Shárin Diegan

Private Law Children

Public Law Children

International Family Law

Private Law Children

Shárin is a specialist private children law practitioner and is ranked as a leading junior in this area. She has considerable experience in cases involving allegations of domestic abuse or alienating behaviours. She often acts in applications concerning extended family members and in proceedings with a cultural or religious element. Shárin has acted in cases concerning serious allegations of abuse and was recently led in proceedings involving allegations of ‘ritualistic’ child abuse.

Public Law Children

Shárin is frequently instructed in care proceedings, particularly where there are concerns around mental health or learning difficulties. She is sought after by solicitors for her ability to work positively with vulnerable  clients or those with complex needs. Her representation of parents has been complimented by judges as being “extraordinary” and both ‘forceful and eloquent’.

International Family Law

Shárin has a growing international practice. She has acted in proceedings and applications for summary return, international relocation and cases concerning international abduction. She was recently led in an application for the summary return of a child to a Hague Convention country concerning issues of habitual residence, consent, acquiescence, grave risk of harm and the adequacy of any protective measures available.

Child T (A Boy) & Ors, Re [2023] EWFC 297 (B)
Shárin was led by Sam King KC in proceedings for the return of the children to the UK and her care after unlawful retention by the father in the USA. The parents and children are devout members of a conservative religious community. No findings made on any of the father’s allegations of ‘ritualistic abuse’ of the children. Findings made against the father that his questioning of, and discussions with the children, had caused the children harm. The father’s application to relocate the children to the USA refused.

F v M [2024] EWFC 198
Representing the father on an application to discharge a prohibited steps order which manifested, in practice, as a prohibition on all travel, and for discharge of an undertaking concerning time spent between the paternal family and the child. The court found that arrangements had been ‘weaponised’ by the mother. The court considered the order in which to approach the discharge of a prohibited steps order on international travel and any assessment of risk and need for safeguards, agreeing that the discharge of the order should be considered in the first instance.

Re E (Special Guardianship Order: Ukraine) [2024] EWHC 263 (Fam)
Representing the maternal aunt in long-running and complex proceedings in the High Court concerning a child from Ukraine. All allegations of alienating behaviours made against the maternal aunt were dismissed. The proceedings concluded with the child being placed in the care of the aunt under a Special Guardianship Order.

“Shárin has a calm manner in court. Her advocacy is assertive and persuasive, and she is always well-prepared, with a thorough knowledge of her client’s case.” Legal 500, 2025

“Shárin represented me on a direct access basis in a very complex family law proceedings, that took years to conclude, but thanks to her assisting me from half way through it, I can finally say it is over and with a very good outcome for me. I am very pleased that I can now expect stability for me and my son. Shárin was very patient and empathetic and guided me through all the complexities, explained the options, drafted documents with diligence. Her very professional and strong ethical demeanour is what drew me to her, and I can wholeheartedly recommend her services to anyone in the family legal battle who needs a trustworthy assistance.” – Direct Access client

“Shárin is a strong, convincing and confident advocate. She works very well with vulnerable clients in particular, showing sensitivity and maturity throughout” Legal 500, 2024

“Shárin’s legal knowledge is fantastic and she is extremely thorough and diligent – she makes sure nothing is missed from the case. She advocates eloquently in court and thinks on her feet. She has always been clear about what needed to be done in order to ensure that we get the best result for the client, but was not afraid to be firm and give tough answers if needed. Shárin has approached cases with a level head and a calm focus that has been much needed in the circumstances.” – Professional client, London

“She is the only barrister who comes to mind when I need a competent, strong, and personable barrister for a client, especially on matters which are extremely complex.  Ms Diegan without a doubt meets our expectations and achieves the best outcome for our clients on all occasions. She is very persuasive when she is in court, has good listening skills, resulting in her being very personable and being able to easily gain the trust of clients. Her communication skills are exceptional and is very thorough in every element of work she undertakes.” – Meera Patel, Copperstone Solicitors

Shárin “stepped up and did an extraordinary job representing the Mother” – Recorder

She “argued very forcefully and eloquently that the Mother’s rights are heard” – Circuit Judge

“She had prepared an excellent skeleton argument … Ms Diegan had argued the case extremely well” – Circuit Judge

“She was amazing. Very helpful. She listened to me well and swiftly helped me with my case … In the short time that we had, she studied my case well and found a great solution to it that [not] only benefitted me but also the other party and handled it so well. Strongly recommended.” – Lay client

Sussex University: LLB (Hons)

BPP: Bar Practice Training Course

Inner Temple

Family Law Bar Association

Resolution

Association of Lawyers for Children

Bar Pro Bono Awards 2021: Nominated for Junior Pro Bono Barrister of the Year