Philip Perrins MCIArb

Practice Overview

Philip is ranked in Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500 as a leading divorce and financial remedy law junior. His main area of expertise is acting for spouses in the full range of financial remedy applications (including after an overseas divorce) and for spouses or other third parties in related preliminary issue hearings.  He has a wealth of experience in cases involving disputed divorce jurisdiction, declarations as to marital status and issues as to the beneficial ownership of assets. 

• Family Finance & Property

  Philip has experience of contested applications where there are allegations of non-disclosure; where one party fails to engage in the proceedings; cases concerning complex financial structures, trusts and alleged ‘shams’; disputes as to the beneficial ownership of property; in cases where there is an international dimension; and, enforcement applications.

  Philip was junior counsel for the respondents in the leading case on the joinder of third parties to financial remedy applications of Fisher Meredith v JH and PH (Financial Remedy: Appeal: Wasted Costs) [2012] 2 FLR 536.

• International Family Law

  Philip has a particular interest and expertise in complex matrimonial proceedings and has acted and advised in several cases concerning declarations as to status and the recognition of foreign divorces; these have included securing declarations in respect of a ceremony in Goa, advising on the status in English law of a ceremony in Zanzibar and on the recognition of an alleged tribal marriage ceremony in Nigeria.

  Philip appeared for the successful respondent in the case of Dukali v Lamrani (HM Attorney General Intervening) [2012] 2 FLR 1099, in which Holman J considered whether the ceremony celebrated at the Moroccan consulate in London constituted a valid, void or non-existent marriage between the parties under English law. There was also an issue as to whether the Moroccan divorce ought to have been recognised here, but it was not necessary to determine that issue in view of the Court’s finding, as argued for the respondent, that this was a ‘non-marriage’. This was the first occasion on which the interpretation of ‘marriage’ in s.12 of the MFPA 1984 has arisen in reported case law. The Court of Appeal subsequently approved this decision in the highly publicised case of Sharbatly v Shagroon.

• Arbitration

  Philip is an arbitrator, qualified to take on financial remedies work under the IFLA financial scheme.

• What the Directories Say

  "Philip is always thoroughly prepared. He can be forthright when required. He is particularly good with technical points of law." Tier 1 – Legal 500, 2024

  "Unflappable, superbly prepared, excellent on his feet." Tier 1 – Legal 500, 2023

  "Philip is a very skilled barrister and the go-to choice for complex HNW cases. His case preparation is superb, and his case strategy and negotiation strategy is highly skilled. His cross-examination of witnesses is extremely good." Tier 1 – Legal 500, 2023

  "Philip is meticulous, extremely professional, highly intelligent and also personable and very good with clients - they always feel they're in safe hands. He is also well respected by the judiciary." Band 4, Chambers and Partners, 2023

  "Philip prepares his papers meticulously and explains matters to the client succinctly. He is excellent on his feet, commanding the court room." Band 4, Chambers and Partners, 2023

  "Philip is tenacious in his approach, prepares meticulous notes for the court and ensures he is always fully prepared. He presents in a commercial style." Band 4 – Chambers and Partners, 2022

  "Philip has an approachable, razor-sharp mind and gives clarity to even the most complex of financial cases." Band 4 – Chambers and Partners, 2022

  "He pays attention to detail and gets into the minutiae of cases." Band 4 – Chambers and Partners, 2022

  “A meticulous barrister who easily grasps complex matters.” Tier 1 – Legal 500, 2022

  "Is an outstanding financial practitioner." Tier 1 – Legal 500, 2021

  “Has a calm, methodical approach and his attention to detail is second to none.” Tier 1 – Legal 500, 2020

  “He is the perfect barrister for the nuanced cases with difficult legal points.” Tier 1 – Legal 500, 2020

  "He is the perfect barrister for the nuanced cases with difficult legal points." Tier 1 – Legal 500, 2018/19 

  "Clients can rest easily knowing that he is on the job." Legal 500, 2017

  "He is the most conscientious, hardworking and detailed barrister – a matrimonial finance expert" Legal 500, 2016

• Notable Cases

  Monisha Mahtani v Vivek Hariram Mahtani [2023] EWHC 2988

  J v A [2023] EWFC 132

  Boughajdim v Hayoukane (Validity of Foreign Marriage)[2022] EWHC 2673 (Fam)

  Dhillon v Sampuran [2020] EWFC B70

  Dhillon v Sampuran [2021] EWFC B49

  Fisher Meredith v JH and PH (Financial Remedy: Appeal: Wasted Costs) [2012] 2 FLR 536

  Dukali v Lamrani (HM Attorney General Intervening) [2012] 2 FLR 1099