Benest & Syvret
Benest & Syvret runs the gamut of complex public and private child law matters, including care arrangements, leave to remove applications and Hague Convention proceedings, in addition to representing clients going through divorces and handling issues relating ancillary relief. Practice head Nina Benest has experience in a wide variety of matters, including complex separations and associated property and childcare arrangements. Darry Robinson is a litigator noted for his command of human rights law in disputes concerning children, and whose family practice encompasses child contact, maintenance and residency matters among others. Clare Woodhouse supports clients throughout divorce proceedings, as well as handling child contact and residency cases.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
'The team were always supportive and available with good advice, when needed. They cut through much of the emotion and kept to the facts and practical advice.'
'Nina Benest is exceptional - direct, clinical and always willing to push a good point, yet balanced with calm and pragmatic advice, when needed.'
'The attention to detail and willingness to go that extra mile for their clients is what I think sets them apart from other legal firms. I can’t thank Benest & Syvret enough for all their help during what was a really difficult time for me.'
'I can’t thank Nina Benest enough for all her support, hard work and dedication to helping me and my family get the result that we had only dreamed of. A huge thank you must also go to Clare Woodhouse, who supported Nina in her work and has been very helpful with the many queries that I have had over the years.'
‘This firm is a comfortable place to step into. It feels kind and friendly, efficient and calm. Certainly in my experience this is a unique skill while delivering excellent legal services.’
‘Clare Woodhouse - excellent combination of logical, strategic and kind. She listens, gets the point and makes it happen. She has a great way with people and so makes organising legal matters seem like a calm process, as it should be.'
‘A massive shout-out to Clare Woodhouse. This was a very emotional time for us in a horribly complicated family situation. From day one Clare’s knowledge of family law on our island and the professional advice she was able to give us made us feel in very safe hands and we felt privileged to have her on board.'
'I have been kept informed at every point of my case and have had regular meetings to discuss options at every point. They have also been very realistic about outcomes and allowed me to be the driving force, I have never felt at any point pressured to continue. They have shown genuine empathy during a very difficult time.'
Key clients
- Penelope Chapman
- Chantal Cottillard
- Fleur Bressat
- Jennifer Noel
- Jamie McIntosh
- Susan and Robert Walker
- Rachel Genee McDermott
- Anna Messervy
- Nazrul Haque
Work highlights
- Represented a young person with multiple diagnoses of ADHD, ODD and gender dysphoria in public law proceedings concerning care and residency provisions.
- Represented a father seeking to enforce visitation requirements with his son after his mother had removed him from Jersey without permission.
- Represented a mother in defending public law proceedings, where children had been removed from the home by Children's Services, and acted in subsequent claims for declaratory relief and damages under Article 8 of the ECHR.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Nina Benest