Our work covers all areas of family law, with particular expertise in the following areas:
Call: 1995
'Doug is exceptional. He is calm and quiet in his manner, but doesn’t miss anything. You can rely on him to have the facts and law at his fingertips and execute a case with poise.'
Chambers UK Bar 2026
Doug is an experienced specialist family law barrister practising in relationship breakdown, financial remedy and private law children cases. He is recognised as a Leading Individual by the Legal 500. Doug began his career at the Criminal Bar. He is now well known for his discreet, straight forward and unassuming approach, as well as his ability to establish trust and rapport with his clients. Doug is a formidable advocate in court but also strong believer of the merits of negotiation in even the most entrenched cases.
To instruct Douglas or for more information…
Call: 020 7353 6961
Email: clerks@harcourtchambers.co.uk
Doug’s matrimonial and financial work covers all levels but he is mainly instructed in high value cases involving complex legal or factual issues. He has considerable expertise in cases involving third party interests, particularly family trusts. Doug is known for his thorough and forensic approach to preparation, with an attention to detail. In every case, he is committed to finding constructive and effective solutions for his client.
Application by husband to show cause why the parties should not be held to terms of a separation agreement.
Financial remedies application.
Doug is accomplished at handling complicated disputes over contact, residence and other welfare issues concerning children, including domestic and international relocation. He has extensive experience of cases involving serious allegations of abuse and intractable disputes (including parental alienation), many of which have a fact-finding element. Always quick to get to the heart of a case, Doug is sensitive to the needs and objectives of his client, yet realistic and robust in his approach. He is regularly instructed in cases concerning Schedule 1 applications.
Supplementary judgment in private law proceedings, providing for father to have supervised contact and making s.91(14) barring order until children reach age of 16.
Private law proceedings, child arrangements application amid serious concerns about domestic abuse and parental conflict.
Doug is qualified to accept instructions directly from members of the public under the Direct Access Scheme in appropriate circumstances.
'Doug is simply wonderful; he's excellent with clients and is a brilliant advocate.'
'Douglas is a brilliant advocate who really shows empathy and understanding to his clients.'
'Doug is a delight. He picks up a case in seconds, offering pragmatic advice with a positivity that instantly sets clients at ease.'
Chambers UK Bar 2026
‘Douglas’ advocacy is exceptional. He is always well-researched and well-prepared. He has impeccable patience, even with difficult clients and opponents.’
The Legal 500 UK Bar 2026
'Douglas's advocacy is sharp and detailed, focussing on the essential elements only. He delivers his advocacy in the same way as his advice in conference, quietly and assuredly, and you know you are in good hands and clients instantly appreciate his bedside manner.'
The Legal 500 UK Bar 2026
'Douglas is superb. I have no hesitation in handing him the most complex of matters.'
Chambers UK Bar 2025
'Douglas is calm under pressure and robust in his advice and remains sensitive to the emotional aspect of litigation.'
Chambers UK Bar 2025
‘Douglas is articulate, sharp, discerning, intellectually at the top of his game but he also has such a good bed-side manner. He puts clients at ease entirely.'
The Legal 500 UK Bar 2025
Doug Allen acted for the Applicant mother, instructed through the public access scheme, in MZA v FHB (No 4) (private law – supplementary welfare judgment) [2025] EWFC 277 (B) where Judge Vincent delivered…
Ring-Fencing of Post Separation Accrual
In financial remedy proceedings, the division of assets often rests on the principle of fairness. However, one recurring issue that often raises questions –…
We are delighted to have been ranked as a top tier set in The Legal 500 where Harcourt is described as an ‘…an excellent set. They have a great number…