Philip Bowen

I am a specialist advocate for all family matters, in particular those relating to children. I qualified as a solicitor in 1994, obtained higher rights in 2005 and transferred to the Bar in 2019. I am very experienced in care proceedings acting over the years for parents, local authorities and Guardians. I also have experience of dealing with Adult Social Care matters and Court of Protection cases. My knowledge of the internal workings of local authorities is extensive,

I am known for my detailed approach to any cases I undertake and my ability to relate to clients at all levels.

I have appeared in all levels of the Family Court in multi-day contested hearings, up to and including the Court of Appeal.

I also have extensive experience of appearing at Inquests, in particular in relation to child deaths.

I am also happy to represent clients at any type of disciplinary tribunal.

I undertake the following work -

• Any hearing in respect of children public law or private law
• Matrimonial Finance
• Court of Protection
• Child Maintenance Service Appeals
• Inquests
• Professional Disciplinary Hearings
• Court Martial
• Adult Social Services Disputes

My approach

I am known for my detailed approach to any cases I undertake and my ability to relate to clients at all levels. I have appeared in all levels of the Family Court in multi-day contested hearings, up to and including the Court of Appeal. I also have extensive experience of appearing at Inquests, in particular in relation to child deaths. I am also happy to represent clients at any type of disciplinary tribunal. I undertake the following work -

• Any hearing in respect of children public law or private law
• Matrimonial Finance
• Court of Protection
• Child Maintenance Service Appeals
• Inquests
• Professional Disciplinary Hearings
• Court Martial
• Adult Social Services Disputes

Notable cases

Phil has extensive experience of divorce and matrimonial proceedings (financial settlement). He is content to accept instructions from Applicants and Respondents to deal with proceedings from the First Directions Appointment (FDA), to Financial Dispute Resolution (FDR) and Final Hearing. Phil's caseload includes proceedings featuring high value and complex assets including pensions, businesses and property (including property held overseas). Phil also has experience of dealing with enforcement proceedings relating to financial orders and has dealt with applications to vary long-standing orders due to a material change to the circumstances of one or other party to the order. Children Act proceedings (public and private law) Phil is very experienced in care proceedings, acting over the years for local authorities, parents and guardians. He also has experience of dealing with Adult Social Care matters and Court of Protection Cases. His knowledge of the internal workings of local authorities is extensive. Phil is known for his detailed approach to any cases he undertakes and his ability to relate to and deal with clients on all levels. Private law applications in relation to Child Arrangements Orders form a significant part of Phil's practice and he has been involved in all manner of proceedings ranging from 'straight-forward' disputes relating to applications for contact and residence through to very complex cases involving parental alienation, child abduction and cases with an international element featuring removal of children from the jurisdiction.