In addition to its core competencies of HNW divorces and questions of child law, Viberts‘ family law team works closely with the firm’s trusts and dispute resolution teams to provide an all-encompassing service to its clients. Clare Woodhouse took over leadership of the team following Rose Colley’s retirement in September 2025, handling contentious divorce proceedings, including any following financial remedy hearings. Woodhouse, who qualified as a Jersey Advocate in August 2026, is also able to advise in regard to questions of child law, including matters falling under the purview of the Hague Convention.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • The individuals we worked with, Clare Woodhouse in particular, stand out for their clarity of thought, sound judgment and calm, assured approach. They combine deep technical expertise with an ability to provide practical, decisive advice, even in sensitive or high-pressure situations. We particularly valued their responsiveness, measured professionalism and the confidence we had in their advice throughout.
  • What stands out about Viberts is the balance they strike between strong technical legal knowledge and a genuinely approachable, pragmatic style. The team does not overcomplicate advice or rely on overly academic explanations – they focus on helping clients understand their options clearly and move forward with confidence. This makes a significant difference, particularly when dealing with complex or sensitive matters. In terms of innovation, Viberts appears to prioritize a collaborative working culture, with lawyers across practice areas contributing their expertise where appropriate. There is also a clear effort to communicate in a way that is accessible to clients who may not have legal backgrounds, which supports more inclusive and transparent decision-making. The firm’s approach to client relationships feels modern in the sense that it values responsiveness, clarity, and practical outcomes rather than purely technical legal processes. Overall, the practice compares well with competitors in Jersey by offering strong technical capability alongside a more personal and pragmatic service experience.
  • The individuals I have worked with at Viberts stand out because they combine strong legal knowledge with a calm, reassuring approach. They are able to explain complex issues clearly and provide practical guidance without making situations feel unnecessarily overwhelming. A quality I particularly value is their ability to listen carefully and understand the context surrounding a matter, rather than approaching issues in a purely transactional way. This helps ensure that advice feels relevant and proportionate to the situation. The team demonstrates professionalism and reliability, with consistent follow-through on actions and clear communication throughout the process. They are responsive to queries and willing to take time to ensure that information is understood, which helps build confidence and trust.
  • This practice combines skill in family law with the breadth of a full-service law firm, which is rare in this jurisdiction. The practitioners in the Family practice are warm, approachable, and kind - but honest.
  • Clare Woodhouse is approachable and kind, without being a pushover. The team supports each other and works together to meet the needs of clients.
  • One of the premier family law firms in Jersey. A well-organized and dedicated team who are able to handle big money or complex cases just as easily as smaller cases.
Practice head

Clare Woodhouse