Philip Perrins MCIArb

Practice Overview

• 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, in enforcement applications.

• International Family Law

  In addition to his experience of disputed divorce jurisdiction and applications for a stay of proceedings, Philip has a particular expertise in complex matrimonial proceedings and has appeared 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, a Moroccan marriage conducted at the Consulate in London, and on the recognition of an alleged tribal marriage ceremony in Nigeria.

• Arbitration

  Philip is an arbitrator, qualified to take on financial remedies work under the IFLA financial scheme, and has experience sitting as a pFDR evaluator.

• What the Directories Say

  "Philip Perrins is a silk in the making. He's an unbelievable barrister and often the most knowledgeable counsel in the room. Clients are in brilliant hands with him." Band 3 - Chambers and Partners, 2025

  “Philip is always one step ahead of his opponent. His advocacy skills are second to none, and he grasps the matter within moments.” Tier 1 – Legal 500, 2025.

  "Philip's attention to detail is exemplary, as is his preparation on a case', and he is sought after for his deep expertise in advising on high-value financial remedy applications." Legal 500, 2025

  "Philip is brilliant. He is highly intelligent and can expertly navigate cases with complex finances. The client always feels that he/she is in safe hands and will get the best result." Band 3 - Chambers and Partners, 2025

  “Exceptionally talented with outstanding presentation” and has “expertise in international cases.” Tier 1 – Legal 500, 2024

  “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

  “Clever, to the point and someone who calms the waters in very difficult times. He really gets to the nub of the issue.” Band 4 - Chambers and Partners, 2024

  “Philip is a good analyst, who is very effective and charming in his presentation of his case.” Band 4, Chambers and Partners, 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

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

  “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

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

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

• Notable Cases

  Mahtani v Mahtani (No. 2) (Adverse Inferences) [2025] EWFC 35 (Fam) - a financial application in which court made an order in favour of the wife of £13.9m having drawn adverse inferences as to the likely extent of the husband’s wealth due to his non-engagement and non-disclosure.

  NW v BH [2024] EWFC 118 (B) - an archetypical ‘needs case’ that involved numerous factual issues.

  Mahtani v Mahtani [2023] EWHC 2988 (Fam)  – a successful application for non-recognition of a foreign divorce under s.51(3) of the Family Law Act 1986.

  X v D [2023] EWFC 332 (B) - The application involved an extremely short marriage, one child and a high-earning husband with significant property  assets.

  J v A [2023] EWFC 132 – divorce jurisdiction and forum dispute between English and concurrent Nigerian proceedings.

  Boughajdim v Hayoukane (Validity of Foreign Marriage) [2022] EWHC 2673 (Fam), [2023] 2 FLR 217 – concerning the recognition under English law of a “marriage” validated by retrospective legislation in Morocco.  

  SW v SH and others [2021] EWFC 126 – complex Part III application following a short marriage and a Moroccan divorce obtained in breach of an Hemain injunction made by the English court.

  Dhillon v Sampuran [2020] EWFC B70 and [2021] EWFC B49 – enforcement of a lump sum by judgment summons and sentencing thereafter.

  Fisher Meredith v JH and PH (Financial Remedy: Appeal: Wasted Costs) [2012] 2 FLR 536 and the successful permission to appeal application to the Court of Appeal [2012] EWCA Civ 1544 – one of the leading cases on joinder of third parties to financial remedy applications.

  Dukali v Lamrani (HM Attorney General Intervening) [2012] 2 FLR 1099 – whether the ceremony celebrated at the Moroccan Consulate in London constituted a valid, void or non-existent marriage between the parties under English law.  This was the first case in which the interpretation of ‘marriage’ in s.12 of the MFPA 1984 has arisen in reported case law.

• Publications

  Co-author of A Practical Guide to Short Marriages for Family Lawyers - Second Edition

  Co-author of the chapter on prenuptial agreements and maintenance in the Resolution 'Spousal Maintenance Handbook' October 2024.