Region Area

Barristers

Claire Heppenstall

Position

Claire practises exclusively in private family and family related work. Her practice is largely split between Private Children Law and Financial Remedies work. She also has particular expertise in dealing with Schedule 1 claims. 

Dealing with both children and money work allows her to assist the private client across most areas of dispute that arise during difficult family breakdowns in a highly effective and pragmatic but also robust way.  She is frequently instructed to appear against Leading Counsel. 

In the area of Private Children Law, she has a particular interest and a huge amount of expertise in cases involving relocation, both external and internal.  She is also has extensive experience of being instructed in highly acrimonious and long-running intractable child arrangement disputes, and is often instructed in cases involving allegations of parental alienation and where expert psychiatric assessment has been required. 

In Financial Remedies work, she is often instructed in difficult cases involving issues of non-disclosure or where careful analysis of family businesses and trust interests is required. 

Claire has considerable experience of dealing with Schedule 1 applications and is regularly instructed in this type of claim. 

Claire is also dual qualified as an Arbitrator to deal with disputes under both the IFLA finance and children schemes. 

Education

University College London: LLB (Hons) 1987 University College London: LLM (Merit) 1988

Mentions

London Bar

Family: children and domestic abuse

LEADING JUNIORS1
Claire Heppenstall –1GC | Family Law ‘Claire is an excellent barrister who is extremely well-prepared and good on her feet. She is a highly effective advocate, robust and calm under pressure. She has excellent judgement and builds rapport with clients easily and well. Her advice is clear and concise. She is very responsive, on email and the phone and highly organised. She produces paperwork promptly and in good time.’
London Bar

Family: divorce and financial remedy

LEADING JUNIORS2
Claire Heppenstall –1GC | Family Law ‘Claire’s advocacy is robust. Her cross-examination of the witness is exceptional. Her authoritative presence in court is respected by both the judges and opponents.’