Ross Phillips

Partner

Get to know me...

I joined Goughs as a trainee solicitor and since qualifying, I have worked my way up from solicitor to associate, senior associate and in 2020 I became a partner.

I thrive on obtaining favourable financial settlements for my clients and achieving a fair outcome for parents who may be having difficulties managing childrens’ arrangements with their ex-partners.

I tailor my approach to disputes depending upon the client’s individual needs. I am regularly instructed by those going through an acrimonious separation who require support throughout and often a forensic analysis of assets where money has been dissipated or hidden.

I apply a robust approach to resolve disputes quickly and in the best interests of the client. I give pragmatic and commercial advice at an early stage where there is a risk to one party’s financial security or where the other spouse is seeking to delay, obstruct or frustrate what should otherwise be an amicable reconstruction of the couples’ finances following separation.

I am happy to offer a free 30-minute consultation at short notice and am very willing to be flexible as to the timing of such appointments.

Practice Areas

Divorce & Family

Office Location

Melksham

Sector

Private Wealth

Practice Areas

Divorce & Family

Office Location

Melksham

Sector

Private Wealth

Accreditations & Certifications

Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners accredited Solicitor

Member of Only Mums and Dads family law panel

Member of Resolution

Chambers top ranked 2024

Specialisms

I specialise in cohabitation, property, and divorce

I manage financial disputes and settlements involving complex issues, freezing injunctions, business interests, pre-marital wealth, pensions, trusts, and the dissipation or concealment of marital assets.

I handle disputes concerning children including issues surrounding taking children abroad, relocating within this country or overseas, contesting allegations of domestic abuse, and changing a child’s name.

I work on domestic abuse cases and injunctions

I am deputy head of our Private Wealth sector. I aim to provide expert advice to high net worth individuals, particularly in connection with pre and post nuptial agreements, and cohabitation agreements.

Testimonials from clients

My greatest achievement

I am proud to have been listed in the Legal 500 and also ranked as Band 1 in Chambers and Partners legal rankings for 2023. I am particularly proud to have been promoted to partner in a firm such as Goughs within 10 years of being at the firm.

Legal 500 2024 noted that I am “the firm’s leading practitioner in TOLATA matters.”  

Chambers & Partners 2024 commented that I am, “good at identifying the issues and doesn’t waste time with unnecessary points“, whilst my “strength is in the forming of client relationships.”

What seems like a long time ago I enjoyed rowing for Charlestown Pilot Gig Club and more recently Bristol Gig Club, competitively at the Isles of Scilly and Newquay Championships, as well as many other ports and beaches around the South West. I have also more recently stopped running 10ks and half marathons and taken up cycling again having not got on a bike since the end of my paper round!

Supported by

I am supported by Em Bryan. Em is the first port of call when a client is in distress and I am not immediately available. Em is knowledgeable of the law, Court procedure, and the ins and outs of the client journey, and will ensure your matter will be dealt with efficiently, whilst inspiring confidence in the family team at our Melksham office.

Please feel free to contact Em via embryan@goughs.co.uk.

“Em was very helpful with any queries I had when Ross wasn’t available!”

What I like about working for Goughs

I am able to juggle a busy case load with increasing management responsibilities and still have time to enjoy my children growing up, something I don’t think I could be assured of in a larger firm in the City. The support and depth of knowledge and expertise within the Family Team at Goughs is great.  I have made several lasting friendships during my time here.

My Latest Articles

Living together and civil partnership – legal differences

Declarations of Trust – Protecting Yourself Upon Marriage

What is a prenuptial agreement?

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