Peter Wilkinson

Peter Wilkinson – Ranked: Tier 4 - FAMILY: DIVORCE AND FINANCIAL REMEDY - ‘Peter is a strong advocate. He cuts to the chase and uses his wealth of experience to focus on the most relevant issues in a case.’ Legal 500 2025

Peter was called to the Bar in 2003, having spent a number of years in business management and engineering. He attained a First-Class law degree, with the highest grades in his year, at the University of Kent, where he was awarded 7 prizes for academic excellence and advocacy. Peter was awarded a scholarship for the Bar Course by Inner Temple. He began his career at the bar practising criminal, immigration, employment and family law. He is a seasoned family barrister, regularly appearing in contested cases in the High Court, specialising in financial matters and is experienced in acting in disputed financial settlements and advising on Xydhias agreements.

Peter is particularly well placed for instruction in complex financial cases which require detailed scrutiny of financial and corporate assets. Having previously managed his own company with multiple profit centres and a turnover of £10 million per annum and prepared his own accounts, Peter is an expert at reading into company accounts and extracting relevant information.

He is well respected in financial and children matters, and is experienced in work with an international dimension, ranging from international child abduction, to overseas marriages, and international assets, as well as Trust of Land claims between cohabitants and within contested matrimonial proceedings, where extended family assets are in dispute.

Peter is also much in demand for advice and drafting of pre and post nuptial agreements,  Schedule 1 Children Act claims 

Peter is a committed advocate who engages in advisory and practical work. Available on a direct-access basis, he is popular with solicitors and clients alike for his pragmatism, approachability, excellent communication skill, and his unwavering commitment to his clients.

Despite a busy caseload, and his position as advocate of choice for a number of prominent solicitors, Peter will always endeavour to see a case through from beginning to end and provides invaluable support to clients and solicitors.

Peter also sits as a fee-paid Judge in the Employment Tribunal and in the First Tier Tribunal (Social Security and Child Support)

Reported cases

M v M [2020] EWFC 41

Financial remedy proceedings involving conflict between W’s family and H, played out in the Family Court in a proxy battle. Significant element of family support from W’s family, H relying on proposition that W’s needs should be measured by reference to available family support. Analysis of the application of Thomas v Thomas and the associated principles.

H v DP High Court, 30^th January to 3^rd February 2017unreported

Cross application for living with order and re-location order to USA in respect of 7 year old child. M unlawfully removed child to USA. Father not biologically related to child and parties having never been married. Consideration of relevance of biological relationship in welfare analysis. Use of US statute UCCJEA to secure return of child from USA. Order made for child to live with F in UK and for M to have supervised time with the child for the foreseeable future.

Naveed v Raja 10th May 2007

LAG June 2007. Unlawful eviction after reinstatement by Court. Aggravated and Exemplary damages. Measure of damages.

R v Osbourne [2004] EWCA Crim 2427

Vulnerable defendant with suicidal tendencies sentenced to term of imprisonment for first offence on a guilty plea to a Public Order Act offence. Appeal to Court of Appeal. Sentence wrong in principle.

SSHD v Szabo IAT 21st January 2005

Immigration appeal. Change of circumstances. Client becoming dependent on UK sponsor after entry into country. Leave to enter or remain. Exceptional compassionate circumstances. Interpretation of Rule 317.