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.

Supported by

Em Bryan
Em Bryan
Legal Assistant
Em Bryan

Em Bryan

embryan@goughs.co.uk

01225 899510

My Main Office: Melksham

Accreditations & Certifications

Goughs legal 500
Chambers 2025 logo Goughs

What Our Clients Say

"For me, divorce was a hugely stressful and difficult time. I had a business that I relied upon and wanted to protect and access to my two children was imperative. The legal world is not one I was overly familiar with however I felt like I needed to act as my divorce was stuck in a cycle of one solicitor writing to the other back and forth like an expensive tennis match with both sides just trying to score points. So I decided to make a change. On a recommendation, I spoke to Ross Phillips, and shortly afterward I instructed him to act for me. Ross instantly recognised what was important to me and moved to protect that. He was a voice of reason, even protecting me from myself at times. However he always and without question acted in my best interests to achieve for me the best possible result in the shortest possible time scales. To anyone reading this, pick up the phone to Ross - it will be the best decision you make."
“Thank you very much for all your help this year, you have been fantastic and everything has run smoothly. My ex and I still get on very well and your service was brilliant. I will miss your friendly voice!”
“I engaged Ross Phillips to manage my acrimonious divorce. Having worked with two previous solicitors, I needed someone who would pay attention to detailed aspects of my case to ensure a positive financial outcome for myself and our children. Ross did not disappoint. He always gave very balanced realistic advice and listened in a compassionate and attentive way when I voiced my concerns. He managed communications with the other party in a direct no-nonsense way to achieve our aims whilst proactively managing costs. I would have absolutely no hesitation recommending Ross to others and have indeed done so on many occasions since my divorce was settled.”

My greatest achievement

I am proud to have been listed in the Legal 500 and also ranked by Chambers and Partners legal rankings for 2025.

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

Chambers & Partners 2025 commented that I am “very robust in wanting to deal with things”, “not afraid to go to court”, and am a “real fighter for my clients.”

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!

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

A guide to TOLATA and unmarried couple rights

Living together and civil partnership – legal differences

Declarations of Trust – Protecting Yourself Upon Marriage

See all the members of the team

Trainee Solicitor

Solicitor

Solicitor

Associate

Solicitor

Associate

Managing Partner & Finance Partner

Senior Associate

Trainee Solicitor

Solicitor

Solicitor

Associate

Solicitor

Associate

Managing Partner & Finance Partner

Senior Associate

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.

Ross Phillips

Partner

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