarded Withers partner Claire Blakemore regularly acts for members of UHNW families in sensitive divorce and separation cases, including those involving complex, often cross-border financial affairs, trust structures and business interests, as well as claims involving children and accusations of abuse or coercive control.

She has also played a key role in the launch of Uncouple, Withers’ alternative separation model. ‘In recognition of the need for new ways of resolving disputes, I created a new method by which couples can reach resolutions in a non-oppositional way,’ she tells Spear’s. Uncouple was officially approved by the Solicitors Regulation Authority in 2020.

When asked about the benefits of mediation, Blakemore notes, ‘It’s definitely better for clients because they can proceed at their own pace.’ The process is ‘private’, ‘truly bespoke’ and allows for ‘creative solutions’ from lawyers and other advisers in the room that wouldn’t necessarily be allowed in a traditional courtroom setting, she says.