Biography And Reviews
Claire is a Solicitor and Partner in our Family Law team and has practiced Family Law for over 25 years.
Claire is a member of Resolution – the National Group of Specialist Family Lawyers who adhere to an agreed Code of Practice. She is also a trained Collaborative Lawyer, able to represent clients wishing to resolve their differences upon separation and divorce by way of face to face meetings supported by their Lawyers as part of the Collaborative Family Law process.
Claire is particularly aware of and sensitive to the needs of her clients when going through a difficult period in their lives. Aiming to keep clients well-informed, their matters progressing efficiently but also with understanding and compassion.
Claire is a recommended lawyer in The Legal 500, 2026, and is also listed as a Leading Lawyer by Wiselaw.
Claire specialises in:
- Divorce and the financial aspects of marriage breakdown, particularly as regards higher wealth clients, those with businesses, farms and agricultural assets and interests, multiple properties and significant pension arrangements
- Unmarried couples in disputes relating to cohabitation and associated property issues, together with all types of family disputes involving children
What is one legal myth that you’d love to dispel?
“The very commonly held misconception (apparently 42% in a public survey) that living with a partner (cohabiting) for a specific period eg. 2 years then gives the same ‘legal rights’ and is treated on separation as the same as divorce following marriage. No! Cohabitation is never treated in the same way as divorce following marriage when a relationship ends whether it has lasted for 5 minutes or 50 years!”
What made you want to work in your sector?
“I enjoy the interaction with people and helping them (hopefully!) resolve what is almost certainly the most difficult time in their lives – or very definitely one of them.”
Visit our Family and Divorce section, for more information on our services, or call our team on 08000 147720.
Claire and Grace, I would like to thank you for your professional support and advice all the way. Both of your understanding and patience are greatly appreciated. I wish you will continue with the success of your business.”
Family Client
Thank you for everything you’ve done for me from the bottom of my heart. Without your help, support, guidance and hand holding, I couldn’t have done it. I will be forever grateful.” Family Client
I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for the service you have provided throughout these dealings. The efficiency and response rate has been faultless, making what has been a difficult period all that bit easier. I have and will continue to recommend your services, as its quite frankly reshaped and challenged my previous bad experiences.” Family Client
Claire Rutter is a very experienced practitioner, particularly in high-net-worth cases. She provides clear and accurate advice to clients which is always realistic.” Legal 500
Claire Rutter in the firm’s York office is exceptional. She provides sensible and robust advice.” Legal 500
Thank you so very much for the speed with which you have processed my Divorce application. Also for keeping me informed every step of the way. I am most grateful to have proper professionals working for me.” Family Client
I would just like to say a massive thank you for all your help and support during these last few years, I know that it has been challenging in times but you and your team have been amazing.” Recent Client
You kindly helped with your sound advice and name change deed. I am sending this note to thank you. I received my new passport this week and you were the first person my heart thanked.” Recent Client